GATE Program
GATE Philosophy and Mission
The GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) program seeks to provide a differentiated, academically appropriate learning environment that is stimulating and secure, with an age-appropriate social and emotional setting in which GATE students can blossom and maximize their potential. Lincolnwood School District 74 believes that every student deserves an education that is academically challenging and appropriate in relation to their current academic abilities. The gifted program fuels the learning process of our students as they explore, develop, take risks, and grow intellectually, socially and conscientiously. Our goal is to foster the ability to think critically and become problem solvers, as well as to help students become independent and lifelong learners.
- Program Offerings
- Program Descriptions
- Procedures for Newly Enrolled Students
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Lincolnwood Abilities Battery (LAB) Parent Appeal
Program Offerings
Program Descriptions
First Grade Differentiated Groups
While Project GATE Reading and Math classes do not begin until second grade, Todd Hall teachers differentiate within their homerooms to meet the unique needs of all learners. Additionally, Todd Hall offers opportunities for exceptionally high-achieving students to participate in differentiated groups outside of their homeroom. These first grade reading and math groups are flexible and frequently change throughout the school year depending on student needs. Children are offered deeper thinking opportunities along with alternate mathematical and reading experiences. Because of the flexible nature of these groups, it is not uncommon for students to join for only part of the school year. Students who participate in these groups may or may not be invited to be assessed for the GATE Reading and Math classes beginning in second grade.
Project GATE Mathematics (Grades 2 - 8)
Project GATE Mathematics classes begin in second grade. Courses move at a rigorous pace, with the goal of having students complete Honors Geometry by the end of their 8th grade year. Students are challenged to master up to two years of academic standards in a single school year. Beyond the ability to acquire skills at a faster pace, successful students in the Project GATE Mathematics program demonstrate superior quantitative and analytical thinking skills.
Project GATE Reading (Grades 2 - 8)
Project GATE Reading classes begin in second grade. Students follow a literature and novel-based approach to literacy, reading a wide range of award-winning books from different genres on both an individual and group basis. Higher-level thinking skills are emphasized in literature response writing projects. Additionally, students are exposed to study word stems and higher level vocabulary.
Accelerated Mathematics (Grades 3 - 8)
Accelerated Math classes begin in third grade. Courses move at a more rigorous pace, with the goal of having students complete Algebra I by the end of their 8th grade year. Students are challenged to master up to one-and-a-half years of academic standards in a single school year. Successful students in the Accelerated Math program are prepared to acquire and master skills at a faster rate than typical peers.
Advanced Reading (Grades 3 - 8)
Advanced Reading classes begin in third grade. At Rutledge Hall, students follow the general education curriculum with an emphasis on a deeper level of analysis in reading and demonstration of more complex writing skills. Supplementary materials and projects may be used to enrich the general education curriculum. At Lincoln Hall, Advanced Reading teachers utilize a skills-based approach to literacy, reading a wide range of literature from different genres on both an individual and group basis. Higher-level thinking skills are emphasized in literature response writing projects.
Procedures for Newly Enrolled Students
Project GATE offers a continuum of reading and math enrichment options for high achieving students, including Advanced Reading and Accelerated Math classes (grades 3-8) and Gifted and Talented Education classes (grades 2-8). Students who qualify for these classes demonstrate consistent high achievement, and students who attend the GATE (gifted and talented education) classes also demonstrate superior cognitive abilities. Once a child is placed in a Project GATE reading or math class, they do not need to test for the program again and may continue in the program if they are successful with the rigor and pace of the instruction. Students will be carefully monitored to ensure the class best meets their academic needs. If a class is too difficult, or a student is not meeting with success for a variety of reasons, a teacher, parent/guardian, or student can initiate an exit procedure at any time.
Students who are new to Lincolnwood School District 74 may be considered for placement in a Project GATE/Accelerated/Advanced reading or math class once qualifying test scores are obtained:
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If the student’s records include Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) history (or standardized testing history) OR information about previous gifted placement, the student may be eligible for immediate placement in a GATE/ Acc/Adv class. In order to be considered for Advanced Reading or Accelerated Math, students must have MAP scores which meet SD74 placement criteria. In order to be considered for a GATE class, students must also have a recent (within 2 years) cognitive evaluation or CogAT score on file which meets SD74 placement criteria. If there is no “ability” score and MAP scores meet District criteria, then the student’s parent/guardian or teacher may refer them for the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) within the first month of enrollment. Interim placement could be in Accelerated Math or Advanced Reading.
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If the student has no standardized academic data in their records, the student will take the MAP test at the next benchmark window (Fall ~September, Winter ~January, Spring ~May). If the student entered the District AFTER the benchmark window for testing, then they will need to wait until the next benchmark window. Interim placement would be in general education; the student may not be placed in Accelerated Math or Advanced Reading without a qualifying MAP score. In order to be considered for a GATE class, students must also have a recent (within 2 years) cognitive evaluation or CogAT score on file which meets SD74 placement criteria. If there is no “ability” score and MAP scores meet District criteria, then the student may be tested with CogAT within a month of the student obtaining a qualifying MAP score.
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After MAP and/or CogAT data are obtained, the results will be shared with the classroom teacher(s) and building administration. A classroom teacher or building administrator will contact parents to communicate placement decision results and a placement letter will be sent home along with any relevant standardized testing scores.
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If a parent feels differently about the placement decision, they may request and submit an application for appeal within two weeks of receiving placement notification. (Parents can obtain an application for appeal by contacting the teacher or building administrator.) The form can be submitted to the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What levels are included in the District’s gifted program?
Project GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) includes GATE Math (Grades 2-8), Accelerated Math (Grades 3-8), GATE Reading (Grades 2-8), and Advanced Reading (Grades 3-8).
Which assessments will my child take in order to be considered for enriched placement?
Students who are considered for Advanced Reading or Accelerated Math will have qualifying Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) scores. MAP is a routine assessment given to all students three times per year. Students who are considered for Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Reading or GATE Math will have both qualifying MAP scores, as well as qualifying Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) scores. Only high-achieving students who are referred for further assessment will be invited to take the CogAT.
What is the NWEA/MAP assessment and how is it used in making placement decisions?
Lincolnwood School District 74 uses the NWEA/MAP assessment to evaluate students’ achievement in reading and math. MAP is a computer adaptive achievement test, which means every student gets a unique set of test questions based on responses to previous questions. The final score (a RIT score) represents a student’s achievement at the moment, and growth over time, regardless of grade level. For example, if a third grader is actually reading like a fifth grader, MAP can identify that. On the converse, MAP could also identify a fourth grader who is doing math skills like at a second grade level. For more information about MAP, please visit the NWEA website.
The MAP assessment is administered three times per year. The fall administration typically takes place in September, Winter typically takes place in January, and Spring typically takes place in May. Placement decisions are not based on any single score. The placement committee reviews each candidate’s MAP achievement history, with a focus on the child’s most recent performance.
What is the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)?
The CogAT is a standardized assessment that measures students’ thinking and reasoning abilities in three areas: verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal. Some students will only test in two areas, while others will test in all three. This is dependent upon whether the student is being considered for GATE Reading, GATE Math, or both.
How should I help my child prepare for the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)?
There is no specific preparation for this assessment. The CogAT measures thinking and reasoning abilities rather than memorizable facts or academic standards. Students should know that the assessment helps teachers understand how they learn best and it is not something that they can fail. Parents should encourage students to do their best work, and help their child get a good night’s rest, eat breakfast, and not create anxiety around the CogAT administration.
When will the CogAT assessment be scheduled?
The CogAT is scheduled during March/April. Testing is administered during the school day and is typically broken up over two to three 30-45 minute sessions with breaks incorporated, if needed. Families will receive a letter with date ranges prior to the administration. If your child is newly enrolled in the District, they may have an opportunity to test outside of the standard window.
Will my child have another opportunity to test if they do not qualify for the program?
Each winter, the District reviews student MAP data and screens for students who are excelling in reading and math. Qualifying students may be referred for March/April CogAT. MAP data is reviewed each spring, along with any current CogAT results, to determine the best fit placement for students the following academic year. CogAT results remain valid for up to two years, and the District will not be able to retest students within one year of administration.
When are placement decisions made?
Placement decisions are made in the spring. Letters will be sent home communicating recommended placement for the following school year. If your child is newly enrolled in the District and is being considered outside of the standard placement period, the process will take at least 4-6 weeks once records are received. If a student arrives outside a MAP testing window, the process may take longer, as they will need to wait until the next benchmark window.
What if my child is newly enrolled in the District?
Your child’s teachers and the school team will review any records provided, including standardized achievement scores, in order to determine a good fit placement based on your child’s learning needs. If your child is a potential candidate for a Project GATE academic program, you may be contacted by their teacher with further information. Parents may also communicate any questions to their child’s teacher or the school principal upon their child’s enrollment. You may find answers to additional questions about program placement for new students here.
What is the procedure if I do not agree with the placement decision made by the District?
If you wish to appeal a placement decision, appeal applications are due in June and should be submitted to the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at the Garlich Administration Building. Please contact your building principal or District administration for the placement appeal application. The link to the appeal application will also be posted on the website. Appeal applications will be reviewed by the committee over the summer and decisions will be communicated with families before the start of the school year.
What does it mean if my child was placed in a Project GATE program “by committee?”
Students who were placed by the committee did not qualify for the program by the aforementioned test measures. A placement “by committee” is considered a trial, and the student will be monitored for a probationary period during the first 12 weeks of their placement. If it is determined that the placement is not the best fit for your child, the school will work to identify a program that better meets their learning needs.
Once my child is placed in a Project GATE program, do they need to re-qualify every year?
Once a child is placed in a Project GATE reading or math class, they do not need to test for the program again and may continue in the program if they are successful with the rigor and pace of the instruction. They will be carefully monitored to ensure the class best meets their academic needs. If a class is too difficult, or the placement is not a good fit for any reason, a teacher, parent/guardian, or student can initiate an exit procedure at any time.
Lincolnwood Abilities Battery (LAB) Parent Appeal
This appeal application is for the LAB (Lincolnwood Abilities Battery). Students must take the LAB to be considered for placement in the District's Project GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) classes.
All parent appeals are due by Friday, March 21, 2025.
Project GATE Screening and Identification Calendar
