Parents to Discuss New Gifted Program
A group of parents interested in creating a new program for gifted students at schools in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District will hold an informational meeting for the public tonight.
Unhappy with the current Gifted and Talented Education program, parents decided to study ways to give advanced students a more rigorous curriculum. GATE classes meet twice weekly for a couple of hours, a schedule that some parents believe is not enough to challenge gifted students.
The Board of Trustees lent its support to the parents’ proposal in June, agreeing that the district should look at ways to improve its existing program for advanced students.
The parents said they planned to model their program after one in the Irvine Unified School District. That program gives students the option of attending accelerated classes all day, every school day.
They hope to have a pilot program, open to all advanced students in the district, in place at Harbor View Elementary School in Newport Beach by the fall.
If successful, the Harbor View model would be extended to all the schools in the district.
The meeting will be held today at 7 p.m. at the Harper Community Center, 425 E. 18th St., Costa Mesa. Information: (714) 760-3500.
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