GATE (Gifted & Talented Education)

The philosophy of the San Marcos Unified School District's Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program is to provide a challenging education to all students identified as gifted and talented and to build on their inherent strengths by developing critical, abstract thinking, creative ability, high problem solving skills, and positive self-concepts to enhance personal and academic success. The SMUSD GATE program modifies the core curriculum in content, process, and product to develop depth, complexity, and novelty to meet the needs of gifted students by exceeding state academic content standards. Differentiated curriculum is offered as an integral part of the GATE identified student's day. Teachers implement a variety of appropriate instructional models, techniques, and approaches based on current research and training in the teaching of the gifted.

At the 9-12 grade level students can be enrolled in Honors and Advanced Placement classes that are taught at a faster pace with more depth and complexity.

Each school has a site GATE Coordinator that is responsible for identification and testing of students, working with teachers to provide materials for differentiation, holding information nights for parents, and coordinating enrichment activities at the school. For more information about the GATE program at your child's school, please contact your school office for the name and number of the GATE Coordinator.

2011-12 GATE Survey
Survey closed

Parent/Student Resources
GATE Position Paper
Parent Letter for Honors 2010
Gr. 6 ELA Instructional Calendar - Honors
Gr. 7 ELA Instructional Calendar - Honors
Gr. 8 ELA Instructional Calendar - Honors

Standards-Based Literature List

Independent Reading Lists - Middle School Honors
http://www.dsusd.k12.ca.us/ds1/edservices/publish/page4.html
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/boost-your-skills/23628.html

Recommended Literature List
http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/cr/rl/