Qualifying Information

The Tracy Unified School District has developed an identification process that ensures all students (including those from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, and/or disabilities) an equal opportunity to be identified and participate in the GATE program.  There are a variety of ways that a student can qualify.  The following are some examples:

GATE Id	High Achiever
For Students Entering 2nd grade Each year Tracy Unified School District offers all students the opportunity to be assessed for eligibility to our GATE program for the coming school year.  In the past a letter was mailed home inviting all interested parents to have their 1st grader tested.  For the 2012-13 school year we have decided to pilot a new assessment process.  All 1st grade students across the district will be assessed.  The assessment will take place at your child's school site during the school day. As per our past practice, to qualify to be placed in GATE a student must score at or about the 95th percentile on the Otis-Lennon School Ability Test (OLSAT). A score between the 85th and 94th percentile on the OLSAT will put the student in the category of situational placement.  Students will be accepted per space availability.	For Students Entering 2nd grade Multiple measures are looked at when placing a student: OLSAT score, formative assessments and the cognitive characteristic checklist.
For Students Entering 3rd grade   A score at or above the 95th percentile on the OLSAT.  *If the student scores between the 70th-79th percentiles on the OLSAT they are eligible to take the KTEA II as a re-test.  A score at or about the 95th percentile on the KTEA II.    A score between the 80th and 94th percentile on the OLSAT.  This will be a situational eligibility placement on a space available basis.	For Students Entering 3rd grade Multiple measures are looked at when placing a student: OLSAT score, formative assessments and the cognitive characteristic checklist.
For Students Entering 4th-5th grade A score at or above the 95th percentile on the OLSAT. A score between the 80th and 94th percentile on the OLSAT.  This will be a situational eligibility placement on a space available basis.   An OLSAT score between the 70th - 79th percentiles combined with 2 years STARS scores.  STAR scores must be advanced in both Lang/Eng and Math for both years.	For Students Entering 4th-5th grade Multiple measures are looked at when placing a student: OLSAT score, CST scores and the cognitive characteristic checklist. Roll-over from previous year after evaluation.
For Students Entering 6th-8th grade A score at or above the 95th percentile on the OLSAT.	For Students Entering 6th-8th grade There are three measures that are reviewed in placing a high achiever: OLSAT score, CST scores and the cognitive characteristic checklist.  When determining placement for high achievers a list of all students that did not qualify is sorted from highest to lowest using the OLSAT score.  Then their CST scores are collected for the last two years.  The OLSAT and CST scores are then sorted highest to lowest.  A list is compiled with these measures and sent to the middle school counselor.

• In addition, if students enter the district after our official GATE assessment dates, they will be assessed (as requested by a teacher).  Students will be placed at their home school for 30 days and then the teacher may request an assessment.
• Assessments by private licensed psychologists are considered on a case-by-case basis. 
• Scores must be current within one year of GATE placement.
• In the case of dispute, appeals may be made to the Director of Student Services, a designee of the Superintendent.  All decisions will be final.