Students are identified for the GATE program through several means:

* All third graders in the district are assessed for inclusion in GATE
* Students at other grade levels can be referred by parents, teachers or administrators
* Multiple Measure Matrix looks at variety of factors including test scores, classroom performance, and impact factors including bi-lingual, socio-economic factors and IEPs.
* Students not automatically certified with the Matrix can be assessed by the school psychologist

The school where the students are enrolled receives a certain (small) sum of funds for each child identified, in order to carry out the program's goals.
The GATE program's goals are to

*  Provide flexible and rigorous curriculum at all grade levels for all GATE students at their academic level, using outside resources when necessary.
* Support teachers in acquiring their professional State GATE Certification.
* Increase parent awareness and involvement in GATE issues.
* Have district administrators create an environment where GATE students are nurtured.

Some frequently asked questions about GATE are answered on these pages:

http://www.wccusd.k12.ca.us/GATE/index.shtml

http://www.wccusd.k12.ca.us/GATE/faq.shtml

The first Kensington Hilltop parents GATE meeting of the 09-10 academic year will take place on Thursday, October 8, at 7:00 pm in the library.

The group is recruiting someone to attend the District Advisory Committee for GATE issues (5 meetings over the course of the academic year). We will also have a Kensington GATE meeting in May, and possible others as well.

When future meetings are scheduled, notices will be sent to all parents of GATE students and also to the listserv. Information will be given at the first GATE meeting on how to sign up for the listserv. To join, please go to

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KensingtonHilltopGATE

And click on the button that says "join".  You may need to create a yahoo e-mail account.