Belief Statement

The Newport Mesa Unified School District offers a Gifted and Talented Education Program for eligible students in grades 4 – 12. The programs are designed to meet the needs of high ability and intellectually gifted students. Classroom instruction begins with the grade level core curriculum and is differentiated based upon student need and ability. The development of critical thinking is emphasized.

Philosophy Statement

When participating in a differentiated curriculum, bright, talented students will become analytical thinkers, creative producers, and practical problem solvers.  It is our goal to provide unique learning opportunities for the gifted learner, providing opportunities to develop individual potential, to explore interests, to develop sensitivity and responsibility, ethical standards, and a healthy realistic self-concept.

What Are The Program Options In NMUSD?  

All schools in Newport-Mesa Unified School District are proud to offer the GATE program for eligible identified students in grades 4 – 12. Students are identified for GATE participation based on assessed intellectual abilities and overall school performance. Students in K – 3 are observed for demonstration of gifted characteristics by their teachers and can be identified as High Potential. These students should be challenged and flexibly grouped according to their assessed need and interest.  

Students at the elementary level are placed in cluster groups within the regular classroom with a teacher who understands the needs of the gifted and is participating in Gifted Education professional development or is university authorized or has completed the NMUSD certification to teach gifted students. At the middle level, identified students are clustered in Social Science or English and have the opportunity to participate in the appropriate level of mathematics.  

All high schools offer Advanced Placement courses, special academics and honors. The Advanced Placement classes consist of college level courses and exams. Over 90% of the colleges that most AP candidates attend give credit and/or advanced placement to students whose examination scores are considered acceptable. In addition, college admission officers view a candidate taking AP courses and the College Board exams favorably. AP classes – when compared to other high school courses- often take more time, require more work, and give greater opportunity for individual progress and accomplishment.  

For more information, please call your child’s school.  

What Is The Identification Process?  

As determined by Newport Mesa Unified School District GATE Plan, every student enrolled in a Newport -Mesa school will have the opportunity to take the GATE test in 3rd grade. Once the testing date is determined at each school site, the designated school GATE Site Coordinator will distribute materials and forms to the parents of the school. At the same time, teachers will begin to collect data and complete forms identifying those students that are demonstrating gifted characteristics. These forms and data will add to the students profile for identification. The entire identification process is completed before June and all 3rd graders who have been tested will receive results and a notice if they have been identified as GATE before leaving for the summer.  

Retest Review Committee – This committee was designed to review those special cases where consideration is given to students whose teacher or parent feel the test is not valid. Retesting may NOT occur any sooner than six months after the previous test and it is strongly recommended that a longer wait be observed.    

What is New for GATE?  

Effective as of January 1, 2002, AB2313 if the first legislative changes in the Education Code regarding GATE In almost 30 years bringing about some positive changes:   It requires that primary GATE services be integrated in the regular school day as differentiated learning experiences A program will receive funding based on this premise. A district may still use its GATE money to provide supplemental programs and Saturday classes. It requires districts to address the social and emotional needs of gifted students It requires districts to address the needs of all high ability students in all grades it serves. Students in primary grades are included even if the district does not provide formal identification until the end of third grade Finally, it simplifies the funding formula so that in the future, districts will be able to estimate their GATE funding on ADA.