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 Cognitive Screening for students in specific groups only twice per year. Once at the primary level and once in upper elementary.
As part of this process, ALL students in 5th and 6th grade (or 3rd-6th grade students with a completed parent referral) who have not been identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) in November each school year. ALL students in 2nd grade (or K/1st grade students with a completed parent referral) who have not been identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) in February each 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.
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 more detailed information about this process.
If your child is in 5th, 6th, or 2nd grade, please see detailed information about this assessment here:
Universal Screening Information.
If your child is in grades K, 1, 3, or 4 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 (grades K, 1, 3, 4, only ) by completing the Referral linked below.
The English Version of the Parent Referral for Gifted Identification is linked HERE.
The Spanish Version of the Parent Referral for Gifted Identification is linked HERE.
*These are the same links you will find on the identification process page. Please only fill out the referral once. It will take you approximately 30 minutes to thoughtfully complete the referral. There is a student portion as well.
NOTE: You do not need to request testing for students in grade 2 or grade 6.
2025/2026 District CogAT Communication
November 2025
COMING SOON FOR THE 2025/2026 School Year!