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  2. Gifted & Talented Education
  3. Learn About GATE

Learn About GATE

Gifted & Talented Education (GATE)

Qualifying students are invited to participate in the GUSD Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program. Students in the GATE program receive differentiated instruction in the classroom, as appropriate, based on their interests, preferences, and strengths. Additionally, each school offers GATE learning experiences outside of the regular classroom.

For more information about the GATE program, please contact your school site teacher specialist.

2025-26 GATE Parent Orientation

Click here to view the presentation slides.

GATE Testing

  • One goal of the Glendale Unified School District (GUSD) Equity, Access, and Family Engagement (EAFE) department is to utilize equitable practices to identify students for Gifted and Talented Education (GATE).

    The universal GATE screener will be administered in the Spring to all 3rd graders and any 4th-6th grade students who are new to GUSD.  

    Parents and guardians have the option to withdraw their child from participating in the GATE screening by completing this opt-out form or by submitting a paper version of the opt out form available from the child’s school. 

    If your student is newly enrolled in the district and was previously identified as gifted/GATE in another district, please submit accompanying documents to your site teacher specialist.

  • All students in the third grade will be conducting universal screening for Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) using the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test 3 (NNAT3).
      
    Prior to testing parents will receive a notification of testing with the option to opt out.

    • Computer-based test
    • Presents students with 48 problems within a time limit of 30 minutes
    • Nonverbal test designed to assess ability without requiring the student to read, write, or speak
    • The test does not require any prior preparation, and the results will not impact a student’s grade

  • The NNAT3 will be administered in all third grade classrooms.  Specific testing location and time will be shared with families prior to the administration of the NNAT3.

    Once all screening sessions across the district are complete and results have been processed, families will receive a letter from the District indicating results and eligibility for GATE identification.  

    Students who score at or above the 92nd percentile rank will be eligible for participation in GATE.  Please note that the percentile rank is not to be confused with “percentage correct.” 

    Students identified as GATE in GUSD are not retested and retain their identification as they remain enrolled within the district.

    For more information regarding NNAT3 administration, please contact your school site Teacher Specialist.
     

GATE Family Institute Webinars

 

Family Webinar – February 27, 2025

 

Family Webinar – November 21

 

 

GATE Resources

National Organizations

State Organizations

  • California Association for the Gifted - A membership organization for educators, parents, and community members interested in advocacy and support for gifted and talented students. Hosts an annual conference, as well as regional events on topics related to gifted education.
  • Cal State LA Early Entrance Program - The Early Entrance Program (EEP) is a unique educational program that is specifically designed to permit young, highly gifted students to enroll in college as full-time students. The EEP was established at Cal State LA in 1982. The Program allows qualified students as young as 11 years of age the opportunity to excel at the university level. The average entering age is currently 13.5 years, and all EEP students must be under the age of 16 by June 1st of the year in which they apply. The program maintains a population of approximately 130 full-time highly gifted teen-age students on the Cal State LA campus.

Local Organizations

  • Institute of Educational Advancement - This educational non-profit in Pasadena is sharing a great opportunity for Glendale Unified GATE educators and parents to attend IEA’s complimentary monthly Gifted Support Group (GSG) meeting. GSG features professionals who are experts on various aspects of gifted youth and education. These meetings provide support and community, a venue for shared discovery, and a space to exchange resources and ideas.