What is the meaning of the term GATE?

• California uses the acronym to stand for Gifted and Talented Education. GATE programs are designed specifically for gifted students and are approved by the State of California. School districts receive funding for GATE programs from the state legislature.
  

What is the meaning of the term AAA?

• Capistrano Unified School District uses the acronym to stand for Accelerated Academic Achievement. This is the specific name given to our district's gifted and talented program. On a space available basis, some high achievers may be included in AAA/GATE classrooms. It is not necessary for schools to form AAA sections to accommodate high achievers, as they can be successful in heterogeneous grade level classes. High achievers qualifying in this category will be reviewed annually. Their continued placement will be contingent upon space available and academic performance. A "B'" grade must be maintained.
  

Can I take my child to a private psychologist for an IQ test in order to identify him/her as a CUSD AAA/GATE student?

• CUSD does not accept IQ test scores as the sole means of GATE identification. Parents who wish to submit a private IQ test score may include the test as part of the multiple measures portfolio placement process. Portfolio placement must be initiated by the student's CUSD teacher and submitted to the AAA/GATE office by the first week in May.
  

Does my child need to be identified as an AAA/GATE student in order to qualify for high school Advanced Placement (AP) or honors classes?

• No. Students enrolled in high school accelerated, AP and/or IB classes have met the Capistrano Unified School District's criteria for placement in those classes. High school accelerated, AP and/or IB classes consist of a combination of both AAA/GATE and non-AAA/GATE students. For specific criteria for accelerated, AP and/or IB classes, please contact your child's Guidance Advisor at his/her high school.
  

My child is currently enrolled in high school Advanced Placement (AP) classes. What is the benefit and/or reason for my child to take the OLSAT or NNAT test for the high school AAA/GATE program?

• CUSD offers the OLSAT to high school students who did well on their STAR/California Standards test or were recommended by their teachers to give the students and their parents an alternative assessment of how the student thinks. Information from this assessment could be beneficial when you and your child select high school and college courses. In addition, if a high school student is identified as an AAA/GATE student through the OLSAT, our high schools all have AAA/GATE Coordinators monitoring the progress of the AAA/GATE students and offering functions and/or guest speakers to AAA/GATE students at their school sites.
  

What checks are in place to ensure that AAA/GATE programs are offering appropriate services and support to the participating students?

• The California Department of Education has developed standards for GATE programs in the state. District coordinators, resource teachers, and administrators must submit a grant detailing the evidence from their district that supports the California GATE standards. Plans are then reviewed by the state before funding is allocated.
• Each school site is required to submit an AAA/GATE plan, based on the state GATE standards, to the CUSD AAA/GATE department for review.
  

What educational training is available to the AAA/GATE teachers in the district?

• Throughout the school year and during the summer, Professional Development Academies are offered to all K-12 teachers.
• Expert teachers in the district, as well as outside educational consultants and speakers, offer classes and forums for teachers to learn about and reflect on instructional practices.
• Teachers have opportunities to work toward earning specialized certificates in our district including an Academic Accelerated Achievement Certificate, Differentiated Instruction for All Learners Certificate, and a Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment Certificate.
• Teachers are encouraged to attend local, state, and national conferences on gifted education and other current educational topics.
  

As a parent of a gifted learner, how can I be more involved?

• Volunteer at your child's school site or be available to work in the classroom if needed.
• Attend Parent Advisory meetings during the year at your child's site.
• Check the CUSD AAA/GATE website to read current information and research regarding gifted education.
• Offer to serve as the parent advisory representative at your school site and attend district AAA/GATE meetings.
• Support AAA/GATE parent education nights and student events in the district and your school site.
• Attend local, state, and/or national conferences on gifted education.
  

If I have further questions regarding GATE/AAA, whom should I contact?

• School principals are available to provide program information.
• Each school site has a AAA/GATE coordinator who can provide program information and serve as support to parents and teachers.
• AAA/GATE Curriculum Support Teachers on Special Assignment are also available to answer questions and provide support. Their direct office number is (949) 234-9235
• You may also e-mail your questions to the CUSD AAA/GATE Curriculum Support Teachers. (Email addresses are below.)
  • For questions regarding elementary students, (K-5), E-mail Katie Robinson at krobinson@capousd.org.
  • For questions regarding secondary students, (6-12), E-mail Susan Peterson at sbpeterson@capousd.org.
  • For specific questions regarding your school's AAA/GATE program, please contact your school's principal or AAA/GATE coordinator.    
    • CUSD AAA/GATE Coordinators