Gifted & Talented Education

 

Moorpark Unified School District is pleased to announce the return of its Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) education program.

Beginning in the 2023-2024 school year, all MUSD third grade students will participate in a universal screening to determine GATE eligibility. Students who are in the fourth or fifth grade may be referred for GATE testing by their parent and/or teacher.

The purpose of the GATE program is to provide additional opportunities to meet the intellectual needs of students who have been identified as gifted within MUSD.

It’s important to note, however, that ever since Moorpark Unified—like many districts across California—moved away from its GATE program following the state’s decision to no longer fund GATE as a Categorical Program, MUSD has remained committed to serving high-achieving students at every grade level.

Here’s how:

At the elementary level, teachers tailor instruction for students based on their individual needs. Some students require more advanced work to keep them engaged in learning. High-achieving students are grouped together in class and provided enrichment and more challenging classwork. This is called differentiated instruction, and it will remain in place at all elementary schools. MUSD also uses the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), which includes added staff that provides more time for enrichment and interventions for more targeted instruction based on students’ learning needs. Through the MTSS model, students are able to get more personalized help in reading and math. The MTSS staff also supports an additional block of time for enrichment which is designed to provide small group instruction to deepen learning in areas such as STEM, Science, Literature, Art History, PE, and student leadership.

At the middle school level, high-achieving students in sixth to eighth grade are assessed for placement in honors classes. The honors classes at Chaparral Middle School, Mesa Verde Middle School and Campus Canyon have been created to serve the needs of these students.

Finally, at the high school, students in grades 9 to 12, may be placed in Honors, Pre-AP and Advanced Placement classes. Some examples include Pre-AP courses in English and Biology, Honors Math 1, 2 and 3, AP courses in Psychology, English, European and U.S. History, Statistics, Calculus AB and BC, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Spanish and Studio Art.

Every student should have the opportunity to be challenged and engaged in their classroom. Doing so motivates and inspires students who have the capacity for excellence beyond that of their age group. The goal is to inspire gifted students to use their talents and intellect to realize their full potential within an enriching academic environment.

Information about the GATE program is provided by the school principal.