Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about GATE screening, referral, and results. For the full process and current dates, see the GATE Screening and GATE Identification Process pages.
Eligibility & Testing
Who can test for GATE?
The district gives a GATE screening test to all second-grade students, unless a parent or guardian opts their child out; families receive a notification before the testing window. Students in grades 3 through 8 must be referred by a teacher or a parent/guardian.
Can kindergarten and first-grade students be referred?
No. The district's general GATE identification process begins in second grade, when all students are assessed unless a parent opts their child out. Parents/guardians, teachers, and/or administrators may refer students in grades 3–8.
Can my child be tested more than once during the school year?
No. GATE testing takes place only once a year. See the GATE Screening page for testing dates.
The Assessment
How can I prepare my child for the GATE assessment?
The assessment is designed to be taken without any preparation. You can help by encouraging your child to do their best while keeping pressure and anxiety low.
What assessment does the district use?
Second graders take the Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices; students in grades 3–8 take the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices. Raven's is a non-verbal, multiple-choice test: the student is shown a geometric design with a missing piece and chooses which option best completes it. The assessment is administered in person.
Results & Qualifying
When will I receive my child's results?
Parents/guardians of referred students receive a GATE notification letter with results at the end of the identification process. Letters are mailed to the home address on file — if your address has changed, please contact your child's school. See the GATE Screening page for the notification date.
How are my child's results reported?
Results are reported as a percentile score, based on the number of correct responses and the student's age at the time of testing. The percentile represents the percentage of the norm group of tested students who scored lower than your child.
What score does a child need to qualify as Gifted?
A student who scores at the 98th percentile or above qualifies for GATE.
Special Situations
What can I do if my child did not qualify for Gifted Services?
The Raven's test is only one measure; multiple measures are considered when identifying gifted students. We suggest monitoring your child's progress on the CAASPP assessments in the spring. Students can be referred to the identification process again the following school year.
My child is already identified as Gifted with OSD — do they need to go through the referral process again?
No. Once a child qualifies for Gifted Services, they do not need to re-test and will continue to receive gifted services every year while enrolled in the Oxnard School District.
My child was identified as Gifted in another district — will they continue to receive services here?
Transfer students previously identified in another district are designated as gifted if they meet OSD's identification criteria. The parent/guardian and/or site staff must submit verification paperwork from the previous district to the District Testing Coordinator in Educational Services.