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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) November 4-6, 2025. ALL students in 2nd grade, not identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) in February. 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: Iron Horse GT Referral Form
Upon receipt of this form the Gifted Education Facilitator will connect with you to discuss next steps in the gifted identification process.
Cognitive Abilities Testing (CogAT)
5th Grade Universal Screening & 3rd/4th Grade Referral Information
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).
5th Grade Universal Screen
As part of this process, ALL students in 5th grade not identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) the week of November 3rd. 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.
3rd / 4th Grade Gifted Identification Referral Testing
If your child is in 3rd or 4th grade 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: Iron Horse GT Referral Form
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
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 2025 - 2026 school year is now open.
Application Deadline: November 13, 2024.
To begin the application process please carefully review the 2025-2026 Discovery Program Application and Process Information linked HERE.
After careful review of the information above, use the following information to initiate the application process.
In District Students
(Student currently enrolled in a DCSD School in grades 1-5)
In-District Discovery Program Application Information
Out-of-District Students
(Students currently enrolled in a non-DCSD school in grades 1-5)
Discovery Program Application Information
Home Schooled Students
Home School Discovery Program Application Information
Want to know more about DCSD's Discovery Program? Join parents of Discovery students and staff from our district's Advanced Academics and Gifted Education team to learn more about this programming available through Discovery.
DCSD Elementary Discovery Program - District Presentation
Join us for an in-person informational night at one of our Discovery Program sites
Thursday, October 24th (5:30-7:00 pm)
Wednesday, October 9th (5:00-6:00 pm)
Tuesday, October 1st (5:00-7:00 pm)
Please use this Google Form to R.S.V.P for an in-person Discovery Information night. This will help us plan for the number of families joining us.
Join us for a VIRTUAL information session
Monday, November 4th, 2024 (6:00-7:00pm)
Please R.S.V.P using this Google Form
Information including the virtual link will be sent directly to you upon receipt.
Iron Horse Elementary Gifted Referral Form
Douglas County School District Gifted Programming
Colorado Association for Gifted & Talented
National Association for Gifted Children
Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted
Colorado Department of Education - Gifted Information
Mrs. Miller's Virtual Classroom
DCSD Area Enrichment Opportunities for Students
DCSD Gifted Education: Camps / Contests / Enrichment
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