GATE Identification
Grade 3 - 6
Students in third through sixth grade may qualify for the GATE program based on new GATE identification criteria. These criteria include a balance between achievement testing, ability testing, and other factors:
Students must score a minimum of 3 points on the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) in order to be referred for continued evaluation in the identification process. Students may earn a maximum of 6 points in this area. All third graders and fourth graders take the CogAT. Fifth and sixth graders may be referred for GATE consideration by the teacher or parent.
Click here for the 5th/6th grade referral form.
Student performance in math and either reading or language on one norm-referenced test such as the California Standards Test (CST), CAT6, or SABE for the two most recent years is also considered. Students may qualify for a maximum of 6 points in this area.
Information is gathered by the classroom teacher documenting the student's proficiency in writing, reading and math. Students may earn a possible 2 points in this area.
Information about the studentks creativity, leadership, and task commitment is sought from the teacher and parent. Students may qualify for a maximum of 2 points in this area.
Impact factors such as rapid English acquisition and socio-economic status are also considered and students may qualify for a maximum of 2 points in this area. A district GATE Review Committee examines the information and documentation gathered for each candidate. In order to qualify for GATE, third through sixth graders must have a combined total of 11 points or more, as verified by the GATE Review Committee, from the five areas considered in the GATE identification process. No outside private IQ assessments will be accepted as part of the GATE identification process. Parents are notified of GATE eligibility and a letter requesting permission for participation in the GATE program is sent.
Grades 7 - 12
Students in grades 7-12 may qualify for the GATE program based on points earned from a combination of two tests (achievement, ability, or California Standards Test) from the two most recent years. A minimum of three points is required from any one test with a minimum total of ten points required for GATE identification. Please contact the GATE office for evaluation of student records.
Because the State Department of Education gives each district the responsibility of developing its own criteria for its GATE program, qualifications vary from district to district. Parents of students who are identified GATE in another district should contact the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District GATE office at (714) 985-8675 prior to enrolling in the district to discuss the program options. Information regarding the GATE program can be faxed to: (714) 223-9481.