Due to the State budget crisis, the governor reassigned GATE funds to the general fund. As a result, GATE programs and assessments are no longer funded. Students previously assessed will maintain their GATE status. Until funding is re-established there won't be any additional assessments. The GATE program here at Strandwood was run by parent volunteers under the direction of Strandwood staff. Parents or members of the PTA cannot assess the students for GATE eligibility and the program can no longer continue.

What can we do as concerned parents? What are alternatives? The function of the GATE program is to meet the needs of students with specific learning demands. The upcoming changes to the Common Core Curriculum have the potential to meet the demands of many of the GATE students. The Common Core Curriculum will encourage deeper critical thinking and expand writing skills.

As a PTA, we have discussed additional options to fill the needs of GATE and would like to suggest Odyssey of the Mind as a program for our students.  As with all PTA programs, it needs involved parents to continue as such. Would you like to see this wonderful program available to our students? Check out Odyssey of the Mind online and see if you would like to be involved in implementing this program at Strandwood. Please contact Tami Benson for more information.