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Identification Categories

Gifted/Talented Programs identifies students in seven categories, as well as offers a verification of eligibility process so non-identified students can equitably access District GATE programs. For more information on the verification of eligibility process, please visit the Program Options page.

Intellectual Ability

2nd semester kindergarten and above (Students may be tested one time by and LAUSD designated GATE psychologist)

Students whose general intellectual development is markedly advanced in relation to their chronological peers. Eligible percentile rank: e.g., 95 to 99.4 (Gifted), 99.5 to 99.8 (Highly Gifted Applicable), 99.9 (Highly Gifted)

Program options for students identified in the Intellectual Ability category are the resident school GATE program, Schools for Advanced Studies (SAS), Gifted Magnets, Honors classes (middle and senior high schools), and Advanced Placement classes (high school).

High Achievement Ability

Grade 2 only

Students who demonstrate high achievement on a nationally standardized, norm-referenced, group administered measure of verbal and non-verbal school abilities (i.e., OLSAT-8).

Grade 5 and above (LAUSD students may be systematically identified as gifted each school year through an automated process.)

Students who demonstrate high achievement in English Language Arts and Mathematics (i.e., Smarter Balanced Assessment, District-approved standardized achievement tests, grades) for two consecutive years

Program options for students identified in the High Achievement Ability category are the resident school GATE program, Schools for Advanced Studies (SAS), Gifted Magnets, Honors classes (middle and senior high schools), and Advanced Placement classes (high school).

Specific Academic Ability

Grade 5 and above (LAUSD students may be systematically identified as gifted each school year through an automated process.)

Students who demonstrate high achievement in English Language Arts or Mathematics (i.e., Smarter Balanced Assessment, District-approved standardized achievement tests, grades) for three consecutive years

Program options for students identified in the Specific Academic Ability category are the resident school GATE program, Schools for Advanced Studies (SAS), Gifted Magnets, Honors classes (middle and senior high schools), and Advanced Placement classes (high school).

Creative Ability

Grade 2 and above

Students who are imaginative, problem-solution oriented, producers of original thought, fluent in ideation and alternative-solution generation, have the ability to reimagine, reinvent, improve, and transform conventional thinking and products; evidenced by student portfolio

Program options for students identified in the Creative Ability category are the resident school GATE program, Schools for Advanced Studies (SAS), Gifted Magnets, Honors classes (middle and senior high schools), and Advanced Placement classes (high school).

Leadership Ability

Grade 2 and above

Students who are passionate about issues that affect their community and environment, influence others to work toward goals, are looked to by others for ideas and decisions, have problem-solving and decision-making skills, and show sense of purpose and direction; evidenced by student portfolio

Performing Arts Ability

Grade 2 and above

Students who originate, perform, produce, or respond at exceptionally high levels in either dance, voice, drama; evidenced by student audition

Students identified in the Performing Arts Ability category are invited to attend the Conservatory of Fine Arts and are given priority in selection.

Visual Arts Ability

Grade 2 and above

Students who originate, perform, produce, or respond at exceptionally high levels in drawing or painting; evidenced by student portfolio and demonstration

Students identified in the Visual Arts Ability category are invited to attend the Conservatory of Fine Arts and are given priority in selection.

Note: Once a student is identified as gifted in LAUSD, the student remains identified until graduation.