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Gifted Children's Bill of Rights
Gifted Children's Bill of Rights
You have the right to . . .
know about your giftedness.
learn something new every day.
be passionate about your talent areas without apologies.
have an identity beyond your talent areas.
feel good about your accomplishments.
make mistakes.
seek guidance in the development of your talents.
have multiple peer groups and a variety of friends.
choose which of your talent areas you wish to pursue.
not to be gifted at everything.
Written by Del Siegle (NAGC President, 2007 - 2009)
Gifted and Talented Information
Gifted and Talented Information
The Douglas County School District uses a Response to Intervention (RTI) framework to guide instructional decisions in order to meet the needs of all learners, including those with advanced learning needs. Through a Multi-Tiered System of Support, Larkspur provides a continuum of programming for Gifted and Talented learners. Programming options include, but are not limited to accelerated/differentiated content, flexible groupings based on abilities and interests, and independent study and projects. Programming delivery is within the regular classroom setting and may possibly include small pull-out groups.
On this page, you will find gifted and talented resources for parents and teachers. Feel free to contact me, Shanna Giraldes, LKE Gifted Education Facilitator at smgiraldes@dcsdk12.org, if you have specific questions or have resources to share.
What is an ALP (Advanced Learning Plan)?
What is an ALP (Advanced Learning Plan)?
An ALP is an Advanced Learning Plan. All students that are identified as Gifted Learners will have an ALP. The decision to create an ALP comes from an identification process that looks at a body of evidence, which includes many data points including: CogAT, classroom work/assessments, other standardized measures, input from classroom teachers, parents and the student.
At Larkspur, we create ALPs for students that have gone through the gifted identification process and qualify. The ALP is written with the Gifted Education Facilitator, Shanna Giraldes, in collaboration with classroom teachers, students, and parents. An ALP formalizes the differentiated programming the student will receive in their identified area, as well as affective needs.
Gifted identification can begin with a referral form from a parent, teacher, or student. If you believe your child may be a Gifted Learner, please use the link below to begin the gifted identification process.
What is the role of the Gifted Education Facilitator?
What is the role of the Gifted Education Facilitator?
My role as Gifted Education Facilitator is to support our teachers with differentiation ideas and resources to meet the needs of our students with Advanced Learning Plans (ALPs) and those needing advanced academics or enrichment. I may also provide some enrichment opportunities to students with ALPs in a small group setting. My role also includes coordinating the gifted identification process, the CogAT assessment, as well as facilitating the writing and updating of the ALPs. If a parent is interested in applying for the Discovery Program, I am able to help with that process as well.
Here's a little bit about me. This is my 35th year of teaching, my 19th year in DCSD, and my 3rd at Larkspur. I was born in and grew up in Colorado, graduated with a B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Southern Colorado, now CSU Pueblo, and completed my Masters in Gifted and Talented Education at the University of Northern Colorado. I have raised 3 gifted daughters who are all now living in different cities pursuing their own lives.
Here's a little bit about me. This is my 35th year of teaching, my 19th year in DCSD, and my 3rd at Larkspur. I was born in and grew up in Colorado, graduated with a B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Southern Colorado, now CSU Pueblo, and completed my Masters in Gifted and Talented Education at the University of Northern Colorado. I have raised 3 gifted daughters who are all now living in different cities pursuing their own lives.
Please feel free to contact me with questions at smgiraldes@dcsdk12.org. However, if there is a delay in my response, please know I'm only at the Larkspur Mon-Tues, and an occasional Wednesday.
Discovery Program
Discovery Program
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. Visit the DCSD Discovery Program page for more information and links to the application.
Gifted Education Resources
Gifted Education Resources
Enrichment Opportunities and Camps in the DCSD area (Great site that is updated regularly!)
Douglas County School District Gifted Programming Website
Douglas County Association of Gifted and Talented (DCAGT)
Colorado Association of Gifted and Talented (CAGT)
National Association of Gifted Children (NAGC)
Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG)
Colorado Department of Education- Gifted Information
Byrdseed (Ian Bryd)
The Gifted Guru (Lisa Van Gemert)
Hoagies (Great resources/ideas)
What is the CogAT?
What is the CogAT?
All students in the Douglas County School District in second and sixth grade are given the CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) 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, it is possible for students in grades K, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 to take the CogAT. Testing outside the universal screening (grades 2 and 6) is solely for the purpose of Gifted Identification.
At this time, the CogAT is only given to sixth grade and 3rd-5th grade students in the Gifted and Talented Referral process in the fall. Second grade will take the assessment in the spring, along with any kindie and 1st-grade referrals. If you would like to begin the gifted identification process, you may access the Larkspur Referral Form linked below.
CogAT Testing Information
CogAT Testing Information
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).
6th Grade Universal Screen
As part of this process, ALL students in 6th grade not identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) the week of November 6, 2023. 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, 4, 5 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.
Updated 8/5/24
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