Testing Services

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GATE Identification: How does it happen?
 (Please scroll down for Preschool Testing criteria)

 GATE is Not for Everyone!

 The GATE program is for children of above-average intelligence.  They must be chosen to participate.  
Because Guam has only one GATE tester, it is physically impossible to test all students in Guam public
schools for GATE.  

 SAT-10 Testing Aids in Screening

 All students in grades 1-8 are given the SAT-10 every May.  By the following August/September, these
scores are available for use to screen those students.  An 80th percentile (NPR) overall on the Complete
Battery is the minimum needed for to be considered for further GATE testing; those students may be
considered for GATE nomination.

 What about other students without SAT-10 scores?

 Students without a current SAT-10 score (which are valid for two years) need other screening measures.  
For grades Kindergarten and 1st grade, teachers may nominate up to three students whom they deem
above average in intelligence. (If, for example, 2 of the 3 qualify for GATE, then 2 more may be nominated.)  
These students are given an individual achievement test which tests achievement in 5 areas: General
Information, Reading Recognition (Decoding), Reading Comprehension, Mathematics, and Spelling.  
Since 3 of the 5 areas tested are related to reading, it is highly recommended that students be able to
read above their age level before being tested for GATE.

 What about second-language students who are smart but don’t score high on the SAT-10?

 Other students may have SAT-10 scores which lack validity because their cultural/language background is
different from English.  For these students who show promise, any SAT-10 score below 80th percentile
may be disregarded.  It should be prominently noted on the front of the Teacher Rating that the child has
Limited English Proficiency (LEP).  LEP students are given a  non-verbal puzzle-like test first as a
screening device.

 What is the testing timeline?

 Once the homeroom teacher fills out the Teacher Rating Scale and the parents sign the Permission to
Test Form (both available from the GATE teacher at the school) and are turned in at the GATE office, the
tester schedules the testing session.

The GATE tester visits your child’s school (public schools only) to test.  The child, teacher, GATE teacher,
and principal are all notified of the results of the child’s testing.  If qualified for GATE identification, then
services will start immediately.

For information regarding testing, call 475-0552/98.


 GATE Preschool Testing
 For Children who will be 4 years old by July 31 of that school year.

 There are 6 GATE Preschool sites:

 
  • Harry S. Truman Elementary in Santa Rita
     
  • MU Lujan Elementary in Yona
     
  • Agana Heights Elementary  
     
  • Tamuning Elementary  
     
  • Finegayan Elementary in Dededo
     
  • D.L. Perez Elementary in Yigo
     

Testing occurs each year from March through May, at which time testing is closed for the upcoming school
year. GATE Preschool  begins in August.

 To have 4 year-olds tested:

 Beginning in March, parents should go to the GATE Office (located in the lobby of the GATE Theatre in
Tiyan across from the Tiyan Gym) to fill out a Parent Permission to Test (parent or legal guardian must
sign) Form.  The 4 year-old's birth certificate or passport must be shown as proof of age. Processing of
applications is from Monday - Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. At that time parents will be
given an appointment for the child's testing. Appointments are given on a first come, first serve basis.
Slots are very limited, so make-up appointments WILL NOT be given for missed appointments.

 Tips for on the day of Testing:

 Prepare your child by making sure your child is well rested and has a good breakfast. Try not to use the
word "test" when preparing your child because some kids remember tests at the clinic that involve
needles and "ow-ies".  You might tell them that they are going to school to do schoolwork with their
teacher.
· Be relaxed, and your child will also relax.
· Please arrive at the test site 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.

 
    TEST #1: Your child must be able to separate from the parent (or the adult that brings him/her) &
    "do schoolwork" in the testing room with the tester.

    TEST #2: The tester will be asking your child to copy some easy designs.

    TEST #3: The child will tell the tester what some words mean or recognize simple objects.

    TEST #4: The tester and your child will play a thinking game together.
     

At the end of the testing session, the tester will review test results with the parent.  If the child does qualify
for the GATE Preschool parents will be notified in June whether the child's scores were in the top 14 for
each test site. The top 14 scorers make up each class; others will be put on a waiting list based on
scores.

Preschool classes start in August after a general parents' meeting and individual visits to the classroom.