Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)
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GATE / Honors Program Grades 7th and 8th
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Fullerton School District is committed to providing a rigorous, personalized, in-depth, complex and advanced opportunities for Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) or Honors 7th and 8th grade students at our Junior High Schools (Ladera Vista, Parks, and Nicolas) and Middle Schools (Beechwood and Fisler). Our highly qualified GATE/Honors Teachers are certified to work with gifted and academically advanced students so that curriculum and classroom lessons emphasize depth and complexity, real-world application, and creative problem-solving.
Our GATE and Honors classrooms provide an individualized, comprehensive program aligned with State guidelines and standards. 21st Century Learning Skills enable students to communicate, collaborate, create, and think critically in a technology-rich environment through the use of devices both at home and school, seven days a week. Access to these devices demonstrates how the instructional use of technology can engage students and make education more relevant, ultimately leading to higher student achievement.
Our GATE and Honors courses integrate the Depth and Complexity Icons which are visual prompts designed to help students go beyond surface level understanding of a concept and enhance their ability to think critically. These critical thinking tools help students dig deeper into a concept (depth) and understand that concept with greater (complexity). Depth and Complexity Chart:
All courses are designed to prepare students to be college and career ready and considered pathways to high school programs that may include Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and advanced technology programs.
The following GATE or Honors courses are available at most Junior High Schools and Middle School Programs but may vary by site:
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GATE/HONORS ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
The goal in language arts is to prepare students through the Language Arts Capacities to be literate individuals who demonstrate independence, strong content knowledge, value evidence, understand multiple perspectives and cultures, and use technology and media strategically. Initial placement in GATE or Honors ELA courses is based on report card grades and District benchmark assessments. Additional measures will be reviewed for final placement which may include SBAC/CAASSP results and teacher recommendation. Students experience a variety of learning activities including:
- Socratic Teaching Methods
- Challenge-Based Learning
- Personalized Instruction
- 1:1 iPad Visible Innovation Program
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GATE/HONORS MATHEMATICS
Mathematics courses are designed to accelerate students through the mathematical practices for reasoning and proof, problem solving, communication, representation, and connections. We guide students towards a deeper understanding of mathematics through multiple representations of concepts and to achieve beyond the understanding of algorithms and formulas. At the end of sixth grade, students are given assessments to determine placement in the appropriate mathematics course. Students will progress through mathematic course sequences as follows:
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GATE/HONORS SCIENCE
Science courses prepare students to experience science through the integration of these science education dimensions: Crosscutting Concepts (how scientists think), Disciplinary Core Ideas (what scientists know) and Science and Engineering Practices (what scientists do) by incorporating the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). This is accomplished by:
- Experimentation and engineering through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics)
- Scientific inquiry through investigation
- Problem-solving through design
- Application through all domains of science
- Relation to student interest and real-life experiences
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GATE/HONORS HISTORY/SOCIAL SCIENCE
History/Social Science Courses courses engage students in becoming historical and global thinkers, critical readers, and evidenced-based writers. Students will be able to communicate connections between historical content and modern day application. This occurs through:
- Document-Based Questioning (DBQ)
- Historical simulations
- Analysis of primary and secondary sources and incorporating reliable historical evidence into writing and multiple projects
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ELECTIVE COURSES
Students attending a Junior High School or Middle School program are provided opportunities to explore different subjects and areas of interest in addition to their core curriculum. Advanced level elective courses (prerequisite course required) are available for students to further develop their knowledge and skills. While the junior high schools and middle schools in the Fullerton School District generally offer similar elective opportunities, each campus has a set of offerings unique to each school site. Course offerings are subject to change due to enrollment and staffing.Please visit the following sites to access electives offered at each location:
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COMMUNITY COLLEGE CONNECTION: Advanced Scholastic/Vocational Work
Students in grades kindergarten through grade 8 in the Fullerton School District are eligible to take courses at local community colleges, including Fullerton College as Special Admit Students.Students are allowed to take those classes that are considered to be enrichment courses and must have the approval of the principal or designee of their current school. If the course is already offered at the junior high or high school level, students will not be allowed to take the class. K-8 students are not eligible to take college-level courses below Math 40, English 100, and Reading 142 as those classes are designated for college-aged students only.FSD staff will guide parents in enrolling their children, who qualify in a community college course.If you would like assistance in enrolling your child in a community college course, please contact Phil Ling, Educational Services at (714) 447-7783 or phil_ling@myfsd.orgAdmissions Information: http://admissions.fullcoll.edu/k-12/For more information on the Fullerton School District GATE Program, please visit the FSD GATE website: FSD GATE Website