Gifted and Talented

CogAT Testing

Universal Screening

DCSD is committed to implementing equitable practices to increase access to advanced/gifted learning opportunities. Based on state and national recommendations and requirements, we implement Universal Screening for students in 2nd grade (February) and 5th or 6th grade--a student's final year of elementary school (November).

 

5th/6th Grade Universal Screen

As part of this process, ALL students in 5th grade not identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) the week of November 4th.  This assessment indicates the level and pattern of cognitive development of a student in comparison to grade and age mates.  These general reasoning abilities, which start developing at birth and continue through early adulthood, are influenced by experiences gained both in and out of school.  

 

If your child is already identified for gifted programming, they will not participate in this universal screen testing. Your Gifted Education Facilitator will contact you directly with information about this process. 

 

Gifted Identification Referral Testing 

  • If your child is in grades 3rd or 4th and you believe they need evaluation for Gifted Identification and Services, you may refer your child for testing by initiating the Gifted Identification Process.  
  • NOTE:  Requesting this assessment automatically initiates the process to evaluate for Gifted Identification. 
  • Please request CogAT testing for your child by completing the Referral for Gifted Identification linked HERE Frontier Valley Gifted and Talented Referral Survey
  • Upon receipt of this form the Gifted Education Facilitator will connect with you to discuss next steps in the gifted identification process.

 

Discovery Programming

The Discovery Program is a self-contained, center based, magnet program for highly gifted learners located regionally at four elementary school sites in Douglas County. The program is intended for those students who require intensity of instruction and acceleration beyond what can reasonably be expected from the regular school gifted programming.


Due to the intensive nature of the Discovery Program, a body of evidence is needed to determine the best match between student and programming. Information considered includes documented cognitive ability, standardized achievement data, classroom performance data, student, parent, and teacher input. Three major criteria for placement are:


  • Exceptional intellectual/cognitive ability

  • Documented above grade level performance in multiple content areas, and

  • No below grade level performance in any content area.


Multiple criteria will be considered in the placement process to provide evidence of the best match between student academic need and the rigorous environment of the program.

  

The application window for the 2025 - 2026 school year is now open. 

Application Deadline: November 13, 2024.


To begin the application process please carefully review the 2025-2026 Discovery Program Application and Process Information linked HERE.


After careful review of the information above, use the following information to initiate the application process.

In District Students

(Student currently enrolled in a DCSD School in grades 1-5)

In-District Discovery Program Application Information

 

Out-of-District Students

(Students currently enrolled in a non-DCSD school in grades 1-5)

Discovery Program Application Information

 

Home Schooled Students

Home School Discovery Program Application Information

Want to know more about DCSD's Discovery Program? Join parents of Discovery students and staff from our district's Advanced Academics and Gifted Education team to learn more about this programming available through Discovery.


DCSD Elementary Discovery Program - District Presentation

YouTube

Join us for an in-person informational night at one of our Discovery Program sites

Pine Lane Elementary School

Thursday, October 24th (5:30-7:00 pm)

Renaissance Magnet School

Wednesday, October 9th (5:00-6:00 pm)

Northridge Elementary School

Tuesday, October 1st (5:00-7:00 pm)

Please use this Google Form to R.S.V.P for an in-person Discovery Information night. This will help us plan for the number of families joining us.

Join us for a VIRTUAL information session

Monday, November 4th, 2024 (6:00-7:00pm)

Please R.S.V.P using this Google Form

Information including the virtual link will be sent directly to you upon receipt.