Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)
GATE is a program is a state-funded program provided for students in grades 3-5 who have been qualified through an identification process established by the district.
Cowan students identified as gifted benefit from differentiated instruction, in which the core curriculum (Language Arts and Math) is modified. This includes acceleration/ pacing, levels of complexity, depth, and novelty with the expectation that students will produce work that is appropriate to their individual learning interests, assessed needs, and abilities.
Differentiation in Cowan classrooms looks like:
- Language Arts : Inquiry and investigation research related to unit theme, challenge homework, centers
- Math : Real-life math applications, enrichment homework, word problems, centers
- Science : Challenge/extension questions, experiments
- Social Studies : Challenge extension questions, Socratic seminars (ethical discussions)
Cowan’s gifted students also benefit from the following enrichment activities:
- Science Fair : Focus on scientific process and generation of science project ideas
- Academic Challenge : Challenges in Spelling, Geography, Public Speaking, Math, Reading, and Science
Schools for Advanced Studies (SAS)
Cowan is also an SAS school. Schools for Advanced Studies are programs designed throughout the District which have been implemented to improve educational options and increase professional training to support the development of gifted and talented youth. The Schools for Advanced Studies Program receives funding from the District in the form of a block grant. SAS teachers and administrators are required to participate in professional development training.
For more information on LAUSD’s SAS program, go to http://sfpc.lausd.k12.ca.us/GATE/prog-opt-2.html.
Gifted And Talented Education
