GATE Identification Process

Identification is accomplished through a referral, screening, and assessment process consisting of the following components:

A referral for identification may be initiated by a teacher, parent/family member, member of the community, peer, or a student may self-nominate.

Students Eligible for Referral and Evaluation for Gifted/Talented Identification:

• Students who are enrolled in Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) schools
• Students who are enrolled in independent charter schools authorized by LAUSD
• Students who reside within LAUSD boundaries, are enrolled in non-district schools, have applied to a Highly Gifted Magnet, and have not been assessed by LAUSD in the Intellectual Ability category

Referral Process for Students Enrolled in LAUSD:

• Contact the student's LAUSD school of attendance to request a referral with the school site GATE coordinator.

Referral Process for Students Enrolled in Charter Schools 

• Affiliated and authorized charter schools may request evaluations for identification of students through the Charter School Fee-for-Service process.
• Interested charter schools may contact the LAUSD Charter Schools Division for information regarding the Fee-for-Service process.
• The Fee-for-Service form must be signed by the administrator before a referral can be submitted for students to be assessed.

Referral Process for Students Enrolled in Non-District Schools:

• Contact Gifted/Talented Programs at [email protected] or (213) 241-6500 to initiate the process.
• The student must reside within LAUSD boundaries and have a pending Highly Gifted Magnet application in the Choices application system.

The referral must be screened and the recommendation to continue the identification process must be made by school certificated personnel. Recommendations must be supported by school records. The Local School GATE Screening Committee collects data from existing sources, such as the cumulative record, standardized test scores and progress report cards. The screening process and recommendation must be documented prior to obtaining the required parent consent.