Presentation And discussion: Dr. T. Thomas introduced Susan Muir, a graduate student from CSUS who is also a 3^rd grade GATE Teacher. She did a presentation of her thesis on gifted education. She is looking for models and procedures for identifying the gifted with learning disabilities, seem to be finding they are often not properly identified. Research in this area was started in l983 and continued through the mid 90’s and then diminished. One interesting finding is that giftedness often masks disabilities resulting in the student appearing ‘normal’. More research is needed as most students are only identified once, either gifted or LD, usually no other identification is provided. An interesting discussion on difficulties and reasons that dual identification is not pursued for the gifted LD student was held by those present. Susan thanks all those who filled out her survey.

Business meeting: Minutes of March, 2003 meeting approved with S. Macaluso moved, M. Olsen seconded. Treasurer’s report send in by excused B.Branch indicated the checking balance is $6,263.87 with savings balance being $5,019.41. Treasurer’s report was moved for approval by G. Batemen, seconded by S. Macaluso.

Reports: Classrooms in Action flyers were sent to all GATE coordinators in the northern half of the state but K. Patterson has only received one application so far for the Summer session. She reported that her district, Rocklin USD has funds to send some teachers but she had not submitted their registrations yet. Registration deadline is April 28, 2003 – K. Patterson would like to have district contact her is they are considering having teachers attend but have not yet done the paperwork. The minimum number of participants needed is fifty paid registrations to cover costs.

CAG – Board meeting was held in Sacramento April 5-7, 2003. Visitors are always welcomed, the next weekend Board meeting will be at Los Angeles airport on June 6-8, 2003.. During the April meeting, regional representatives and other Board members visited the Capitol for appointments with legislators. Several offices were visited and packets of CAG materials delivered.

CAG PAC (Political Action Committee) – no report. J. Linn is an appointed member of that small committee which provides financial support to candidates.

CDE (California Dept. of Education) no representative present. LaDona Hein who was at the CDE as a visiting educator is now working back in the Rio Linda JUSD as a speech therapist.

New Business : Dr. T. Thomas reported on the Academic Talent Search (ATS) program and the Accelerated College Entrance (ACE) program at CSUS. He distributed an impressive and comprehensive update of the activities and highlighted the details. High schools with certified courses by ATS/ACE can get college credit. Money paid for testing and classes goes for programs, courses, grants and scholarship. Approximately 6,000 students are tested through the ATS program every year. A discussion on how the SAT is changing from an aptitude test to an achievement test was interesting. Dr. Thomas also thanked the CR GATE organization for their $500 donation last year. A motion was made by N. Bodenhausen, seconded by M. Olsen to give a $1,000 donation this year, approved by all present. Vice Chair K. Patterson will notify the Treasurer to issue the check.

GATE applications discussion: What is the status of GATE applications for district funding for the next year? What should districts plan to submit? Information should be available on the CDE website by April 1, 2003 as required by education code.

Election of new Officers: Reminder was given about the election of the four officers for this group that is scheduled for the June meeting. If anyone would like to submit their name, contact Chair J. Linn at linn@winfirst.com or 395-7446. A question was raised about holding the election over until September when people know their job status in their districts. J. White encouraged members to take an active role, need to volunteer nominations to provide breaks in the work load for those who have been in office for many years. Be sure to get the nominee’s permission before submitting their name.