Gifted and Talented

If a student is identified as Gifted and Talented (GT), they may go to their neighborhood school (Frontier Elementary) or apply for the Discovery Program which is housed at another school. The Discovery Program is designed for those students who have needs so intense that they cannot be met in a regular classroom. All students in Douglas County are given the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) in 2nd & 5th grade (unless the school has 6th grade) as a universal screen for early intervention. If there is a need for a student to take the CogAT in another grade due to teacher recommendation or parent request, that is possible at grades 1, 3, & 4. Testing at these levels is solely for the purpose of possible GT identification.

An ALP is an Advanced Learning Plan. All students that are identified as GT have an ALP whether they go to their neighborhood school (FVE) or a Discovery School. The decision to create an ALP comes from an identification process that looks at a body of evidence that includes many data points including CogAT classroom work/assessments, other standardized measures, input from classroom teacher, parent(s), and student. The decision to create an ALP comes from an identification process that looks at a body of evidence that includes many data points including CogAT, classroom work/assessments, other standardized measures, input from classroom teacher, parent(s), and student.

At Frontier Valley, we create ALP plans for students that have gone through a GT identification process and qualify. The ALP is written by the GT Contact in collaboration with classroom teachers, students, and parents. The ALP formalizes the differentiation that the classroom teacher does for the students in their identified area(s) as well as affective needs. At Frontier Valley, we value and support the depth and complexity of knowledge, not just what grade level a concept may be. All students in our building read and write at their highest independent level. Sometimes additional grouping is needed in the area of mathematics. Our MTSS team collaborates to make the best determination of what that looks like year to year. Some strategies that we use to meet needs at our building are: Flexible Grouping in reading and math, Content Acceleration, Grade Level Acceleration, Independent Study, Curriculum Compacting, and Blended Learning.

Cimarron has many options for different levels of learning. Teachers will recommend based on their knowledge of the student and the choices that are offered. Parent and student input is taken as well.

My role as the GT contact is to organize and administer CogAT testing, coordinate the identification process as well as facilitate writing the ALP. If a parent is interested in applying for the Discovery Program, I help with that process as well. I also collaborate with teachers in writing the goals, gathering support materials, analyzing data and adjusting plans as needed. Frontier Valley Elementary has a long history of highly capable students and our teachers are well versed in differentiation for all students.

• Gifted students do not need help. If they are really gifted they can manage on their own.
• Gifted students are a homogenous group, all high achievers.
• Gifted students have fewer problems than others because their intelligence and abilities somehow exempt them form the hassles of daily life.
• The future of the gifted student is assured: a world of opportunities awaits.
• Gifted students are self-directed; they know where they are heading.
• The social and emotional development of the gifted student is at the same level as his or her intellectual development.
• Gifted students are nerds and social isolates

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. 

• 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.

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.

DCSD Elementary Discovery Program - District Presentation

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.