At Boyd Elementary, classroom teachers meet the needs of high-ability learners on a daily basis through classroom differentiation. The district assigns a GATE (Gifted And Talented Education) facilitator to facilitate learning for high-ability students who meet the criteria.

To be identified for these services, a student must have met at least 3 of the 4 criteria listed below: 

COGNITIVE – Top 5% at the school or national level on an intelligence/cognitive test  

ACHIEVEMENT – Top 5% at the school or national level on a grade-level achievement test  

MOTIVATION/PERFORMANCE – “A” or Advanced (ADV) in 60% or more courses on the most recent grade report, 3.5 G.P.A. equivalent, OR a qualifying recommendation for Motivation/Performance as verified from the Second Grade Classroom Teacher Input Form OR Parent/Guardian/Student/Staff Recommendation Form 

CREATIVITY/LEADERSHIP – Qualifying recommendation for Creativity/Leadership as verified from the Second Grade Classroom Teacher Input Form OR Parent/Guardian/Student/Staff Recommendation Form 

Gifted and Talented Education strives to identify high-performing and potentially gifted students within the Omaha Public Schools, nurture their social and emotional development and enhance their curriculum experiences so these unique students may reach their fullest potential.  GATE students learn with Ms. Lisa Fox, GATE facilitator, on Cycle Days 5&10.  Students participate in learning aligned with a district framework that focuses on creativity, problem solving, inquiry, and critical thinking.  Students also enjoy participating in Reading Olympics Book Club with Ms. Fox.