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GATE

Sequoia's Mission for GATE Students

  • nurture potential of students
  • challenge those with advanced learning capabilities
  • differentiation for all students
  • address the needs of gifted learners across all curricular areas
  • to raise awareness that the utilization of differentiated instruction is a necessary tool in ensuring all student’s mastery of academic standards (effective teaching)

 

Sequoia's GATE Magnet Academy

For students who are identified as GATE learners or who have met the required prerequisites for the accelerated class, the GATE/Accelerated program includes:

  • GATE/Accelerated classes offered in grades TK-6th with Accelerated or advanced content
  • Students that show pre-requisites are tested in Kindergarten- 6th grade 
  • A relationship between rigorous academics, acceleration, and enrichment
  • Technology rich instruction
  • Appropriate flexibility of time spans for learning
  • GATE certified teachers in TK-6th
  • Project Based Learning

 

How do we differentiate at Sequoia?

The staff at Sequoia Academy believes each child is unique and deserving of a rich educational environment. We recognize that each student is a unique individual with different abilities, interests, and learning styles. We believe in a student-centered approach, which provides an atmosphere in which a child’s social, emotional, and intellectual needs are equally important. Sequoia's ultimate goal of education is to provide each student with the skills and knowledge that will enable him/her to aspire to the highest level of achievement in his/her chosen endeavors.

To meet the needs of gifted learners, from transitional kindergarten through sixth grade, Sequoia teachers, provide a differentiated curriculum that will compact, enrich, and/or accelerate the regular curriculum.  Differentiated instruction is not a single strategy, but rather an approach to instruction that incorporates a variety of strategies. Differentiation is not just a “gifted” word.  Every child has the right to learn, and that rate of learning is not universal for all children.  However, all students need high expectations. Differentiation is providing and planning pathways according to the needs and readiness of your students.

 

Differentiation

  • Depth/complexity (and relevancy)
  • Alter the pace and style as necessary
  • Use high level questioning (think Bloom’s!)
  • Provide guidance to students’ curiosity
  • Allow students to choose content, allow group brainstorming
  • Allow students to show creativity and encourage perseverance
  • Encourage students to show what they have learned through products
  • Allow students to prepare and research alone or together