We are a small, rural district and receive a small amount in GATE funds. How can we design a program which meets the program standards and regulations?
Program design will of necessity look very different in small districts than in large districts. Many small districts have developed successful GATE programs enlisting the help of community members with expertise in particular areas; using distance learning arrangements with a college, university, or other public school; or by focusing funds on a particular area of students’ needs each year. Mixed-age grouping, mentorships, and individual learning plans may also be successful approaches to planning and organizing differentiated learning experiences within the regular school day for gifted and talented students in small schools or districts.
