The G.A.T.E. Program is the multifaceted gifted education program for Birmingham City Schools. It provides services to all eligible students who meet gifted eligibility criteria established by the State Department of Education.
The purpose of the G.A.T.E. Program is to encourage the individual student to realize his/her potential and become a fulfilled and contributing members of our society. To this end, the Birmingham City School System strives to provide a challenging and stimulating environment for gifted students.
Differentiated instruction and special experiences commensurate with students’ interests and abilities form the foundation for the program. Students are provided opportunities to develop self-awareness, cultural appreciation, personal goals, and social responsibility. Lessons are taught that encourage students to reason, to make logical decisions, and to think creatively. Opportunities to develop their higher level thinking skills of analysis, synthesis and evaluation are integrated into the learning activities.
The G.A.T.E. Program encourages students to appreciate and enjoy learning during their school experience and to continue to pursue learning as a life-long activity.
Students in kindergarten through second grade received giftes services in the general classroom with consultation from the gifted teachers, as needed. Students in third through fifth grade receive gifted services at an assigned Cluster Site. Students in sixth grade through eighth grade receive gifted services in the general classroom with weekly consultation from the gifted teachers. Students in ninth grade through twelfth grade are served through the general education curriculum.
