Mrs. Montoya

Gifted & Talented Facilitator

Professional Learning Specialist


Welcome to the Gifted Education site for Heritage Elementary. Please use the links along the top of the screen or the drop down menu under "MORE" to learn about gifted education identification, referral process, learning opportunities and more.

NEWS: Upcoming CogAT Testing - 2nd Grade


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).

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 6-9th. 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 K or 1st 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

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



For more information, please visit our Gifted Education at Heritage website or email our Gifted Education Facilitator, Jill Montoya jill.montoya@dcsdk12.org

Want to learn more about GIFTED EDUCATION in Douglas County? Please visit our district website!

Jill Montoya

Email: jcmontoya@dcsdk12.org