Third Street Elementary is committed to providing a rich and challenging learning environment for all its students, including those identified as gifted learners. One of the ways it achieves this is through its participation in the Schools for Advanced Studies (SAS) program. This designation recognizes schools that excel in providing exemplary Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) services and support. At Third Street Elementary, the SAS program is designed to nurture the unique academic needs of gifted learners in Kindergarten through 5th grade.
What is Schools for Advanced Studies (SAS)?
The Schools for Advanced Studies (SAS) designation is awarded to K-12 schools demonstrating outstanding implementation of Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) programs. These schools are characterized by their commitment to high-quality differentiated instruction. This approach emphasizes key elements like depth, complexity, acceleration, and novelty in the curriculum. SAS sites, like Third Street Elementary, offer advanced academic opportunities tailored to meet the specific educational requirements of K–12 gifted learners. These learners are identified across various categories, including Intellectual Ability, High Achievement, Specific Academic Ability, Creative Ability, and Leadership Ability, or are verified based on exceptional critical thinking and achievement.
Eligibility for 3rd Street Elementary’s SAS Program
Students interested in joining the SAS program at Third Street Elementary must meet specific eligibility criteria. These criteria are designed to identify students who would benefit most from the program’s advanced academic environment. Eligibility requirements vary slightly depending on the grade level of the applicant.
Grades 1-5 Eligibility Criteria
For students in Grades 1 through 5, there are several pathways to qualify for Third Street Elementary’s SAS program. A student needs to meet only ONE of the following criteria:
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Gifted Identification by LAUSD: Be officially identified as gifted in one or more categories (Intellectual, High Achievement, Specific Academic, Creative, or Leadership Ability) by a psychologist designated by L.A. Unified GATE.
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Standardized Test Scores: Achieve scores in the “Standard Exceeded” range on the 2018 Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) or attain a national percentile score of 85% or higher on a District-approved standardized norm-referenced test in both total reading and total math. Note that only the most recent year’s test scores are considered.
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Demonstrated Advanced Ability and Critical Thinking Skills: Demonstrate the ability or strong potential to perform at least two years above their current grade level in academic subjects. Additionally, students must demonstrate proficiency in ALL FOUR of the following critical thinking and problem-solving skills in their primary language:
- Explain complex relationships and meanings among facts, information, or concepts, showcasing depth of understanding.
- Develop original ideas or solutions and thoroughly elaborate on the information presented.
- Employ diverse methods to tackle unfamiliar mathematical problems.
- Utilize an extensive vocabulary with precision and ease to articulate creative ideas.
Kindergarten Eligibility Criteria
Kindergarten SAS applicants have a specific set of criteria designed to assess their readiness for advanced learning. To be eligible for the SAS program at Third Street Elementary, Kindergarten applicants must meet a minimum of 10 out of the 20 criteria listed below:
- Demonstrates the ability to work independently and shows goal-directed behavior.
- Uses descriptive language in sentences to express emotions, ideas, and opinions effectively (in primary language).
- Can narrate or retell stories with detailed descriptions and expressive language (in primary language).
- Recognizes and replicates complex patterning sequences and can create original patterns.
- Follows multi-step instructions with minimal guidance or redirection.
- Identifies letters A to Z, knows the sounds of all letters, and can write many letters.
- Counts to 100 orally, visually recognizes numbers 1 to 100, and writes numbers 1 to 25.
- Shows an innate or accelerated understanding of basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division).
- Remembers information and experiences, makes connections (e.g., reciting lyrics, recalling facts).
- Recognizes sight words and reads with fluency and comprehension appropriate for their level.
- Displays empathy and concern for others’ feelings and demonstrates a strong sense of justice.
- Initiates play, coordinates roles with peers, and considers others’ actions in group settings.
- Uses objects in unconventional ways during play activities, demonstrating creativity.
- Interacts easily with peers and is often sought out by peers for interaction and collaboration.
- Demonstrates a mature sense of humor and understands and creates riddles and verbal associations.
- Shows evidence of reasoning, logical thinking, creativity, and incorporates academic elements into play spontaneously.
- Expresses ideas, asks questions to seek information, and enjoys verbal interaction with adults and older children.
- Exhibits advanced task commitment and high energy levels when engaged in learning activities.
- Remembers complex information and can decode symbolic systems like maps and codes.
- Demonstrates curiosity and possesses unexpectedly deep knowledge in one or more areas.
How to Apply to the SAS Program at Third Street Elementary
The application process for the SAS program at Third Street Elementary differs slightly depending on whether you reside within the school’s boundaries or outside of them. For the 2025-2026 school year, applications are handled through the LAUSD Choices process.
Residents within 3rd Street Elementary Boundaries
If you live within the school boundaries of Third Street Elementary and your child meets the SAS eligibility criteria, placement in the SAS program is generally automatic, unless you choose to opt-out. However, it is essential to inform the school office of your interest in the SAS program when you enroll your child. The school will then verify your child’s eligibility for the program. For resident students in Grades K-5, expressing your interest during enrollment is the primary step.
Residents Outside 3rd Street Elementary Boundaries (Within LAUSD)
For families residing outside of the Third Street Elementary boundaries but within the wider LAUSD district, applying to the SAS program is done through the Choices application process. This is applicable for students in grades PreK–12. The application windows are specific, with an early application period from October 1st to November 15th, and a late application window opening on February 3rd. Applications are submitted online through the LAUSD Choices website at https://apply.lausd.net/ or http://echoices.lausd.net/.
Required Documentation for Application
Depending on your child’s current school and grade level, you may need to submit additional documentation as part of your SAS program application. It is crucial to review the requirements carefully to ensure your application is complete and submitted by the deadlines.
Incoming Kindergarten Students
For incoming Kindergarten students who qualify based on critical thinking and problem-solving skills, you will need to have your child’s current school complete two forms: the Verification of Eligibility form and the SAS Kindergarten Readiness Checklist. Once completed and signed by the school, these forms must be submitted in a sealed school envelope with the principal’s signature across the seal. The deadline for submission is Friday, November 15, 2024, at 5 pm.
Submission methods include:
- U.S. Mail:
Unified Enrollment P.O. Box 513307 Los Angeles, CA 90051 - Hand Delivery:
L.A. Unified Headquarters/Unified Enrollment 25th floor reception desk 333 S. Beaudry Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90017
Important Note for Kindergarten Applications: It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to confirm receipt of the completed forms by calling the Choices Support Line at (213) 241-4177 before the November 15, 2024 deadline.
Incoming Grade 1-5 Students
Documentation requirements for students entering Grades 1-5 vary based on their current school type:
- Currently Enrolled in LAUSD School (excluding independent charters): Additional verification forms are generally not required. The District will automatically verify eligibility through its records upon receiving your Choices application. Ensure your child meets the eligibility criteria before applying.
- Currently Enrolled in Private School, Independent Charter, or Non-LAUSD School: You will need to have your child’s current school complete the Verification of Eligibility form. Submit the completed form in a sealed school envelope with the principal’s signature across the seal by Friday, November 15, 2024, at 5 pm using the same mailing or hand delivery addresses as for Kindergarten applications. Remember to confirm receipt by calling the Choices Support Line.
Conclusion
Third Street Elementary’s Schools for Advanced Studies program offers an exceptional opportunity for gifted learners to thrive in a stimulating and supportive academic environment. By understanding the eligibility criteria and application process outlined above, parents can effectively navigate the steps to enroll their children in this enriching program. For more detailed information, please refer to the 2024-2025 Choices brochure or contact the Choices Support Line at (213) 241-4177. Visit echoices.lausd.net for further resources and to begin your application journey.
