The Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) strives to identify gifted and talented students within the Omaha Public Schools, nurture their social/emotional development and meet their individuals needs so they may reach their fullest potential. Omaha Public Schools believes that all students should be passionate about their talents, be challenged in their learning and learn something new every day. Students identified as gifted and talented should feel proud of their accomplishments but understand that they won't necessarily excel in everything, and that is ok.

Gifted and Talented Identification

Students can be referred for identification through the completion of a PGSS Referral form. The referral form can be submitted by a student's family or teacher. Once students are identified, they begin receiving services at the beginning of the next quarter. To be identified for GATE services a student must meet at least 3 of the 4 criteria listed below:

• Cognitive – Top 5% at the school or national level on an intelligence/cognitive test
• Achievement – Top 5% at the school, state or national level on a grade-level standardized or norm-referenced achievement test
• Motivation/Performance – “A” or Advanced (ADV) in 60% or more courses on the most recent semester grade report OR Qualifying recommendation/involvement for Motivation as recorded on the Classroom Teacher Input Form OR Parent/Guardian/Student/Staff Referral
• Creativity/Leadership – Qualifying recommendation/involvement for Creativity or Leadership as recorded on the Classroom Teacher Input Form OR Parent/Student/Staff Referral