The idea of sitting in an AP (Advanced Placement) physics class and learning the formula for velocity would intimidate anyone, especially an elementary student.
It didn’t intimidate Briza Avila, a 6th-grade GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) student, on a field trip to Patriot High School earlier this month.
Briza says she enjoys the GATE enrichment activities because they challenge her.
Twenty-eight Glen Avon Elementary School GATE students visited Patriot High School classes to experience what it’s like to be a high school student. Students participated in various hands-on lessons in AP physics, AP psychology, honors biology, and an art class.
Jurupa Unified School District’s GATE program currently serves approximately 1,100 second to twelfth-grade students. The purpose of the GATE program is to support the social, emotional, and academic needs of gifted students.
“Academically, GATE students receive differentiated instruction that allows them to have more in-depth and complex (assignments),” said Donia Briones, Teacher on Special Assignment. “(Teachers) focus on academic discourse, executive functioning skills, inquiry-based projects that prepare (students) for the rigor that comes in high school, higher education, and beyond in their careers.”
GATE students might also feel a lot of pressure or anxiety from being a perfectionist, but teachers are trained to help students through those feelings, Ms. Briones said.
Students are eligible to join the GATE program through academic or cognitive testing, a referral from a parent, teacher, or administrator, or by demonstrating leadership, academic achievement, or creativity.
GATE students can also have exceptional aptitude in areas such as writing or creative art abilities. It doesn’t have to be math or science, said Cecilia Power, Glen Avon GATE Coordinator. “An exceptional student could be the one who’s always asking questions, who’s curious,” she said.
Once a month after school, Ms. Power hosts enriching STEM-based (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) lessons that interest her GATE students. She often collaborates with the University of California, Riverside, to bring interactive lessons to her students. UCR students have brought insects, solar telescopes, and hands-on science activities from various science departments.
“A big strength of the GATE program is the GATE coordinators at the school sites and the teachers that support GATE students in their classrooms,” Ms. Briones said. “They are the heart of the GATE program and supporting our GATE students.”
Ms. Power reached out to Patriot two years ago to coordinate a visit for her GATE students. This year marked their second trip, and they are excited for more in the future.
“It’s important to allow (elementary students) the high school experience and the (facilities) available at a high school,” said Chris Case, Patriot High School Advanced Placement Coordinator.
Eleventh-grade GATE student Abbygail Ruiz and her AP psychology peers led interactive lessons to teach Glen Avon students how their brain works.
“Students came up with collaborative rotating stations to keep the students engaged and for Patriot High students to learn how to interact with children,” said Samantha Pinney, AP psychology teacher. “When (elementary students) have something to look forward to in high school with experiences like this program, it continues to motivate them.”
Providing these experiences for GATE students serves their needs. “Their brains are developing at a faster rate than their bodies are. That can be hard for students to navigate and they have social needs to be around other like-minded peers that challenge them academically.” Ms. Briones said.
Abbygail was classified as a GATE student at Camino Real Elementary and credits that experience to her academic success as a high school student. Abbygail is also enrolled in AP physics, AP language and composition, and is interested in pursuing psychology in college.
“I think (GATE) gave me confidence in my academics. Growing up, I was really hard on myself, but because I was in this (program), I was able to understand that I am more than capable of what I want to do,” said Abbygail. “My academics now are a reflection of the GATE (program).”
If you would like to learn more about recommending your student to the GATE program, please visit https://jurupausd.org/our-district/edserv/GATE/Pages/default.aspx.
