Welcome!

The Blaine County School District’s Gifted Program aims to meet the diverse needs of gifted and talented students with a high degree of excellence.  The District’s GATE Program recognizes the unique needs of students who possess substantially exceptional gifts and talents and with whom specialized support provided through the GATE Program, will sustain challenge and continued educational growth and motivation. A primary resource for the district in providing quality GATE services and support is the National Association of Gifted Children.

“Not every child has an equal talent or an equal ability or equal motivation, but children have the equal right to develop their talent, their ability, and their motivation.”   ~ John f. Kennedy

Mission

The GATE program maximizes opportunities beyond the traditional educational experience for students demonstrating superior gifts and talents, helping them realize their full potential.

Program Review & Improvements

The Blaine County School District is currently making revisions to its GATE program as a result of a formally commissioned program review requested by the GATE Program Supervisor in 2013-14. The District’s GATE Committee has diligently been working to make improvements over the past year and they will continue their work until the recommendations have been met.

To date, the GATE Committee has revised the foundation documents to guide continued improvements, as well as developed a new identification process for the intellectual and specific academic categories. These improvements aim to address the belief that “outstanding talents are present in children and youth from all cultural groups, across all economic strata and in all areas of human endeavor.” (US Dept. of Ed, 1993)

In the 2016-17 and 2017-18 school years, qualification criteria will be established for creativity, leadership, and the visual/performing arts categories. We will keep our patrons informed as changes are made as a result of our continued improvement efforts. 

Information links:

GATE Mission, Vision & Philosophy Statement 

GATE Mission, Vision & Philosophy Statement - Spanish

Definition of Giftedness

Definition of Giftedness - Spanish