What Does the Future of Davis's GATE Program Look Like?

The controversial GATE program will be discussed at Thursday night's Davis school board meeting, and vocal supporters of the program are expected to be in attendance to weigh in. 

The meeting is at 7 p.m. at Davis Community Chambers. 

The discussion will focus on extending the current GATE Master Plan, directing staff on a study of the program, and considering possible alternative names for GATE (Gifted And Talented Education). 

"There is no plan to eliminate self-contained GATE services," says the school board agenda. "The District will continue to explore additional ways to serve GATE identified students and will bring models back to the Board of Education for consideration." 

GATE has become a controversial topic in Davis. A group called Proposing Alternatives in GATE Education (PAGE) came together early this year to formally push for changes in the program.  

Letters about the program routinely show up in the Davis Enterprise. 

The issue took a bizarre turn when GATE supporter (and Davis parent) Kathy Glatter signed other community members' names and wrote detailed testimonials on a Change.org petition, only to be caught later on. 

The DJUSD GATE Master Plan expires in June 2013, according to the agenda. Although a formal plan isn't required by the state, the district feels it's best for the students to have one, and the first step would be a review. 

"A review of the GATE Program will help us to build off the strong foundation that already exists," according to the agenda. 

But supporters of GATE say several studies have already taken place, and are expected to say so at tonight's meeting. 

Will you be at the meeting? Share your thoughts below.