Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)
The Gifted and Talented Services at Morris Brandon
The Georgia State Board of Education defines a gifted student as “…a student who demonstrates a high degree of intellectual, and/or creative ability(ies), exhibits an exceptionally high degree of motivation, and/or excels in specific academic fields, and who needs special instruction and/or special ancillary services to achieve at levels commensurate with his or her abilities.”
Atlanta Public Schools provide services for identified gifted students at all levels. The gifted program is designed to meet the particular needs of these students and extend competencies in cognitive skills, learning skills, research and reference skills, communication skills, and metacognitive skills beyond the regular classroom experience.
The Georgia State Department of Education governs the procedures for identifying and placing students in the gifted program.
Gifted and Talented Education in Atlanta Public Schools (APS) provides differentiated instruction for intellectually advanced and creatively gifted students. Gifted services are available for students at Morris Brandon in first through fifth grade who are actively enrolled in APS school. Students in Atlanta enrolled in private schools or home study programs are not eligible for APS gifted testing and services.
Morris Brandon’s gifted delivery models are Collaboration and Cluster Grouping. They are the only approved models that align with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program (PYP).
In the Collaboration Model, gifted students are served daily within their homeroom through targeted instructional collaboration between the homeroom (content-certified) teacher and a gifted-endorsed teacher.
The Cluster Grouping model is when the teacher of record is gifted-endorsed, so students receive services daily from their homeroom teacher.
Identifying, Serving, Enriching, and Supporting Gifted Learners in Atlanta Public Schools
Atlanta Public Schools (APS) is committed to empowering exceptional learners to thrive academically and creatively. Through our Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program, we provide enriched learning experiences for students in grades K–12 who demonstrate exceptional intellectual ability or creative talent. These opportunities—available in all traditional APS schools—are designed to challenge, inspire, and nurture each child’s unique strengths. Students are identified through a fair, state-approved process that evaluates mental ability, academic achievement, creativity, and motivation, ensuring every gifted learner receives the right level of support.
Our Vision
Gifted and Talented Education in Atlanta Public Schools will architect globally competitive, critical, and creative thinkers of the 21st Century.
Our Mission
Through advocacy and innovation, the unique needs of gifted and talented students will be recognized,valued, and nurtured so their inspired minds are equipped to change the world.
Gifted and Talented Education in Atlanta Public Schools (APS) provides differentiated instruction for intellectually advanced and creatively gifted students. Gifted services are available for actively enrolled students in kindergarten through twelfth grade in an APS school. Note that students residing in the city of Atlanta enrolled in private schools or home study programs are not eligible for APS gifted testing and services.
Parent FAQs on the Gifted Eligibility Process and the Assessments UsedÂ
- What is Gifted and Talented Education?
- What opportunities are available for gifted learners?
- Who oversees gifted education in Georgia's public schools?
- How are standards updated?
- Where can I get support to help my gifted student?
What is Gifted and Talented Education?
What opportunities are available for gifted learners?
Who oversees gifted education in Georgia's public schools?
How are standards updated?
Where can I get support to help my gifted student?
Gifted Contacts
Carla Kendall, Ed.S.
GATE Lead Teacher
Testing Manager
cckendall@atlanta.k12.ga.us
Lena Minock, Ed.M.
GATE Teacher
elene.minock@atlanta.k12.ga.us