Our GATE classes are a source of pride at Loma Portal Elementary. We look forward to getting to know you and your child.
If you have further questions about Loma Portal's GATE Program please contact the school office.

"Differentiation for advanced learners involves the adjustment of curriculum and instruction by using
depth, complexity, novelty and acceleration."
-CA Gate Program Handbook @1999

At Loma Portal differentiation is based on the individual needs of our students and
the state of California's Standards for Gifted and Talented Education.

Among the strategies used to differentiate at 3rd and 4th grade are:
-  Project based instruction
-  Compacting of curriculum
-  Enhancing curriculum with depth and complexity
-  Blending individual and whole group instruction with a focus on qualitative   vs. quantitative learning

Loma Portal Elementary School is designated as a Model B Cluster Program.
A Model B Cluster is defined as having self-contained classrooms with 25% or more students identified gifted.

-  Our GATE teachers are visionary, energetic and collaborative.
    They approach their role as gifted educators with enthusiasm and relish.
-  All Loma Portal's 3rd and 4th grade teachers are GATE certified.
-  The average teaching experience of our GATE TEAM members is 21 years.

Loma Portal has an articulated oral language program. This innovative program was designed by Loma Portal teachers
to exceed the state's Speaking and Listening Standards.

The interdisciplinary curriculum incorporates the art of public speaking, research, and writing skills into a cohesive program that
spans literacy, social sciences and the arts.

The GATE Math Rotation is unique to Loma Portal.  It was designed to enhance and enrich the district adopted math curriculum. This program at 3rd and 4th grade infuses mathematics with real world applications, higher order thinking skills, and project based assessment to produce well rounded mathematical thinkers.

Language arts instruction at 3rd and 4th grade is created with the individual child in mind.
With both whole group and small group instruction, students are challenged to think critically as readers and writers.
They are encouraged to identify patterns and relationships, make generalizations, and develop a passion for literacy.

Social Studies and Science (4th grade)
This cutting edge approach to exploring our world, past and present, was designed to challenge the students' understanding of the world around them. Students are pushed to find connections, explore generalizations and adapt and develop solutions both historical and physical. These two subjects are also taught in rotation instruction.