This is not true what so ever. And the gifted where I am was never called GATE. Variation of name. Kids now go through an entire reading and mathematical testing in school only with parent approval. Teachers recommend children or parents can but if the kid doesn't score at the top tier of the testing they aren't in the special "gifted" class. Their state and national testing along with report card grades have to be stellar.
Sounds like an anon with multifaceted experience on the subject matter.