Elementary School Programs

MULTIPLE CRITERIA MEASURE

IUSD conducts an annual Multiple Criteria Measure screening process for ALL students in 3rd through 5th grades to identify students for placement in the GATE program. The process takes place automatically for students within the school day and over the course of the school year. Program eligibility is based on the student's performance across multiple criteria measures (MCM). To qualify, students must score within the top 20% of his/her grade level. All students, regardless of educational model, will be screened and are eligible for GATE identification. 

Please see:  Overview of IUSD GATE Screening Process 2023-24
Overview of IUSD GATE Screening Process 2024-25

Each IUSD elementary school provides cluster classes for GATE-identified students in 4th through 6th grades. Cluster classrooms include a small group of GATE program students within a mixed-ability, general education classroom. This model allows the classroom teacher to more effectively differentiate instruction, and provides interaction for GATE students with both their intellectual and age peers.

Teachers of gifted learners are provided with professional learning specific to meeting the academic and social/emotional needs of gifted and advanced learners. GATE teachers assess each student's current knowledge and skill level and make adjustments to instruction and curriculum to meet individual needs. Students participating in GATE cluster groups receive differentiated instructional opportunities designed with elements of depth, complexity and content imperatives across the grade-level core curriculum. Differentiated instruction is provided within the school day and in the general education classroom through the use of flexible groupings, supplemental materials, and varied learning activities. Differentiation is not accomplished by assigning GATE students more homework or special at-home projects.

Please see: Overview of IUSD Advanced Learning Program Model 

1. How are students placed in the GATE program?

IUSD conducts an annual Multiple Criteria Measure screening process for ALL students in 3rd through 5th grades to identify students for placement in the GATE program. The process takes place automatically for students within the school day and over the course of the school year. Program eligibility is based on the student's performance across multiple criteria measures (MCM). To qualify, students must score within the top 20% of his/her grade level.  Once a student is placed in the program, the placement remains valid throughout middle school. 
Please see: Overview of IUSD Screening Process 2023-24
Overview of IUSD GATE Screening Process 2024-25

2. When will students be evaluated via the Multiple Criteria Measure?

Criteria measures will be gathered throughout the school year. GATE placement is completed at the end of the school year, and parents are notified via email of GATE placement by early July. 

3. What happens if my child is absent on the day of one of the MCM assessments?

Your child's classroom teacher will provide a make-up testing session for your child.

4. What information is reviewed for the 3rd Grade Multiple Criteria Measure (MCM) process?

The MCM process includes the criteria measures below. All components are completed at school and will be gathered throughout the year.
Achievement Measures
CAASPP ELA and Math Scale score. (Beginning fall 2024, the 3rd grade MCM process will include the student's most recent CAASPP assessment.) 
STAR Reading and Math: These IUSD Universal Assessments are administered to all students. Fall and Winter scores will be used as criteria measures. 
Creativity Measure:  Writing Sample: Students respond to a writing prompt. Writing samples are evaluated for use of divergent thought and creative narrative techniques across a 4 point rubric.
Ability Measure: The Naglieri (NNAT) is administered to all 3rd grade students. 

5. What information is reviewed for the 4th and 5th Grade Multiple Criteria Measure (MCM) process?

The MCM process includes the criteria measures below.
Achievement/Ability Measures
First, Second & Third Trimester Grades. (Beginning fall 2024, Third Trimester Grades will be included.)
English Language Arts
CAASPP ELA Scale score. (Beginning fall 2024, scores included in the MCM review are from the student's most recent CAASPP assessment.) 
STAR Reading: This IUSD Universal Assessment is administered to all students. Fall and Winter scores will be used as criteria measures.  
Math
CAASPP Math Scale score. (Beginning fall 2024, scores included in the MCM review are from the student's most recent CAASPP assessment.) 
STAR Math: This IUSD Universal Assessment is administered to all students. Fall and Winter scores will be used as criteria measures. 

6. How will IUSD quantify the information for the Multiple Criteria Measure for GATE placement?

Once the data has been collected, the GATE Department works with IUSD's Data Department to review all criteria measure scores and identify the top 20% of each grade level for program placement.

7. Will teachers be able to recommend students for GATE placement?

No. It would be difficult to maintain comparable opinions across a district of IUSD’s size. In providing as fair and universal process as possible for each student, a teacher’s recommendation would include too much variation for the process. 

8. Will the outcome of the GATE screening process be shared with families?

The GATE Department will notify the families of students that qualify for program placement by early July and students will be placed in the GATE program the following school year.  Parents may request their child's Multiple Criteria Measure (MCM) score report by filling out the form here:  GATE MCM Score Report

9. Why does IUSD have different program placement criteria than other neighboring school districts?

Each school district in California incorporates its own GATE program placement process. IUSD begins screening students in 3rd grade and the GATE program begins in 4th grade.

10. Is private intelligence testing accepted for GATE placement?

In accordance with national research on best practices for GATE program placement, IUSD does not accept private psychologist's assessments.

11. What is the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test or NNAT?

The NNAT is a non-verbal measure of ability. It measures reasoning and problem solving abilities utilizing a complex set of geometric shapes and designs. Students will determine a pattern formed by a set of shapes organized into groups, then choose an answer that completes the pattern. This multiple choice test takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. The NNAT assessment is administered by your child's teacher and completed on computers or tablets.

12. How do I prepare my child for the Multiple Criteria Measures (MCM)?

Families and students should not prepare for the GATE screening process. Please allow your child to take the assessments without stress. These are not high-stakes "GATE" tests as they are only one measure being considered within our comprehensive process. Children usually enjoy the assessment activities because they present as puzzles and allow for creative problem solving.

13. What is differentiated instruction?

In the differentiated classroom, GATE teachers assess each student's current knowledge and skill level and make adjustments to instruction and curriculum to meet their individual needs. Students participating in GATE cluster groups receive differentiated instructional opportunities across the grade-level core curriculum. Differentiated instruction is provided within the school day and general education classroom through the use of flexible groupings, supplemental materials, and varied learning activities. Differentiation is not accomplished by assigning GATE students additional homework or special at-home projects. 

14. Once placed in the GATE program, will a student need to be screened each year?

No, once a student is placed in the GATE program, this remains a part of the student’s record until graduation. Students will stay in the GATE cluster program through the end of 6th grade. And, all students will have the opportunity to participate in advanced learner programs at the middle and high school levels per each school’s program and placement policy. IUSD schools offer a variety of options that can include GATE, Honors, and Advanced Placement courses.

15. We are new to IUSD and my child participated in the GATE program in his/her previous district. Will my child be eligible for GATE in IUSD?

Students transferring from outside IUSD who have participated in their previous district's GATE program, must meet the criteria established for IUSD's GATE program. For more information, view IUSD's Transfer Policy

16. Can we appeal the GATE screening and placement process?

Parents are not able to appeal the GATE screening and placement process. GATE is not a mandated program in California; therefore, each district develops its own program and criteria. In alignment with the National Association for Gifted Children and California Association for the Gifted, IUSD supports the extensive research on providing multiple measures over time for GATE placement.

17.  How about the optional OLSAT assessment?

IUSD will no longer be offering optional OLSAT testing. 

Each IUSD Elementary School has a teacher and a parent representative. These site representatives support their school’s program in providing appropriate services for each child and working to expand communication to both staff and community members.

A Parent Presentation video is available above and the application process can be reviewed here: Overview of APAAS Application Process 

The APAAS, Alternative Program for Academically Advanced Students, is an elementary school program option for students in 4th through 6th grades. The program is designed to meet the needs of a unique population of highly intellectual learners who consistently prefer creative outlets to demonstrate their understanding of content. Students successful in the program are individuals who have an innately high level of curiosity, think outside the parameters of conventional ideas, and are motivated by complex, open-ended options. The program is constructed for students who independently handle high-level assignments, collaborate with others, and have a strong foundation in math and reading, and can express ideas in writing. A student does not need to be GATE-identified to participate in APAAS.

Please see: Overview of IUSD Advanced Learning Program Model 

1. How can I obtain more information about the program?

A Parent Presentation video is available at the top of this page and the application process can be reviewed here: Overview of APAAS Application Process 

2. How do I apply?

Online applications for the 2025-26 APAAS program will open on January 6, 2025 and will close on February 14, 2025. Please note, no changes or late applications will be accepted.  

3.  Are there minimum requirements to apply for APAAS?

Any student who lives within our district boundaries at the time of application may apply. In order for the APAAS application to be processed, students must continue residing within our district boundaries. Applicants who move outside of the district boundaries after submitting their application will not be considered for the program. My School Locator

4.  What criteria are used for the APAAS selection process?

Criteria considered in the application process include achievement, ability and creativity components. APAAS application criteria are compiled and compared. Program placement is offered to the highest scoring students in order of score until all classes are filled. Applicants may request their child's 2024 APAAS application score report by filling out the form here: APAAS Application Score Report

5. What information is considered in the application process?

3rd Grade: 
Naglieri Non Verbal Ability Test 
STAR Math
STAR Reading
Writing sample

4th & 5th Grade:
STAR Math
STAR Reading
1st and 2nd trimester grades
CAASPP ELA & Math Scale scores

6. Will I be able to apply to all of the six APAAS schools?

Yes, students may apply to any of the six APAAS schools: Brywood, Deerfield, Eastshore, Santiago Hills, Bonita Canyon and Westpark (year round). Westpark starts in July and and acceptance into this school is a commitment to begin school in July. Please note that for the 2025-26 school year Turtle Rock will have 5th and 6th grade classes only. 

7. Will my student be placed in his/her first choice school?

Although we do our best to place students in their first choice school, due to multiple factors this is not always possible. Class capacity and teacher to student ratio are just some factors we take into consideration.

8. May I make any changes to the application once submitted?

No, we do not accept any changes once the application has been submitted.

9. What number of applicants are admitted?

We receive approximately 1,000 applications for 4th, 5th and 6th grade. There are approximately 200 openings for 4th grade. Openings in the 5th and 6th grade program vary each year. 

10. With so many applicants, why doesn’t IUSD open another APAAS school?

IUSD has invested much into its GATE-cluster program in order to provide a highly challenging, academic program for all gifted and advanced learners. With a large population of high-performing students, IUSD is committed to fostering a rigorous academic program within each of its schools. The GATE-cluster classroom at each school site incorporates best practices for gifted and advanced learners. APAAS is a specialized academic program that not all students would thrive in. APAAS’ design is centered on serving students who have a preference for learning via unique instructional methods. When asked to demonstrate content understanding, these students often prefer to create their own approach. APAAS incorporates options into the curriculum and instruction in order to foster a unique academic environment.

11.  Which schools have APAAS classes?

APAAS is offered at the following school sites for the 2025-26 school year: Brywood, Deerfield, Eastshore, Santiago Hills, Westpark (year-round calendar), Bonita Canyon - Grade 4 only, Turtle Rock  - Grade 5 & 6 only. 

The APAAS program currently housed at Turtle Rock Elementary will be transitioning to Bonita Canyon Elementary School beginning in 2025-26.  Over the next few years, each incoming 4th grade will be added until the full program is established at Bonita Canyon Elementary. 

12.  What is the difference between APAAS and GATE?

Both GATE and APAAS classes provide curriculum instruction aligned to grade level common core standards.

The GATE program is organized with gifted students placed together in a cluster group of like-minded individuals in a general education classroom. Specialized training with differentiated instruction and meeting the needs of the gifted learner has been provided for the teacher. All students identified as gifted may take part in the GATE program.

The APAAS, Alternative Program for Academically Advanced Students, is an elementary school program option for students in 4th through 6th grades. The program is designed to meet the needs of a unique population of highly intellectual learners who consistently prefer creative outlets to demonstrate their understanding of content. Students successful in the program are individuals who have an innately high level of curiosity, think outside the parameters of conventional ideas, and are motivated by complex, open-ended options. The program is constructed for students who independently handle high-level assignments, collaborate with others, have a strong foundation in math and reading, and can express ideas in writing. A student does not need to be GATE-identified to participate in APAAS.

13.  How will I know if APAAS is the right placement for my child?

Students who are successful in the APAAS program have a high level of curiosity, work independently, thrive on open-ended options, are intrinsically motivated to learn, and are comfortable with expressing their ideas in writing.

14. How well do students adjust to moving to a new school in order to attend an APAAS program?

This depends on many factors including maturation, temperament, social/emotional elements, and the child’s desire to be in this type of academic environment. Most students make the adjustment over a period of a few weeks.

15. My child is involved in several extracurricular activities.  Will the added rigor of this program be too much for him/her?

Many successful APAAS students participate in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, and other programs. Most people, in general, benefit from unscheduled time during the day and/or week in order to maintain a healthy attitude and perform at their best. 

16.  Once admitted to the program, may I transfer to another APAAS school site?

In spring, parents of current participating APAAS students will be asked to complete a Continuation Form. On this form, parents may request a transfer to another APAAS school site for the following year. If there is space available, transfer requests will be honored prior to placing new applicants in the program.

17. Is transportation provided?

No, parents are responsible for student transportation to and from all GATE and APAAS school locations.

18. Once placed in APAAS, must I reapply each year?

No, once a student is participating in the APAAS program, students continue through 6th grade. If an APAAS student is struggling socially or academically, we will work with the parents to review whether placement in the Program continues to be in the best interest of the student.

19.  When and how will I be notified if my student has been selected for APAAS?

Students and parents are notified via email of placement by the end of May. Parents must confirm acceptance of placement via email to finalize the placement. 

20. If a student does not get placed in APAAS, is there any chance to be placed after May?

If a program spot becomes available after the initial placement, placement will continue through the first six weeks of the school year. Program offers will be made to the highest scoring students in order of score. 

21.  What if I am an Irvine resident, but my child attends private (or other) school?

Irvine residents not currently enrolled in IUSD may submit an application form and provide their school information. Proof of residency will be required at time of application. The GATE Department may contact the school to gather additional necessary information. We may also ask for alternative information for all students not currently enrolled in IUSD.