Below is an “FAQ” section that answers common questions about GATE at Jordan. Feel free to contact me if your question isn’t answered here. – Jeanie Forte

I hear that there is no specific program for gifted students at Jordan. Why shouldn’t I send my child to private school?
That’s right, there is no specific program, but all of our staff address GATE students in each classroom through differentiated instruction, which has been shown to be better for this age than pull-out programs, for the well-being of all students. There's a lot of research to support the practice of mainstreaming gifted students so that differentiation can challenge them within the context of a specific project. Also, not all GATE students are the same-- Differentiated instruction aims to reach ALL students at their level of ability, to give them enough challenge with a reasonable chance of success...
Of course private schools serve their populations well, and the decision to attend public or private institutions must be made in the context of each individual family, with the child’s best interests at heart. But Jordan’s test scores are among the highest in the state, and we know that our GATE students are thriving.

Are there any "test out" classes?
The one "test out" area is Math-- in that subject, students are "laned" according to their performance on a series of rigorous tests. Very advanced students even have the option of taking classes at Paly if appropriate.

Approximately what percentage of Jordan students are "gifted"?
It varies from year to year, but probably 15-20%-- nationwide runs more like 7-10%.
We also have a huge percentage of HAS-- High Achieving Students. HAS and GATE students overlap-- not all HAS are GATE, and not all GATE are HAS-- but the combination makes for a very talented student population, with great diversity. Palo Alto public schools are highly rated both in the state and nationally-- that's what keeps our real estate prices so high…

Do all the teachers know when a student has been identified as GATE?
Yes, the GATE identification generally is made in 6th grade, based on teacher observation, student performance, and test scores. Once made, the GATE ID becomes a permanent part of your student's record, and will follow him throughout his secondary education. His teachers and counselors will know of the identification and it will help them to offer appropriate curriculum and guidance.

Once my student is identified as a GATE student, what kinds of programs are offered?
GATE for middle schools in PAUSD is not a pull-out program, so GATE students are in the regular classroom. Within the classroom, teachers practice differentiated instruction, which means that the curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of all students. This offers choices to students for going deeper into a subject, or doing a more challenging project, or taking on something that is of particular interest. Students are not "singled out," but are offered different curricular opportunities that they may choose to pursue.

The exception is in Math, where students are in fact grouped according to their demonstrated abilities and aptitude. Other than Math, your student might not even be aware that he is being offered choices that are designed to meet and challenge his intelligence. When done right, differentiation is practically invisible.

After the notification that my child is a GATE student, what is the next step, or what would I expect to see?
Hopefully, all you will see is your student's happy face as s/he enjoys her/his school day at Jordan. Apart from the excellent classroom instruction, s/he will also have opportunities galore in terms of the wide variety of elective choices, terrific array of clubs, after-school programs, sports, the arts-- practically every interest is served on some level, and students find their Jordan lives can be rich and varied. We aim to serve the whole child-- to challenge the intellect, nurture the spirit, and foster the well-rounded individual.

What differences in instruction will my GATE student receive?
Again, through differentiated instruction she will be given opportunities within a project or lesson; but it's really up to her to choose what she would like to do. Not all gifted students are the same, and they're not all gifted in the same areas-- so a challenge that might appeal to one gifted student might not be of interest to another. Differentiated instruction allows students to pursue challenges that are offered based on their own interest level.

Do 6th grade teachers begin differentiating? Or does differentiated instruction start in 7th grade?
Differentiated instruction is ongoing in all three grade levels-- and is also the practice in elementary, as well-- so your student has no doubt experienced it many times already, without even realizing it. Teachers usually have a good idea as to the GATE and High-Achieving Students in their classrooms, so they don't wait around for the official identification before providing challenging opportunities.
In 7th and 8th, teachers receive a confidential list at the beginning of the year that tells them who is GATE-identified, which helps them to plan their curriculum and practice differentiation.

Do GATE students have a separate IEP annually?
No-- an IEP would only be called for if there are other educational issues with regard to your student's ability to perform in a mainstream classroom, such as a learning challenge.

Where can I find more information about GATE in PAUSD?
Watch for GATE information in the Jordan Journal, including announcements about district-wide programs that are offered, usually once each semester. I will also be present at a PTA meeting in the Fall to answer GATE questions. The PAUSD website has some excellent information about GATE district-wide, including the recent goals that were adopted by the Board, and some parent resources.

updated 8-16-2007