Welcome to RXPI's Gifted and Talented site.  Here, you will find GT announcements and resources useful for parents and teachers.  At the top of the site, you will see dropdown boxes to help you navigate through the site when looking for general information and resources or information specific to either the primary or intermediate school's Gifted and Talented Program.  Feel free to contact RXP's GT Facilitator, Shannon Janes, or RXI's GT Facilitator, Allison Rothwell, if you have specific questions or resources to share.  Contact information is at the bottom of this home page.

• This site is a work in progress, and while we hope to add many helpful resources, we know that parents and classroom teachers may have additional resources that could benefit all of us.  Please use this LINK to share other resources you've found to be helpful.

Dear Families,

The Douglas County School District’s Elementary Discovery Program is designed to meet the needs of gifted

elementary school students who require intensity of instruction and acceleration beyond what can reasonably be

expected from the regular school gifted programming. Typically, these students have exhausted the gifted education

resources/services provided in a general education setting and may be identified by the following characteristics:

●  They have academic needs that require modifications beyond what can be expected through differentiation in

a general education setting.

● They display a high level of cognitive potential.

● They have social and emotional needs that are suited to grouping with intellectual peers.

The Discovery Program will address the needs of students who require intense gifted programming by:

● Allowing for acceleration and enrichment in multiple areas of the curriculum, ensuring student progress

commensurate with ability.

● Providing accelerated pacing and academically rigorous content in order to support students in exceeding state

and national grade level standards in identified areas of strength.

● Supporting unique academic, emotional, and social needs.

● Fostering self-motivation, responsibility, and self-confidence, and establishing patterns of independent

lifelong learning.

The application process may be initiated by a teacher or other professional, parent, or student. Information about the

application process and all materials may be found on the DCSD Gifted Education Webpage on the Discovery

Program Tab. Please see the application timeline below for important information specific to due dates.

All application online forms and documents must be completed and received by December 5th, 2025.

Please contact Allison Rothwell or Shannon Janes if you would like more 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).

Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, we will be testing only 5th graders in Douglas County in November.  In preparation for this, we will be testing all 5th & 6th graders this November so as to not miss any students in the transition process.

5th & 6th Grade Universal Screen

As part of this process, ALL students in 5th & 6th grade not identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) between the dates of November 3rd - November 21st.  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.  

In alignment with DCSD’s Strategic Plan, starting in the 2026-2027 school year, we will be testing only 5th graders in Douglas County in November.  In preparation for this, we will be testing all 5th & 6th graders this November so as to not miss any students in the transition process.

Gifted Identification Referral Testing 

• If your child is in grades 3 and 4, 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