GATE/SAS PROGRAM . The Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program is a state-funded program provided for students in grades 3-5 who have been qualified through an identification process established by the district. Cowan students identified as gifted benefit from differentiated instruction, in which the core curriculum (Language Arts and Math) is modified. This includes acceleration/ pacing, levels of complexity, depth, and novelty with the expectation that students will produce work that is appropriate to their individual learning interests, assessed needs, and abilities. For more info see: Powerpoint of GATE Presentation from PTA meeting Differentiation in Cowan classrooms looks like: Language Arts : Inquiry and investigation research related to unit theme, challenge homework, centers Math : Real-life math applications, enrichment homework, word problems, centers Science : Challenge/extension questions, experiments Social Studies : Challenge extension questions, Socratic seminars (ethical discussions) Cowan’s gifted students also benefit from the following enrichment activities: Science Fair : Focus on scientific process and generation of science project ideas Academic Challenge : Challenges in Spelling, Geography, Public Speaking, Math, Reading, and Science Schools for Advanced Studies (SAS) SCHOOL FOR ADVANCED STUDIES (SAS) The Schools for Advanced Studies (SAS) are programs designed  throughout the District which have been implemented to improve  educational options and increase professional training to support the  development of gifted and talented youth.  As an SAS school, Cowan  students participate in enrichment programs that support and enhance  their standards based curriculum, and teachers regularly participate  in professional development and team meetings in order to be best  prepared to meet the needs of their gifted students. For more information on LAUSD’s SAS program, go to http://sfpc.lausd.k12.ca.us/GATE/prog-opt-2.html.