The Compton Unified School District is proud to recognize Administrator, Alicia Weyeneth, on her appointment as a Board member for the California Association for the Gifted. CAG is the state’s leading authority on Gifted and Talented Education (GATE). “I couldn’t be prouder to represent Compton in this capacity. Our students, teachers, administrators, and families have worked diligently to support our GATE program throughout the years. We continue to rise in the number of identified GATE students and are seen as a model District in regards to our GATE program and best practices. This is just another testament to all of the wonderful things taking place in the Compton Unified School District. We will continue to support and showcase our students’ knowledge, abilities, and talents at school site, District, and public events and facilitate opportunities for students to thrive and grow.” Ms. Weyeneth has worked in the District for 14 years as a GATE Teacher, District Curriculum Specialist, District Administrator, Assistant Principal and was recently appointed to Principal of Washington Elementary. She has presented at state, national and global conferences and served on panels of experts regarding gifted instruction.

The Executive Director for the California Association for the Gifted, Dr. Julia Nyberg, shares, “I am honored to have Alicia Weyeneth serve as an At-Large Board member for the California Association for the Gifted. With this Board position, Alicia’s contributions to advance equitable access to gifted services will be magnified on a state level. The California Association for the Gifted looks forward to collaborating with Alicia and furthering our partnership with Compton Unified School District.”

“We are very proud of the growth of our GATE program and the door-opening opportunities to challenge, develop and engage students,” said Superintendent Darin Brawley. “Alicia’s efforts have been an important part of the program’s growth and impact.” Compton Unified currently has about 8% of the student population identified as GATE, which is above the national average of 6%. Ms. Weyeneth shares, “CUSD is unique in that it provides access to identification through 6 categories instead of 1, which is the common protocol. We recognize that students may be gifted in other domains, besides just academic success and we want to acknowledge and foster that talent.” The categories for GATE referral are intellectual, academics (high achievement and specific academic ability), the Arts, creativity, and leadership.

“I am confident that Alicia will not only represent Compton well, but also all students across our state, as she carries the mantle of equity and access in service on the Board,” said President Micah Ali.

*For GATE inquiries, please contact the current Administrator, Ms. Liza Delatorre, at [email protected].