GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION
Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Program
Gifted and Talented Education, otherwise known as the GATE program, provides differentiated learning opportunities to students who are identified as having characteristics and/or potential for showing high performance in one or more areas.
GATE Program Funding
GATE program funding is included in the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), authorized by the 2013-14 Budget Act, in place of most previously existing K-12 state funding streams. Funding for this program is determined at the state level. See Principal Apportionment for more information about how funds are distributed to local education agencies.
How do I know if my child is Gifted?
According to the California Association for the Gifted, “Compared to their age peers, gifted children usually learn at a faster pace, use a large vocabulary, ask many questions, and need activities that are complex and challenging. They may also be highly sensitive, creative, and intense. These are only some of the characteristics of a gifted child.”
How are students at NUSD identified as GATE?
Natomas Unified School District’s GATE identification process utilizes multiple measures, including a computer based test which is provided during the school day for all third grade students* during the spring each year. Additionally, for 3rd-5th grade students, a principal, teacher or parent can fill out a referral for testing and a student will be tested during the next testing cycle. If the referral comes from a teacher or a principal, the parent will be contacted for consent prior to testing. Parents also have the right to opt-out their student for testing.
*Note: NUSD used to implement GATE identification in the 1st grade and has transitioned to a 3rd grade identification process as of 2025-26. As current (as of Fall 2025-26) second and third graders were assessed during their 1st grade years, full districtwide testing for third graders will resume in 2027-28. In the interim, the referral form may be used to request testing for 2nd-5th grade students in 2025-26 and 3rd-5th grade students in 2026-27 and beyond.
What happens after testing?
Test scores take a few weeks to be processed before being sent home in the mail. A copy of the test score will be put in each students cumulative folder. Principals may look over the test scores and determine which class each student will be placed in.
What services do GATE students receive?
Students identified for the Gifted and Talented Education Program (GATE) will receive differentiated instruction to meet their needs. Second through sixth grade students primarily receive instruction through the cluster grouping model at their school of residence.
GATE Resources
2nd-6th Grade GATE Referral Form
GATE Student and Parent Resources
Who to Contact
Brandon Blom , Executive Director
Carrie Wilkes , Administrative Assistant