As far as budget cuts – I had this email forwarded to me through the “mom-network”.
On Behalf Of Di Jiosia Marcia
Sent: Wednesday, June 08, 2011 11:30 PM
To: All Area Superintendents List; All Atypical School Principals Group; All Elem. Vice Principals Group; All Elementary Principals Group; All Middle Level Vice Principals Group; All Middle/Jr. High Principals Group; All Senior High Principals Group; All Senior Vice Principals Group
Cc: Salazar Sid; Meyer Nellie; Martinez Susan; Hoyt Brad; Fulcher Joe; Wisz Edward; Bronson Michele
Subject: The State of GATE for 2011-2012
Before the traditional school year draws to an end, I wanted to contact all of you with some information that should squash some of the many rumors surrounding the GATE program for this coming year.
.Yes, there is still a gifted program. It is part of the Office of Advanced Studies which also includes AP, IB and AVID.
.From the survey that was sent out, we had a 95% response rate. Every school that responded stated they will continue with the GATE Cluster program at their site.
.For the sites with GATE Seminar programs, only a few decided to drop the classes due to the removal of class size reduction. Schools that chose to keep their Seminars will continue to benefit the highly and profoundly gifted by grouping these students.
.We are also going to continue with GATE identification. The GATE psychologists have been moved over with the site psychologists. GATE assessments will now be conducted by the site psychologists for all grade 2 students, grade 5 students who have never been tested, and grade 5 students who meet retest criteria for retesting. (for Cluster or Seminar) New-to-the-district students in grades 2-5 will also be tested.
.The Office of Advanced Studies is being reduced from 12 to 3 people as well as moving from the Madison High School campus to wing C-room 2005 at the Education Center. That is occurring at the end of June so we may be in a bit of disarray for a while. We will send out contact information as soon as it is available. We will be around all summer to help with any of your needs.
.GATE Teacher Certification will continue through San Diego State University’s one semester program in the fall, spring and summer. Due to the fiscal difficulties our district is suffering, teachers will need to pay part of the costs for their course. We have worked out reduced fees with the University so that it will not be as much of a financial burden. More on that at the end of the summer.
.As it stands at the moment, there will not be any funding for sites to buy GATE extension materials, speakers or field trips. Restored GATE funding to schools is on the district’s list, so there is still some hope if the budget cuts are not as deep as originally thought.
Although we are all faced with challenges across the district, we have a fine group of dedicated people who care about the students. Being able to count on one another will sustain all of us until times get better.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions, comments or concerns.
Marcia DiJiosia
Director, Gifted and Talented Education
Office of Advanced Studies
Instructional Support Services Branch
We’ve looked at the seminar programs. There are differences between them. I’ve heard similar things about the La Jolla seminar program… And after this year’s experience, I’m changing my view about schools that look good on paper, vs schools that might have lower overall test scores, but be better for the student.
Suzebee – I’ve heard/seen wonderful things about the Hawthorne program. The teachers there are exceptional, IMO. I know a lot of entering 3rd graders as well as older kids, who are in the program.
