Windsor Unified School District
GATE Statement of Philosophy

The Windsor Unified School District is committed to a school environment that fosters excellence for all students. The District recognizes that Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) students are special needs students who must be served consistently throughout their school career.

It is our goal to challenge these students daily, within the classroom, broadening the core curriculum to meet their intellectual needs, increase the application of critical thinking skills, promote positive social-emotional skill and, in general, motivate gifted students to reach their highest potential.

Program Description

The Windsor Unified School District offers a Gifted and Talented Education program for eligible students in grades 4-12. In grades 4-5, gifted students are clustered in self-contained classrooms to allow each student to explore and expand their talents in a supportive atmosphere. In the middle school, flexible cluster grouping is utilized in core classes and some advanced courses. In grades 9-12, students are placed in classes based upon their academic qualifications, needs, desires, and talents. At the high school, a wide array of honors and Advanced Placement classes, and strong focus area programs and advance technology classes, are available for gifted students.

Program Goals
The district has a written statement of purpose and goals developed by the site and district advisory committees. Our program purpose and goals include the following:

Purpose:

The Windsor Unified School District Gifted and Talented Program meets the needs and learning styles unique to gifted children by providing:

A learning environment that fosters achievement utilizing gifted talents.
A curriculum designed for the gifted learner.
A program which fosters enthusiasm for learning, insights into ideas and problems, responsible citizenship, leadership, critical thinking, and career awareness.

Goals:

To provide an articulated educational program that enables each gifted student to develop his/her abilities to the fullest potential.
To develop in each gifted student sensitivity and responsibility to others.
To help each gifted student gain a realistic, healthy concept of self, including strengths, areas of needed improvement and potentialities.
To encourage family and community participation in services designed for gifted students
To increase the number of students applying and attending four year colleges and universities.

Parent Advisory Group

The GATE Parent Advisory Group serves as a direct link between the student and the gifted program. The group consists of the GATE coordinator, parent representatives and a school administrator. This partnership of parents, teachers and administrators provides effective communication and an advisory group for the Windsor Unified School District GATE program.

Each school will hold a GATE parent meeting during the beginning of the first trimester. During that meeting, parent representatives will be selected to serve on the Parent Advisory Group. Once identified, this group will meet a minimum of four times during the school year to discuss the status of the program. The Parent Advisory Group, though not limited to these items, has the following responsibilities:

Seeks out and publicizes opportunities for the gifted student
Provides opportunities for parents to share their experiences and to develop skills of parenting gifted children
Provides the school and the district feedback on the quality of the GATE program.

Questions and Concerns

Any questions and concerns regarding the GATE program in the Windsor Unified School District should be directed to the Director of Curriculum and Instruction or to the GATE coordinator at your school

Windsor Unified School DistrictGATE Statement of Philosophy

Windsor Unified School District
GATE Statement of Philosophy