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District's GATE program was showcased in recent meeting By Michelle Alaimo
Some Argonaut School teachers taught more than just children March 5, and they also got a chance to show off a special program. A group of 50 educators from around the state descended on the school to witness firsthand how the Saratoga Union School District's Gifted And Talented Education (GATE) program operates.
The educators were participants in the California Association for the Gifted (CAG) conference that was held for the first time in Santa Clara County March 5-7.
Those who attended the conference had the option of traveling to nearby schools that volunteered for the observation visits, including Argonaut.
Principal Sue Brooks was excited about the group's mid-morning visit and the chance to showcase the district's GATE program. "I do believe strongly in the way our GATE program includes everyone," Brooks said.
As part of the visit, educators had a chance to talk to parents and ask questions of GATE teachers. Brooks said the group then split up to observe teachers in action in the classroom.
The SUSD practices the use of differentiation in the classroom, which involves setting lessons to a child's skill level. For instance, a child who is not challenged enough by a math lesson could be given a special project to help create a challenge, according to Terri Raynaud, GATE coordinator for SUSD.
One GATE teacher visitors didn't see in action, but were able to hear a presentation from, was Iris Ross, the district's movement specialist, whose position is funded by the Saratoga Education Foundation.
Raynaud said Ross started a new program that involves the use of movement. the program so impressed one parent that Ross was nominated as CAG teacher of the year for this region. Raynaud said Ross did not win the award but was honored at a luncheon last month with other nominees.
Nearly 20 SUSD GATE teachers took advantage of the nearby conference, Raynaud said. This year's conference also featured 195 presentations and workshops open to parents, teachers and administrators who had pre-registered for the event.
Costs for SUSD teachers attendance were paid for by the district, Raynaud said.
Parents were also invited to attend a one-day mini conference on March 7. A student seminar was offered on the same day for children in grades six through 12. Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, was the featured speaker at the brunch for students and parents that day.
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Saratoga, California Since 1975
