Gifted and Talented

CogAT Testing

Universal Screening

Based on feedback from families and the Colorado Department of Education, and our commitment to increased equitable identification practices, we have made improvements to our Universal Screening process. In the spring of 2020, DCSD transitioned from the "paper pencil" CogAT to the online version. The online assessment platform provides for easier administration, faster results, and access to the directions in multiple languages other than English. (NOTE: Additional language options are in process.)

As part of this process, ALL students in 5th grade, not identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) November 9th-21st. 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

Testing for Gifted Identification outside of the universal screening grades (5th or 6th) WILL NOT be facilitated in this November testing window. Referral testing will be offered in the Mid Year testing window.

We will provide more detailed information about this opportunity soon!

If your child is in a grade other than 5th or 6th and you believe he/she needs evaluation for Gifted Identification and Services, and you have not done so already, please initiate the Gifted Identification Referral Process by completing the referral form linked HERE

NOTE: Completing this referral form WILL NOT initiate the CogAT assessment.

Upon receipt of this form the Gifted Education Facilitator will connect with you to discuss next steps in the gifted identification process.

Downloads

CogAT Notice 19-20 Information on CogAT Testing

The Discovery Program

The application window for Discovery Program for the 2020-2021 is now OPEN.

We are currently accepting applications for placement into the Discovery Program for the 2020-2021 school year, please read and complete all portions of the application found on the links below:

Application Overview

In District- Elementary Discovery Program Application 2020-2021
The formal application period closes on Friday, November 22nd.

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:

  1. Exceptional intellectual/cognitive ability
  2. Documented above grade level performance in multiple content areas, and
  3. 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.

DCSD Gifted Education Webpage