Identification of Gifted/Talented Learners Within the LAUSD

Sharon Curry, Assistant Superintendent

Los Angeles Unified School DistrictStudent Integration Services

Gifted/Talented Programs

Who Can I Contact?

Coordinator: LaRoyce BellDistrict Specialists: Dr. Lucy Hunt

Katie McGrathJennifer Slabbinck

District Specialist,Psychological Services: Wynne Wong-Cheng

Phone: (213) 241-6500Fax: (213) 241-8975

333 S. Beaudry Ave., 16th FloorLos Angeles, CA 90017

Identification

Gifted/Talented Programs Goal:• To identify gifted and talented students,

including those from diverse racial, socioeconomic, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds, and provide high-quality differentiated opportunities for learning that meet students’ particular abilities and talents.

(CDE)

Plan of Action from Mr. Cortines

“This Plan of Action recognizes that the

status quo is no longer acceptable. It is now time to eliminate the factors inhibiting our students from achieving their potential. It is mandatory that we celebrate and replicate those practices that create successful schools…By October 15, 2008, each Local District will present a plan to the Senior Deputy Superintendent focusing on…(5) Increasing gifted and talented identification.” (Goal: 5% of population)

June 9, 2008

Identification“We have work to do!”Comparison of Gifted Population by Ethnicity to LAUSD Population by EthnicityAs of March 2009

Subgroup Gifted Population by Ethnicity

LAUSD Population by Ethnicity

American Indian

.37% .33%

Pacific Islander

.29% .32%

Filipino 5.2% 2.42%

Asian 11.7% 3.84%

Hispanic 53.8% 74.32%

Black 6.6% 10.02%

White 21.9% 8.75%

Good News!

As of March 2009

Approximately 62,414 students identified gifted/talented!

“The most students identified gifted in a single school district in the nation.”

GATE Identification “LAUSD casts a wide net”

Los Angeles Unified School District identifies students in the following 7 categories:

1. Intellectual Ability (I.Q. Assessment – verbal & non-verbal; grades 2nd semester Kindergarten – 12; highly gifted possibility)

2. High Achievement (Two consecutive years in BOTH ELA and Mathematics; weighted in CST scores & limited report card results; grades 3-12)

3. Specific Academic (Three consecutive years in ELA OR Mathematics; weighted in CST scores & limited report card results; grades 3-12)

4. Visual Arts (Audition or Demonstration; grades 3-12; 3rd Saturday in November & May)

5. Performing Arts (Audition or Demonstration; grades 3-12; 3rd Saturday in November & May)

6. Creativity (Individual Student Portfolio and Proposal)7. Leadership (Individual Student Portfolio and Proposal)

Identification Requests

“Slam Dunk” Referrals

Letters have been/are being sent to the principals in each Elementary School in each LD listing names of students who meet the criteria (“Slam dunks”) in the High Achievement and Specific Academic categories.

Note: Secondary lists are currently being generated by SIS and letters will be sent to schools by the end of next week.

Support

• Small group meetings for GATE coordinators

• District wide GATE coordinators’ meetings• Bank time Tuesday professional

development meetings• Salary point classes (16 hours)• UCSD-LAUSD GATE certification cohorts

(40 hours each)• Support with Assistance Team (SWAT)• District wide GATE parents’ meetings

More information…

http://sfpc.lausd.k12.ca.us/GATE/

Thank you for your hard work meeting the needs of

our gifted/talented students!