Franktown Gifted and Talented Information
Universal Gifted Referral Screenings
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).
Gifted Identification Referral Testing
If you believe your student 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 but does not automatically initiate the CogAt testing.
Please request a Referral for Gifted Identification linked HERE. Spanish Referral linked HERE.
Upon receipt of this form the Gifted Education Facilitator will connect with you to discuss next steps in the gifted identification process.
District Information
This link will take you to the DCSD webpage for additional information.
Important Information: Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) - 2nd and 5th Grade Universal Screening
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 the DCSD Universal Screening process and our commitment to equitable identification for gifted programming, DCSD will administer the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT 7) during November for 5th grade and February for 2nd grade. This assessment indicates the level and pattern of cognitive development of a student in comparison to grade and age mates. Please see below for specific information based on your child’s current grade.
5th and 2nd Grade Universal Screening at FES
As part of this process, ALL students in 2nd or 5th grade who have not been identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) in November or February respectively. 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 more detailed information about this process.
Gifted Identification Referral Testing
If your child is in grades K, 1, 3, 4 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 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.
eLearners
Families with students currently enrolled in eLearning will receive detailed information about their CogAT testing options and logistics directly from the DCSD District Team/eLearning Administration. If you do not receive this information, please contact the DCSD Gifted Education Team at: gifted.education@dcsdk12.org.
Please see the following for additional information linked below:
Referral Form
Apply to a Discovery School
Click here for more information, contacts and the application process.
Franktown Gifted and Talented Information
What is Gifted & Talented? If a student is identified as GT, they may go to their neighborhood school (Franktown) or apply for the Discovery Program that is 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 CogAT, Cognitive Abilities Test, in 3rd & 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 ,2, 4 & 5. Testing at these levels is solely for the purpose of possible GT identification. At this time, the CogAT is given each September.
What is an ALP?
An ALP is an Advanced Learning Plan. All students that are identified as GT have an ALP whether they go to their neighborhood school (Franktown) 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.
What does GT look like at Franktown?
At Franktown, we create ALP plans for students that have gone through a GT identification process and qualify. The ALP is written by the GT Facilitator (me) 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 Franktown, 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.
What will this look like at Sagewood Middle School?
Sagewood has many options for different levels of learning. Teachers will recommend placement based on their knowledge of the student and the choices that are offered. Parent and student input is taken as well.
What is my role?
My role as the GT Facilitator is to collaborate with our assessment coordinator during 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. Franktown has a long history of highly capable students and our teachers are well versed in differentiation for all students. When needed, I work with students on specific projects or affective goals that need individualization.
Parent Resources
Useful Links
Colorado Association for the Gifted and Talented (CAGT)
Douglas County Association for the Gifted and Talented (DCAGT)
National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)
Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG)
Colorado Department of Education Office of Gifted Education
Bridges Math Online Learning Resources
Gifted Ed Resources by Live Binders
UCONN Renzulli Center for Creativity, Gifted Education, and Talent Development
Activities and Lessons for Students:
Mindfulness:
Mindfulness crafts including Glitter Jar
28 activities that promote social emotional growth during remote learning
How to build your child's self-esteem from Box Out Bullying
Kindness Curriculum- Family Engagement Assignments
Games:
Board Games with a Healthy Twist
Creative Indoor Ideas for Kids
Math:
The Best MATH games with a deck of cards
Noetic Math Problem of the Week Challenge Math for Gifted Elementary students
The Giant Sculpture Gallery Problem
10 Math Strategies Poster Try to do your math using as many different strategies as possible.
Healthy Habits for a Growth Mindset in Math
Learn a card trick... explain the math.
Online Math Games by Education.com
Memorize your Multiplication Facts
Math in the Workplace. Explore a Shark Tank Video, math lessons, and webinars from icons in different industries
Supporting Mathematical Processes Through Questioning Poster
Real World Math: 10 investigations to do at homeMoMath Museum of Modern Math Daily Math Puzzles
Beyond Sudoku: Kakuro and Futoshiki
Minus Mission subtraction game
Alien Addition game
Demolition Division game
Ratio Martian identifying ratios
Ratio Blaster finding equal ratios game
Reading/Speaking/Listening:
Mensa for Kids Excellence in Reading Challenge
Awesome books for kids who love nature
Challenge Pack for Advanced Readers
Explore new ideas and new books by watching Reading Rainbow
Read this newspaper called Six Feet of Separation written by students during COVID-19 OR submit your own stories, comics, etc.
Book and movie pairings- A great way to enjoy books as a family!
Why and HOW to memorize a poem
Mensa for Kids Excellence in Reading Challenge
Engaging books to keep gifted young learners learning at home
TED connections with discussion questions for higher level thinkers by Mensa for Kids
7 Little Words vocabulary and spelling game
Up and Down Words Use the clue to find the connection between the words
Vocabulary Word Games by Dictionary.com
Verb Viper Subject/Verb Agreement game by Mensa
Coconut Vowels game
Word Roundup a word search game using word part/definition clues
Word Frog synonym, antonym and homonym game
Word Invasion parts of speech game
Read (of course) different genres by checking out books on the Sora App
Writing:
Using Dialogue- Writing lesson
How to make your own Zine (or small magazine). Then fill it with your great stories or comics!
How to write great beginnings with author Chris Tebbets
Try to write some Tom Swifties like Madelyn Rosenberg
Character Traits lesson with author Chris Tebbets. Notes HERE.
Writing and Drawing Prompt: Meet your character
Writing lesson: Writing a didactic cinquain.
Using notebooks in the writing planning process with author Erin Entrada Kelly
Create animated stories on Scratch
Science/Social Studies:
How to celebrate Earth Day while sheltering in place
Video: Top 10 Incredible Alternatives to Alternative Energy
Starting a garden with your children
37 Cool Experiments by PrepScholar
Learn how to code for free
Explore weekly science news with Twig Science
Explore your family history on Family Search Yes, it's free!
Origami Algorithm: How to be a coder
STEM activities by National Inventors Hall of Fame
Activities to find DIY projects, slideshows about space, games and links to other things you can do and see with NASA.
Stuck at Home science activities
Capital Penguin game about States and Capitals
Learn about the CIA on the CIA's Kid page
More coding resources by Codeacademy.org
Country Toad countries and capitals game
What do sugary drinks do to your teeth? science experiment
Podcasts from NPR Code Switch about race issues in student language for family discussions
Learn coding. Check out these links Tynker or Code.org
Take virtual tours of museums.
Virtual tours of historical sites.
Create a Rube Goldberg.
Check out some of these nature documentaries.
Science resources including links to live animal cams and more virtual field trips.
Science experiments that you can eat!
Creativity/Problem Solving:
12 Ways to beat boredom with LEGO bricks
Drawing and writing videos with Jarrett J. Krosoczka- author and illustrator
Stimola Literary Studio - videos about journaling, crafts, yoga, illustration lessons, read-alouds, and more. Even though the dates have passed, you can still view the videos by clicking on the sessions you are interested in.
Finish the Comic and other Jarrett Lerner activities
How to make Unicorn Slime
How to make Mash-Up Slime
You too can do the Rubik's Cube!
Online puzzles- You can use your own pictures!
Inside Out Fun activities including a recipe for homemade sidewalk paint
Try Zentangle Art
Summer arts and crafts by moms at gluesticksblog.com
Language:
Learning a foreign language at home
Learn American Sign Language online
Physical:
For Parents/Families:
Interactive, educational videos for all including Power Hour for parents, STEAM train videos for activities for students, and videos to learn about the world from www.numinds.tv/
Mensa for Kids’ Bright! is the smartest quarterly newsletter for kids ages 6-10! Every issue is full of fun games, puzzles, activities and factoids specially selected to encourage children to learn, explore, and think outside the box. Subscribe to Bright! HERE
Six ways to connect with your kid from Box Out Bullying
Top toys and gifts list updated 4/15/20 by Parenting for High Potential
2E- Twice Exceptional Resources
Articles: