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

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

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

GATE Preschool Testing

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.