Gifted and Talented Education

Students are considered for screening for GATE services using both qualitative and quantitative data, including district benchmarks and universal consideration tools.
Eligibility for GATE services is determined using a multiple measures matrix, which includes district benchmarks and a cognitive aptitude test.

District wide testing consideration and administration to determine GATE service eligibility takes place in the Spring semester of each school year in grades K to 7 in all MNPS elementary and middle schools (this does not include charter schools).

The GATE office offers an open testing window during the fall semester, which remains available through the Monday following Presidents Day. This window is designated for students who did not participate in spring testing. It ensures that transfer students and those identified through assessments or Support Team meetings have access to testing outside the spring window.

Please note: Students may only be tested once per school year.

Ensuring equitable access to GATE services is a main priority for GATE educators. Academically talented students come from a variety of cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic backgrounds. Students might also be twice-exceptional, referring to intellectually gifted children who have one or more learning disabilities such as dyslexia, ADHD, or autism spectrum disorder. MNPS strives for equitable access to GATE services in both testing and classroom settings by providing:

• Universal Consideration Tool and multiple measures criteria for identifying students for testing and qualifying for GATE services
• Talented Development classes
• A GATE teacher at each K-8 MNPS school

Intellectually Gifted vs. Academically Gifted

• Intellectually Gifted: “Students whose intellectual abilities, creativity, and potential for achievement are so outstanding that the child’s needs exceed differentiated general education programming, adversely affects educational performance, and requires specifically designed instruction or support services.”

From Tennessee Department of Education

• Academically Gifted and Talented: “Students who academically perform or have the capability to perform at higher academic levels compared to their age and/or grade peers."

From The National Association for Gifted Children

*The majority of MNPS GATE students are Academically Gifted and Talented.

Some common characteristics of gifted students include, but are not limited to:

• Ability to comprehend material several grade levels above their age peers
• Surprising emotional depth and sensitivity at a young age
• Strong sense of curiosity
• Enthusiastic about unique interests and topics
• Quirky or mature sense of humor
• Creative problem solving and imaginative expression
• Absorbs information quickly with few repetitions needed
• Self-aware, socially aware, and aware of global issues

The National Association for Gifted Children provides additional characteristics of gifted students that parents might find helpful. Keep in mind that every gifted student is unique; they may exhibit a combination of these traits, display only a few intensely, or you might find that none of them quite fit.

Primary Education Thinking Skills

In this foundational unit, young gifted and talented learners will develop critical and creative thinking skills through playful exploration, problem-solving, and hands-on activities. Students will practice observing, comparing, classifying, and reasoning as they begin to understand how their minds work and how to approach challenges with curiosity and confidence.

Zoology

In this interactive science unit, students will become young zoologists as they explore how animals are classified and what makes each group unique. Through engaging lessons on vertebrates and invertebrates—including fish, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and birds—students will investigate animal characteristics, habitats, and conservation efforts. The unit encourages curiosity, observation, and critical thinking as students learn to sort, compare, and appreciate the diversity of life around them.

Paleontology: Unearthing the Prehistoric World

In this hands-on science unit, students will journey back in time to explore prehistoric Earth, the fascinating world of dinosaurs, and the science of paleontology. Centered around the guiding question, “What evidence proves that dinosaurs once roamed the Earth?”, students will investigate fossils, geological clues, and scientific discoveries that help us understand the distant past. Through inquiry-based activities and collaborative learning, students will think like paleontologists and uncover the mysteries of ancient life.

Physics of Toys

In this engaging unit, students become toy makers and scientists as they explore the physics behind their favorite toys. Through hands-on investigations, they’ll discover how simple machines, gravity, magnetism, force, energy, and flight bring toys to life—making learning both fun and meaningful.

Utopia and The Mysteries of History

Guided by the theme of discovery, students will examine how ideals shape the development of civilizations through the lens of discovery and world history. By exploring the evolving concept of utopia in literature, art, history, and their own lives, students will analyze how societies are built around core beliefs, government, economy, and sustainability. The unit challenges students to consider how collective actions influence the world and how modern technological advancements may be reshaping individuals and society today.

The Human Spark: What Does It Mean to Be Human?

Continuing from the fall semester, students will explore concepts of truth and justice. They will investigate mock crime scenes and analyze evidence to understand the role of forensic scientists in the justice system.

Epidemiology

This unit explores how early human migration into river valleys laid the foundation for agriculture, surplus, and the rise of civilizations. As population density increased, so did the conditions for the spread of disease. Through a series of cross-curricular lessons, students will investigate the role of rivers in shaping human history and examine how epidemics influenced the development and decline of ancient societies.

Testing results from the Spring 2025 GATE testing will be emailed prior to the Fall 2025 semester.

No, you do not need to re-enroll your child each year.

You may contact the GATE office at gatequestions@mnps.org.

If your child attends an MNPS middle school, your child will continue to receive GATE services through 8th grade. We do not have GATE services at MLK or in charter schools.