School of Advanced Studies
Program Components at Sutter
SAS students at Sutter Middle School make up about twenty percent of the school population of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. The School for Advanced Studies was established to provide differentiated instruction in all academic areas; to promote and enrich learning for gifted and high achieving students, and to promote standards of personal and classroom discipline and good citizenship.
Faculty/Personnel
• 13 highly trained teachers in differentiation
• Gifted/SAS Coordinator
• Full-time nurse and psychologist on campus
• Grade level
Counselors Curriculum
• Core teaching of academic subjects in 6th grade to help students transition to middle school from elementary school.
• Algebra I integrated computer assisted instruction
• 7th & 8th grade technology enhanced science
• Teachers and students have access to fully equipped IBM computer labs with internet capabilities, APPLE and IBM mobile labs, internet available in the library and in all classrooms.
• Technology integrated in lessons in all SAS classes
• Science and math electives
• Instrumental music—Beginning and Advanced from our Award Winning Band
• Art—Beginning and Advanced
• Yearbook
• Drama/Play Production
• Media and communications elective
• Leadership class
District Components
The Advanced Studies Program was developed in response to the increasing demand for high level academic programs which meet the educational needs of highly able learners. The intent of this program is to mirror and enhance the setup of a gifted magnet program. The overall goal is to provide a program with high quality content and performance standards within the classroom setting.
Criteria for Acceptance
• Students should be state identified gifted or pending identification. See handout for specific criteria.
-OR-
• Students must have strong GPA and teacher recommendation with evidence.
The Basic Components are:
• Gifted, highly gifted, and high achieving students are clustered together in classes.
• Teachers have all attended a minimum thirty-two hours of professional development directed toward differentiated instructional techniques and strategies appropriate for teaching the gifted student.
• Administrators attended a minimum eight hours of professional development directed toward instructions techniques appropriate for the gifted student.
• Regular assessment and evaluation are conducted to direct curriculum modification.
• Parent education workshops are scheduled and directed toward issues related to gifted children.
Opportunities for Parents
• SAS/GATE Advisory meetings
(Click here for Gate meetings)
• Monthly workshops: technology, enhancing projects, expert speakers, and much more
• Recommended volunteer work
• Showcase communities
• Invited as guest speakers for classrooms
If you have any questions, comments, or would like to visit our school, please contact
Ms. Torres, SAS/GATE Coordinator