MCSD GATE

Gifted & Talented Education / Montrose & Olathe Schools

The mission of Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) in MCSD is twofold: first, to identify students who demonstrate superior aptitude in academics, art, music, the performing arts, leadership, creativity or psycho-motor ability; and second, to provide a rigorous educational environment in which students have the opportunity to optimize their academic and affective growth and development.

The primary goal of the MCSD Gifted and Talented Program is to provide a challenging educational environment for our gifted students that will allow them to develop intellectually, socially, and emotionally to meet their unique potential.

Visit the MCSD STEM site at www.mcsdstem.blogspot.com

Colorado Department of Education Definition of Giftedness:

"Gifted and talented children" means those persons between the ages of four and twenty-one whose abilities, talents, and potential for accomplishment are so exceptional or developmentally advanced that they require special provisions to meet their educational programming needs. Children under five who are gifted may also be provided with early childhood special educational services.

Gifted students include gifted students with disabilities (i.e. twice-exceptional) and students with exceptional abilities or potential from all socio-economic and ethnic, cultural populations. Gifted students are capable of high performance, exceptional production, or exceptional learning behavior by virtue of any or a combination of these areas of giftedness:

  • General or specific intellectual ability

  • Specific academic aptitude

  • Creative or productive thinking

  • Leadership abilities

  • Visual arts, performing arts, musical or psychomotor abilities

MCSD GATE Goals:

  1. To continue to implement the CDE identification processes (found at https://www.cde.state.co.us/gt/giftedidentification).

  2. To increase identification of GT students from underrepresented groups in our district.

  3. To develop and implement identification procedures in additional areas (leadership, creativity, music, art, performing arts, and psychomotor ability).

  4. To hire and retain personnel who are qualified and knowledgeable about gifted education practices, policies, and procedures.

  5. To support students by working to increase academic rigor, opportunities for interaction with like-minded peers, and education and support for affective needs.

  6. To expand capacity in the district by providing professional development and support for staff in the area of gifted education.

  7. To communicate regularly and transparently with stakeholders, including students, parents, staff members, and community members.

  8. To increase community involvement in our GATE department.

The Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) team at MCSD is committed to meeting the educational needs of our gifted students.

The program varies from school to school. There are some similarities in all the schools. Students who are formally identified into the program are provided services on a weekly basis. Elementary and Middle School facilitators challenge kids in their identified strength areas and provide weekly enrichment opportunities. Students are screened for advanced classes in their strength area at the middle school level, and are counseled at the high school level to take the advanced, honors, AP and Concurrent Enrollment courses that best align with their college and career aspirations and strength area(s).