Dear Parents/Guardians,
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 grade (November).
5th 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 2nd. 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 3 and 4, 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 DCSD Gifted & Talented Referral Form.
Upon receipt of this form the Gifted Education Facilitator will connect with you to discuss next steps in the gifted identification process.
At Bear Canyon, we administer an aptitude assessment (CogAT) to all 2nd, 5th and 6th graders during a district-wide testing window. CogAT testing in grades K, 1, 3, and 4 occurs when students are referred by parents, teachers, staff or themselves. CogAT is one of the multiple data points we use in the identification process. If you feel your child demonstrates characteristics of a gifted child, please contact Lisa Busman to discuss the initiation of the referral process for gifted identification.
The purpose of gifted identification is to match servicing and programming to student needs.
Referral Form to Initiate Gifted Identification Process
Discovery Program
The Douglas County School District Discovery Program is designed to meet the needs of gifted elementary school students (2nd to 6th grade) who require intensity of instruction and acceleration beyond what can reasonably be expected from the regular school programming.
Discovery Program Application Process
The Discovery Program is designed for highly advanced gifted learners in grades 2 - 6 whose needs will be best met in a center based program.
Want to know more about DCSD's Discovery Program?
See below for the video recording of the DCAGT and DCSD information meeting.....
Proceso de Solicitud del Programa Discovery
El programa Discovery está diseñado para estudiantes superdotados altamente avanzados en los grados 2 a 6 cuyas necesidades se cubrirán mejor en un programa basado en el centro.
¿Quiere saber más sobre el Programa Discovery del DCSD? Únase a los padres de los estudiantes de Discovery y al personal del equipo de Educación para Dotados y Académicos Avanzados de nuestro distrito para aprender más sobre esta programación disponible a través de Discovery.