Glendale Unified School District (GUSD) will be conducting universal screening for Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) using the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test 3 (NNAT3).  NNAT3 is a 30-minute timed test that will be administered annually to 3rd graders in the spring. 

Prior to testing, parents will receive a notification of testing with the option to opt out.

The Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT3)

This computer-based test presents students with 48 problems within a time limit of 30 minutes and will be administered in 3rd grade classrooms. The test does not require any prior preparation and the results will not impact your child’s grades. The NNAT3 is a nonverbal measure of general ability that yields a norm-based score that is based on the student's age. It is designed to assess ability without requiring the student to read, write, or speak. 

Testing Location, Schedule, and Result Notification

GUSD plans  to administer this screening tool to all students in 3rd grade every spring in order to qualify students for GATE services and opportunities that begin in 4th grade.

Students who score at or above the 92nd percentile rank will be eligible for participation in GATE.  Please note that the percentile rank is not to be confused with “percentage correct.” 

GATE tests are scored and sent home after the GATE testing window closes by school sites. Students identified as GATE in GUSD are not retested and retain their identification as they remain enrolled in GUSD. 

Parents and guardians have the option to withdraw their child from taking the NNAT3 by completing the opt-out form: digitally at http://tiny.cc/GATEoptout or submitting a paper version of the opt out form available from the child’s school. 

For more information regarding NNAT3 administration, please contact your school site Teacher Specialist.

How can I prepare my student for GATE testing?

The test does not require any prior preparation and the results will not impact your child’s grades.

My student qualified for GATE identification, now what?

Your child will be receiving differentiated instruction as is appropriate in the classroom. Differentiated instruction is a teaching approach to meet students’ learning needs. All the students have the same learning goal. But the instruction varies based on students’ interests, preferences, and strengths. In addition, each school may also offer additional GATE learning experiences outside of the regular classroom. Students identified as GATE in GUSD are not retested each year and retain their identification as they remain enrolled in GUSD.   

My student did not qualify for GATE identification, now what?

The District will continue to provide a rich, challenging and nourishing educational environment for your child.                              ** Please contact your school site Teacher Specialist for more information.**

National Organizations
National Association for Gifted Children - NAGC is a non-profit organization that focuses resources on training teachers, encouraging parents, and educating administrators and policy makers about how to develop and support gifted children. The NAGC website includes links to parent resources. Resources include definitions of giftedness, FAQs, and links to additional resources.

Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted - SENG supports education and research about the unique social and emotional needs of gifted children and adults. The website includes free access to articles and other media on topics related to giftedness.


State Organizations
California Association for the Gifted - A membership organization for educators, parents and community members interested in advocacy and support for gifted and talented students. Hosts an annual conference, as well as regional events on topics related to gifted education.

Cal State LA Early Entrance Program - The Early Entrance Program (EEP) is a unique educational program that is specifically designed to permit young highly gifted students to enroll in college as full-time students. The EEP was established at Cal State LA in 1982. The Program allows qualified students as young as 11 years of age the opportunity to excel at the university level. The average entering age is currently 13.5 years and all EEP students must be under the age of 16 by June 1st of the year in which they apply. The program maintains a population of approximately 130 full-time highly gifted teen-age students on the Cal State LA campus.

Local Organizations
Institute of Educational Advancement - This educational non-profit in Pasadena is sharing a great opportunity for Glendale Unified GATE educators and parents to attend IEA’s complimentary monthly Gifted Support Group (GSG) meeting. GSG features professionals who are experts on various aspects of gifted youth and education. These meetings provide support and community, a venue for shared discovery, and a space to exchange resources and ideas.

General Resources
National Inventors Hall of Fame Educational Programs-Ready,Set, STEM Handbook- At-home family activities

Enrichment Websites

A comprehensive list of enrichment activities which students can engage in at home.

Wonderopolis - Wonder of the Day and more intriguing questions for students of all ages.

NASA STEM- Activities and opportunities selected by NASA STEM experts

Hoagies' Gifted Education Page - Comprehensive resource for parents and educators of gifted children, including articles and research, books, organizations, online support groups, and academic programs. Includes extensive resources (more than 1,150 pages of resources), including resources for parents and resources for gifted children and teenagers. Unique features include "Gifted 101: A Guide for First Time Visitors" and links to books, toys and other products recommended for gifted children. Hoagies also maintains a Facebook page.

Renzulli Center for Creativity, Gifted Education and Talent Development - The University of Connecticut, NEAG School of Education, is home to the Renzulli Center for Creativity, Gifted Education and Talent Development, which focuses on research related to the education of gifted and talented studnets. Although the focus of the website is on education/educators, there are links to parent resources as well.

The Davidson Institute - A national non-profit organization dedicated to supporting profoundly gifted students 18 and under. Includes a comprehensive, keyword searchable database of resources.

Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth - The John Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (CTY) is a nonprofit center that identifies K-12 learners of great academic promise through an annual Talent Search, then nurtures their intellect and personal growth through gifted and talented Summer Programs, Online Programs courses, and other services and resources.

Mensa for Kids - Mensa membership is limited to people who score in the top 2 percent of the general population on standardized intelligence tests. Mensa offers membership to gifted youth ages 14 to 18 who meet the same criteria.

Davidsongifted.org - This website has a large collection of resources for and about twice exceptional children. Find stories and personal accounts, parent support, and information for professionals.

uniquelygifted.org - This site is named after the book Uniquely Gifted: Identifying and Meeting the Needs of the Twice-Exceptional Student, edited by Kiesa Kay.

Reusing Plastic Bottles - Crafts and Projects