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 or 6th grade--a student's final year of elementary school (November).
Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, we will be testing only 5th graders in Douglas County in November. In preparation for this, we will be testing all 5th & 6th graders this November so as to not miss any students in the transition process.
5th & 6th Grade Universal Screen
As part of this process, ALL students in 5th & 6th grade not identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) the week of November 3-7, 2025. 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.
In alignment with DCSD’s Strategic Plan, starting in the 2026-2027 school year, we will be testing only 5th graders in Douglas County in November. In preparation for this, we will be testing all 5th & 6th graders this November so as to not miss any students in the transition 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 Referral for Gifted Identification linked HERE: Referral Form/Parent Survey/Student Survey.
Upon receipt of this form the Gifted Education Facilitator will connect with you to discuss next steps in the gifted identification process.
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).
2nd Grade Universal Screen
As part of this process, ALL students in 2nd grade not identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) the week of February 2-6, 2026 with makeups till February 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.
Kindergarten/ 1st Grade Gifted Identification Referral Testing
If your child is in K or 1st grade and you believe he/she needs 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 Referral Form/Parent Survey/Student Survey (for the student survey, a parent may type in answers for a younger child)
Upon receipt of this form the Gifted Education Facilitator will connect with you to discuss next steps in the gifted identification process.
Gifted Identification Referral Testing
If your child is in grades K, 1, 3, 4, and 5 and you believe he/she needs evaluation for Gifted Identification and Services, you may refer your child for testing by initiating the Gifted Identification Process.
Intermediate grades are testing in November, Primary grades are tested in February.
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. Referral Form/Parent Survey/Student Survey (for the student survey, a parent may type in answers for a younger child)
Upon receipt of this form the Gifted Education Facilitator will connect with you to discuss next steps in the gifted identification process.
Please connect with your child’s teacher or Rebecca Collins if you have questions regarding this referral process. Please know that a child can be referred for evaluation for Gifted Identification at anytime during the year, we may just have to wait till the next school year to administer CogAT if it is needed.
Please see the following for additional information linked below:
Spring CogAT UNIVERSAL Screening Letter
The CogAT is an assessment that indicates the level and pattern of cognitive reasoning abilities of a student in comparison to grade and age peers. The CogAT is comprised of three subsections:
Verbal: Measures a child’s ability to remember and transform sequences of English words, to understand them and to make inferences and judgments about them.
Quantitative: Measures the child’s understanding of basic quantitative concepts and relationships that are essential for learning mathematics.
Non-Verbal: Measures reasoning using pictures and geometric shapes. This reduces the impact of language on the student’s score.
As indicated previously, the results of the CogAT will be used as one component of the body of evidence to determine areas of strength and possible identification for gifted programming. The scores will guide efforts to adapt instructional methods and learning opportunities to the needs and abilities of the students, and may also inform placement in the district’s Discovery Program for gifted learners should parents choose to apply for the program.