Gifted & Talented

DCSD Advanced Academics & Gifted Programming Newsletter

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 this process, ALL students in 5th grade, not identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) in November 2026. ALL students in 2nd grade, not identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) in February 2027. 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 a grade other than 2nd or 5th 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 using this link: DCSD Gifted & Talented Referral

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

The Discovery Program

The Discovery Program is a self-contained, center based, magnet program for highly gifted learners located regionally at four elementary school sites in Douglas County. The program is intended for those students who require intensity of instruction and acceleration beyond what can reasonably be expected from the regular school gifted programming.

Due to the intensive nature of the Discovery Program, a body of evidence is needed to determine the best match between student and programming. Information considered includes documented cognitive ability, standardized achievement data, classroom performance data, student, parent, and teacher input. Three major criteria for placement are:

Exceptional intellectual/cognitive ability
Documented above grade level performance in multiple content areas, and
No below grade level performance in any content area.

Multiple criteria will be considered in the placement process to provide evidence of the best match between student academic need and the rigorous environment of the program.

The application window for the 2027 - 2028 school year will open soon.