The Bartow County School System’s Gifted And Talented Education With Accelerated Youth (GATEWAY) program serves students in grades K-12. Students identified in the GATEWAY program are provided an academically enriched and differentiated curriculum. The curricula for gifted students shall focus on developing cognitive learning, research and reference, and metacognitive skills at each grade grouping, using principles of differentiation.

The mission of gifted education is to maximize the potential of gifted and talented students by providing programs and services that accommodate their advanced learning styles. Students identified as gifted and whose participation has received parental consent shall receive services in the GATEWAY program using GaDOE approved models of instruction.

Each school has a screening committee to review test scores and other data that will aid in determining eligibility. Students who are referred for further evaluation are assessed in mental ability, achievement, motivation, and creativity. Students must meet the criteria in at least three of these four areas in order to be eligible for gifted services. The State Board of Education determines eligibility criteria for placement in the gifted program. For a summary of those criteria or for further information, please contact Mrs. Allen, the GATEWAY Program teacher, at KES.

Goal 1: Gifted students will develop advanced research skills and methods. Curriculum for gifted students should allow for the in-depth learning of self-directed topics iwthin an area of study.

Goal 2: Gifted students will develop and practice creative thinking and problem-solving skills with a variety of complex topics within an area of study.

Goal 3: Gifted students will develop and practice higher order and critical thinking skills across academic areas.

Goal 4: Gifted students will develop advanced communication skills. Curriculum for gifted students should encourage the use of new techniques, materials and formats, in the development of products that will be shared with real audiences. 

MEET YOUR TEACHERS!

Mrs. Allen​ & Ms. Rolley

Hi! My name is Colleen Allen. I have been teaching GATEWAY at KES for 3 years. This will be my 23nd year as an educator! I have taught Pre-K through 5th grades, Gifted Resource and Talent Development. I am a Lego Robotics team coach and Elementary Beta club sponsor. I am attending Berry College in pursuit of my Masters degree! I live in Dallas with my husband and 2 teenage children. I enjoy camping with my family, friends and active in my church choir and youth ministry.

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Hello! I’m Bekah Rolley. This is my 9th year teaching. I have previously taught 4th and 5th grade in Bartow County before transitioning to the second GATEWAY teacher here at KES! I have a bachelors from Kennesaw State University, a masters from Arkansas State University, and a specialist from University of West Georgia. As much as my students learn from me, I learn so much from them, and that is what makes this job so great! I’m excited and honored to be a small chapter in my students’ educational journey!