Identification

In Colorado, students are identified as gifted using a Body of Evidence.
Students must have at least 3 qualifying data points at or above the 95th percentile to be formally identified.

At FASD, we follow Colorado state guidelines and DPS standards to ensure a consistent and equitable identification process.

Once data is collected, it is reviewed by a team of three Gifted Identification Certified professionals.

• One reviewer compiles and submits the Body of Evidence (the school's GT Coordinator)

• Two additional reviewers independently review the data

• The team determines if the student meets identification criteria

At FASD, our GT Coordinator serves as the in-house reviewer and partners with certified reviewers across DPS.

This process ensures that students are evaluated fairly and that multiple perspectives are considered.

Gifted identification is based on multiple data points that show a student’s strengths over time.

• Academic Data
  Nationally normed assessments (STAR, CMAS, etc.)

• Observations
  Teacher and/or parent rating scales (such as SIGS)

• Cognitive Testing
  Assessments such as NNAT, NGAT, or CogAT

• Creativity Measures
  Tools like the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking

HGT (Highly Gifted)

• Students who meet the highest criteria across multiple areas, including cognitive testing, academic data, and observations.

• HGT students qualify for Magnet site enrollment.

• HGT students have an annual ALP.

GT (Gifted)

• Students who meet gifted identification criteria through a combination of academic data and observations, but do not have a qualifying cognitive score.

• GT students are not eligible for HGT Magnet site enrollment.

• GT students have an annual ALP.

Magnet Eligible (ME)

• Students who score at or above the 95th percentile on a cognitive assessment but do not yet meet full HGT criteria.

• Magnet Eligible status is determined by DPS, and families are notified directly.

• Students are ellible to attend a Magent School.

The Talent Pool includes students who show strong potential for gifted identification but do not yet have enough data to qualify.

Students in the Talent Pool are:

• Monitored over time

• Given opportunities for challenge and enrichment

• Considered for future gifted identification as more data is collected

Data that may be considered includes:

• Achievement data (STAR or other nationally normed assessments)

• Observation scale scores (such as SIGS)

• Cognitive scores that are close to qualifying (typically 85th–94th percentile)

The Talent Pool is not a formal gifted identification and does not include an Advanced Learning Plan (ALP).

Our goal is to recognize potential early and ensure students receive the support and challenge they need to grow.

Gifted Identification Certified educators complete specialized training through Denver Public Schools (DPS) and must pass an exam demonstrating their understanding of identification standards and procedures.