The Official Site of
Walter V. Long STEAM Academy
Walter V. Long STEAM Academy
2023-2024
gifted and talented education
Welcome to Mrs. Shiver's GATE/TAGS Page
What is GATE?
GATE stands for Gifted and Talented Education.
Gifted Education refers to the special practices, procedures and theories used in the education of children who have been identified as gifted or talented.
The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) defines gifted as "individuals who demonstrate outstanding aptitude (an exceptional ability to learn or reason) or competence (documented performance or achievement in the top 10% of the population) in one or more domains."
When can I take the GATE test?
GATE testing is done throughout the year, September through April. The first part of the GATE test (NNAT-3) is done in groups of 1-4 students and takes about 30 minutes to complete. The second part of the GATE test (KBIT-2) is conducted individually and takes about 20 minutes. When testing is complete, test documents are sent for review. It usually takes a couple of weeks for students to get their test results.
Although anyone can refer a student to the GATE Program, referrals are usually made by a teacher or parent. After receiving a referral, the GATE Specialist reviews the student's cumulative records and current classroom data to determine the appropriateness of the referral. A CCSD student can only be tested twice for GATE, with the second test occurring at least 6 months after the initial test.
Since GATE services start in 3rd grade, it is important to identify second grade students who will be in the GATE program at the start of the new school year. At Title 1 schools, all second grade students participate in online GATE screening in January & February. Second grade students who score at or above the 98th percentile on the NNAT-3 online assessment qualify for GATE services (which begin in third grade). Second grade students who score at or above the 80th percentile on the screening are considered GATE referrals and will be tested by the GATE Specialist.
GATE and TAGS students do not retest every year. Once a student qualifies for gifted services, they are coded in the CCSD computer system as GATE or TAGS. Gifted coding stays with a student through elementary school.
Parent Information
Giftedness may manifest in one or more domains such as; intellectual, creative, artistic, leadership, or in a specific academic field such as language arts, mathematics or science.
It is difficult to estimate the absolute number of gifted children in the U.S. and the world because the calculation is dependent on the number of areas, or domains, being measured and the method used to identify gifted children. However, many consider children who are in the top 10 percent in relation to a national and/or local norm to be a good guide for identification and services.
It is important to note that not all gifted children look or act alike. Giftedness exists in every demographic group and personality type. It is important that adults look hard to discover potential and support gifted children as they reach for their personal best. To learn more, click HERE.
Parents, if you would like to see if your child qualifies for GATE or TAGS, start by taking this survey. Click the icon above or HERE.
Students, we would like to get to know you better and see if you are eligible for GATE or TAGS. Click the icon above or HERE.
Websites for Parents
What is the difference between Gate and TAGS?
GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) and TAGS (Title 1 Alternative Gifted Services) are two programs offered by the Gifted Education department of the Clark County School District. Students qualify for GATE and TAGS based on their NNAT-2 and KBIT-2 test scores.
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GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) is available at all CCSD elementary schools for students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. A student can qualify for GATE by scoring at or above the 98th percentile on the NNAT-3 or KBIT-2 or by earning at least 15 points on a multiple criteria matrix.
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TAGS (Title 1 Alternative Gifted Services) is only available at Title 1 elementary schools. Students who qualify for TAGS score between the 90th and 97th percentiles on the NNAT-3 or KBIT-2.
Welcome to the GATE/TAGS program at Walter V. Long STEAM Academy.
My name is Kim Shiver and I'm looking forward to an exciting and productive year with your student.
Contact me at shivek@nv.ccsd.net with any questions or concerns.
Kim Shiver
GATE Teacher
The classic and essential guide to growing up gifted. Click HERE for more information.
