GATE

Sierra Vista Elementary

Gifted and Talented Education

GATE Program 

Sierra Vista Elementary offers a program within a small school setting, dedicated to enhance our gifted and talented students. Gifted and Talented Students are clustered into selected 4th, 5th, and 6th grade classrooms. The teachers assigned to these classrooms specialize in teaching gifted students to enhance  learning and provide emotional and social support for GATE- identified students.  GATE students are grouped together which allows for social and intellectual interaction with peers of similar interests and capabilities.

In the classroom, special practices, procedures, and theories are used to scaffold instruction to meet the various learning styles and needs of GATE-identified students. Students participate in differentiated learning activities that amplify and exceed grade level standards. Students have ample opportunities to collaborate, think critically, and be creative during student-centered lessons. Document-based questions supported by evidence based writing, socratic seminars, advanced math instruction, collaborative technology-based projects (QR codes, Google Slideshows, Google Drawings, etc) STEM projects, CSI history investigations, Genius Hour, Literature Talks, are just a few examples of learning extensions used to engage GATE-identified students within the different classroom settings.

The positive atmosphere at Sierra Vista fosters  an exceptional learning environment that encourages all students to strive for personal growth. GATE -identified students participate in GLEE Academy (Great Leaders Everyday and Every way) where students engage and develop their leadership skills by mentoring younger grades, starring in the school’s bi-weekly webcast, and planning school wide events. Elementary school is instrumental in developing well-rounded students that are actively engaged in learning. Scaffolded instruction that is differentiated throughout the day is designed to match the individual needs of all students. At Sierra Vista, the GATE cluster -based program elevates teaching and learning above and beyond to develop 21st century learners.