Universal Screening - CogAT Testing 2023-24

UPDATE 9/26/23

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/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) during the first few weeks in November. 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, or 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 the next steps in the gifted identification process.

September Conferences

Schoolwide Student-Led Conferences will be held on September 21 and 22.  I will be having "Open House" hours each of these days starting at 4:00 pm. Please stop by to have your child share some of his/her work with you.

 Discovery Program Information 

The Discovery Program Application process is now open for the 2023 - 2024 school year. 

The DCSD Elementary Discovery Program is a center-based gifted program designed to meet the needs of highly advanced gifted elementary school students (grades 2 - 6) who require an intensity of instruction and acceleration beyond what can reasonably be expected from gifted programming and services provided through their school.

In an effort to ensure equitable opportunity for families to learn about this program we have scheduled three Discovery Program Information Sessions during the last week of September or the first week of October.

 Discovery Program Information Nights Flyer (English)

 Discovery Program Information Nights Flyer (Spanish)

Universal Screen Years at SVE are 2nd and 6th 

As part of the Universal Screening process, ALL students in 2nd and 6th grade not identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) during the 2022-23 school year.  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. 

• Students in 6th grade not identified for gifted programming will take CogAT in November, as well as, referral students in 3rd and 4th grades. 

• Students in 2nd grade not identified for gifted programming will take CogAT in February, as well as, referral students in Kindergarten and 1st grades.

• The actual test dates will be shared once the schedule has been finalized.  

• If your child is already identified for gifted programming, he/she will not participate in this universal screen testing. 

• NEW THIS YEAR: There will be Iowa Testing for identified students in 6th grade in November. Additional information will be provided as we get closer to the testing dates.

Gifted Identification Referral Testing

If your child is in a grade other than 2nd or 6th and you believe he/she needs evaluation for Gifted Identification and Services, and you have not done so already, please initiate the Gifted Identification Referral Process by completing the referral form linked HERE. Upon receipt of this form, the Gifted Education Facilitator will connect with you to discuss the next steps in the gifted identification process.

NOTE: Completing the referral form will initiate the process for Gifted Identification. Also, requesting the CogAT assessment automatically initiates the process to evaluate for Gifted Identification. 

ALP Updates

Advanced Learning Plans for the 2022-23 school year have been completed and sent home. 

Early Access 

Click here for information about the Early Access Process to Kindergarten/1st Grade.

Discovery Program Application Process

The application process for the Discovery Program will open for the 22-23 school year in late September.  Please review this flyer

for more information. 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. Access this link to learn more about the Discovery Program Application and Process. 

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Resources/Links

Spanish Gifted Identification Referral Form

DCSD Gifted Programming Website

Douglas County Association of Gifted and Talented (DCAGT)

Colorado Association of Gifted and Talented (CAGT)

National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)

Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG)

Colorado Department of Education - Gifted Information

DCSD Gifted Education News