GATE Program
The fundamental purpose of the Manhattan Beach Unified School District is to ensure that all students learn at high levels. Within our Personalized Learning Framework, we take collective responsibility for educating the whole child and focus on evidence of learning to ensure student success. MBUSD students identified as Gifted and Talented receive differentiated instruction within the general education classroom under the guidance of a GATE certified teacher. Each educator creates an atmosphere that is intellectually and academically appropriate, fosters creativity, and provides emotional support for each student.
Qualification for Gifted and Talented Identification
There are not nationwide or statewide standards for identification. Each school district may determine program guidelines and policies regarding all aspects of GATE. Additionally, GATE identification is not a prerequisite for any high school coursework, and it is not recorded on school transcripts or higher education applications.
In MBUSD, Students scoring 135+ on the OLSAT 8 are identified as gifted and talented. Students scoring 130 - 134 and exceeding expectations in both ELA and math of the CAASPP, are identified as gifted and talented. Students who do not qualify (129 and below) in third grade may take the OLSAT again (once in either fourth grade or fifth grade and once in either sixth grade or seventh grade).
OLSAT 8 Testing for GATE Identification
The OLSAT 8 exam is offered to grades 3-7 for GATE identification during the month of March. Please contact your school's principal for specific testing and make-up testing dates. Grade 3 exams will be administered during the school day. Grades 4-7 exams will be administered after school by voluntary sign-up. You will want to contact your school office for more information about signing up to take the exam. Students who have already been identified for GATE do not need to take the exam again. Results will be mailed via US mail to parents/guardians during the summer break.
Otis-Lennon School Ability Test, Eighth Edition (OLSAT8)
The exam time allotted for each level is 40 minutes. The exams will be administered on through a paper-based test in the following format:
Grade 3-Level D (64 items)
Grade 4-Level E (72 items)
Grade 5-Level E (72 items)
Grade 6-Level F (72 items)
Grade 7-Level F (72 items)
OLSAT 8 Description
- Identified students are placed with a teacher who has earned (or is in the process of earning) GATE certification
- Identified students are placed with a math and/or science teacher who has earned (or is in the process of earning) GATE certification
- Students' purple folders are kept in the counseling office through grade eight.
GATE Trip Dates 2024-2025
MBMS 6th Grade Field Trip to the USS Midway in San Diego, CA from 5/2/25-5/3/25
Students engage in hands-on opportunities to lead, solve problems, make decisions, and take carefully designed "perceived risks" individually and as part of a team.