Advanced Academics and Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) programs in the Omaha Public Schools develop the strengths and talents of all students and offer services at all grade levels to meet a broad range of students needs. Every student needs to be challenged and engaged in exciting learning experiences. Some students need different learning experiences to address their cognitive and social-emotional needs. 

Elementary School

Gifted and Talented services begin in 3rd grade in elementary schools. GATE students participate in Specialized Instruction each week with a GATE Facilitator. Lessons have been developed that extend the learning within the classroom using advanced content and teach problem solving, creative thinking, critical thinking, and inquiry. There are also opportunities for extracurricular activities sponsored by the GATE program.

Middle School

Advanced Academics continue in the Middle School through participation in honors courses and many clubs and activities. All GATE services take place either in an honors course or by choosing one or more activities that are sponsored by the Gifted and Talented program. Each Middle School has a GATE Facilitator to coordinate events and activities, teach honors courses, and make sure each students’ needs are met. 

High School

High School students have many advanced courses available. Students need to work closely with their guidance counselor to choose courses and activities that best meet their needs. Each student is unique and has different strength areas. Every Omaha Public Schools high school offers many advanced courses that make it possible for all students to be challenged at their own level. There is an Advanced Academic Coordinator in each high school that is also available for questions and guidance.

Timeline of services and evaluation:

• K-2 – students receive leveled instruction in classrooms by the classroom teacher. Gifted and Talented staff are available for consultation.
• Students in 2nd grade classrooms participate in whole-class lessons taught by the GATE Facilitator about various thinking skills.
• Gifted and Talented identification begins in 3rd grade. Identification is based upon the criteria described below.
• Students are continuously monitored throughout elementary and middle school for possible GATE identification.
• Middle School students have the option to enroll in honors courses and participate in GATE Sponsored events.
• High School students have the option to enroll in honors courses and a variety of other advanced courses at their school.

All students in grades 2-8 are screened several times each year for possible entry into the Gifted and Talented program. It is very important that all students who need GATE services participate in the program. The screening tools that are used include a cognitive test that measures a student’s potential ability, achievement tests which measure what a student is currently able to do, a measurement of motivation and current grades, and a measurement of creativity and leadership. Teachers, staff members, and parents/guardians are encouraged to advocate for all students who may qualify.

To be permanently identified for Gifted and Talented Education 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 end of term grade report (Elementary), 3.5 or greater on end of term or cumulative G.P.A. (secondary), OR Qualifying recommendation/involvement for Motivation/Performance as recorded on the Classroom Teacher Input Form OR Parent/Guardian/Student/Staff Recommendation**.
• Creativity/Leadership – Qualifying recommendation/involvement for Creativity or Leadership as recorded on the Classroom Teacher Input Form OR Parent/Guardian/Student/Staff Recommendation**. Parents, guardians, students, and staff members interested in having a student identified for Gifted and Talented Education services are welcome to complete a referral and/or recommendation.
  • Each referral or recommendation will be considered, and the student will have a referral and eligibility worksheet started so that all available criteria can be reviewed. The Omaha Public Schools’ Gifted and Talented Education carefully works to implement equitable identification processes and procedures that will permanently identify high performing students for GATE services within the Omaha Public Schools, nurture their social/emotional development and enhance their curriculum experiences so these unique individuals may reach their fullest potential.

Acceleration is an educational intervention that can be investigated when it becomes apparent that grade level differentiation and other curricular modifications are insufficient adaptations for the academic ability and learning pace of a highly able student.