• 🎓 Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) at Lydia Romero-Cruz Academy

    At Lydia Romero-Cruz Academy, we believe in recognizing and nurturing the potential of every learner. Our Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Program provides rigorous, enriching, and responsive educational experiences that challenge and support gifted learners academically, socially, and emotionally.

    🌟 Our Vision

    To cultivate the strengths, creativity, and leadership of gifted students while ensuring equitable access and support for underrepresented populations.

    📌 Program Highlights

    • Identification & Referral
      Students are referred through a comprehensive process that includes teacher recommendations, parent input, assessment data (NNAT3, SBAC, MAP), and other academic and creative indicators. We actively seek to identify students from all backgrounds, with special attention to equity and inclusion.

    • Academic Support
      GATE students are placed in cluster classrooms where teachers use differentiated instruction aligned with the GATE Scope and Sequence to meet advanced learning needs.

    • Student Enrichment
      GATE students participate in enrichment activities that promote critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. We also monitor the progress of “at-promise” GATE students and offer goal-setting sessions and support services as needed.

    • Teacher Support
      Teachers at LRCA receive regular updates and resources to support GATE learners. Several staff members have completed GATE-specific training and certifications.

    • Family Engagement
      We host GATE family nights and informational sessions to share resources and celebrate student success. Communication with families is ongoing through ParentSquare, flyers, and direct outreach.

    📊 2024–2025 Data Snapshot

    • Total GATE-identified students: 45

    • New GATE students identified this year: 18

    • Focus Area: Building awareness and understanding among staff, students, and families

    If you’re interested in learning more about our GATE program or want to refer a student, please contact our GATE Coordinator, Ms. Naxheli Duran at naxeli.duran@sausd.us