GT - FAQs
Just about everything you want to know about GT at Small
GATE Letters of Identification / non-identification
Your GT advocate is currently working on the letters of GATE-identification / non-identification. They should go out in the mail this Friday, March 6, 2020.
Who? What? When? Why? How?
What is GT or GATE?
How can my child qualify to be identified and included in the GATE programs at Small?
Once the nomination window is closed in mid-November, parents many nominate their kiddo during the parent nomination window in the fall of the next school year.
Paper nomination forms in English and Spanish will be available in the front office; however, parents are HIGHLY encouraged to complete the nomination online. If you need assistance completing the nomination online, please contact your Campus GT Advocate christie.manners@austinisd.org.
What is the process for GATE identification?
Teachers observe nominated students for a period of time in January and complete teacher observation forms.
Students take the CoGAT test at school usually late January, early February.
Students complete a Voice and Choice assignment at school during the testing days.
The GT Advocate compiles the data, calls a committee of GT Trained teachers who evaluate all the evidence and decide if the student merits inclusion into the GT or Talent Explore program.
Parents are notified via snail mail regarding the inclusion or non-inclusion of their child into the GATE program.
Parents have 30 days to appeal the committee's decision. If a parent wishes to appeal, please contact your Campus GT Advocate, christie.manners@austinisd.org.
Why should my child be identified into the GATE program?
#AllMeansAll
What happens at Small if my child is identified and included in the GATE program?
Students who are identified in the GATE program will be registered in the most advanced course available at their campus for the subject in which they are identified. For example, if your child is identified in Science, they will be placed in a Pre-AP Science class. In addition, your child will be identified on the teacher's roster as a student who has been identified in the GATE program.
Classroom Activities
The classroom teacher sees GATE identification on their roster and has the knowledge and ability to provide extension activities. When making curriculum and grouping choices, having your student identified means that the teacher can better address their academic, social and emotional needs in the classroom. In many, perhaps even most, cases, your child will not be able to recognize when those extension activities happen; in middle school, many students do NOT want to be singled out for any reason. In addition, when the teacher provides an extension activity that may be deeper or more complex in the presentation or the assignment product, the teacher is careful not to make MORE work for GT identified students, but they strive to curate activities that appeal to student GT abilities and interests.
Invitation to Participate in the DukeTip Program
Any 7th Grader with qualifying STAAR scores from their 6th Grade year may apply to the DukeTip Program. In September, the Cougar News will announce the qualifying scores and include a link to the DukeTip application website.
Summer Camp Idea Bank
In the early Spring, the GT Advocate posts a link in the Cougar News to a list of summer camps that would specifically appeal to students who have been identified in the GATE program. Of course, there's STEAM camp that is hosted at Small, and a list of several other camps are included.
What other opportunities does a GATE - identified student have at Small?
- Accelerated Learning, Math- Students with demonstrated ability progress through the math track and some leave Small ready to take Algebra I, Geometry or Algebra II in high school.
- Credit-by-exam is available for some students in Spanish Language Courses.
-Project Lead the Way, options for advanced learning in STEM. Click here for more information.
-AVID classes- support for students who might be first-generation college students.
-High School Credit Courses, Health, Spanish, Latin I-III, Algebra I, Geometry, Project Lead the Way
-UIL - Small typically has a large contingent of UIL-academic participants in a variety of subjects. Look for ways to participate in the Cougar News this Spring!
-Electives- Small has a host of electives across the curriculum to support the interests and abilities of GATE-identified students. Mythology, Creative Writing, WHAT ELSE-COUNSELORS
-CAT Classes- Students may request to join a CAT Class that appeals to their area of giftedness, or they may request to join the Great Thinkers CAT Class. The Great Thinkers CAT class appeals to students with fast processing speeds and large working memories to enjoy cooperatively competitive games and activities.
-Athletics- Small is very proud of our scholar-athletes. GT Students are welcomed and encouraged to participate in any of our athletic teams!
My child was identified in elementary school, does the identification carry into middle and high school?
About Small Advanced Academics
Email: christie.manners@austinisd.org
Website: smallmiddleschool.org
Location: 4801 Monterey Oaks Boulevard, Austin, TX, USA
Phone: 512.841.6700