The Excellence in Gifted and Talented Education (EGATE) award is awarded by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) to recognize public schools which have gifted and talented education programs that are aligned with Maryland’s Criteria for Excellence: Gifted and Talented Program Guidelines and COMAR 13A.04.07 Gifted and Talented Education. The guidelines address the following topics: 

• (1.0) student identification 

• (2.0) curriculum and instruction 

• (3.0) professionally qualified teachers and professional development, and 

• (4.0) program management and evaluation 

 A complete description of the guidelines and COMAR are included in the first section of this handbook.