Gifted and Talented Information
The Douglas County School District uses a Response to Intervention (RTI) framework to guide instructional decisions in order to meet the needs of all learners, including those with advanced learning needs. Through a Multi-Tiered System of Support, Prairie Crossing provides a continuum of programming for Gifted and Talented learners. Programming options include, but are not limited to accelerated/differentiated content, flexible groupings based on abilities and interests, and independent study and projects. Programming delivery is within the regular classroom setting and may possibly include small pull out groups.
On this page you will find gifted and talented resources for parents and teachers. Feel free to contact PCE's GT Facilitator, Amy Camp at acamp@dcsdk12.org, if you have specific questions or have resources to share.
Important Information: Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) -
2nd Grade Universal Screening
Universal Screening
Based on feedback from families and the Colorado Department of Education, we are making improvements to our Universal Screening process. Beginning the spring of 2020, DCSD will transition 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: Language options for the Spring 2020 Testing Window are in process.) In addition, we are changing our Universal Screening grade from 3rd grade to 2nd grade as recommended by state and national guidance.
As part of this process, ALL students in Grade 2 will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT 8) the week of February 10. 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 in 2nd grade and took the CogAT in September of 2019, you have the option to opt your child out of this testing window. Your Gifted Education Facilitator will contact you directly with information about this process.
Gifted Identification Referral Testing
DCSD will NOT have a second Referral Testing Window this school year (2019 - 2020). The next testing window will be in the fall of the 2020 - 2021 school year.
If your child is in a grade other than 2nd, 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.
NOTE: Completing this referral form WILL NOT initiate the CogAT assessment.
Upon receipt of this form the Gifted Education Facilitator will be connect with you to discuss next steps in the process.
What is the CogAT?
All students in the Douglas County School District in third and sixth grade (or fifth grade if an elementary does not have a sixth grade) are given the CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) as a universal screen for early intervention. Please see detailed information about this assessment here. If there is a need for a student to take the CogAT in another grade due to teacher recommendation or parent request, it is possible for students in grades K, 1, 2, 4, and 5 to take the CogAT. Testing outside the universal screening (grades 3 and 6) is solely for the purpose of Gifted Identification. At this time, the CogAT is only given in September. If you would like to begin the gifted identification process, you may access the Prairie Crossing Referral Form here .
What is an ALP (Advanced Learning Plan)?
An ALP is an Advanced Learning Plan. All students that are identified as Gifted Learners will have an ALP. The decision to create an ALP comes from an identification process that looks at a body of evidence, which includes many data points including: CogAT, classroom work/assessments, other standardized measures, input from classroom teachers, parents and the student.
At Prairie Crossing, we create ALPs for students that have gone through the gifted identification process and qualify. The ALP is written with the Gifted and Talented Coordinator, Amy Camp, in collaboration with classroom teachers, students, and parents. An ALP formalizes the differentiated programming the student will receive in their identified area, as well as affective needs.
Gifted identification can begin with a referral form from a parent, teacher, or student. If you believe your child may be a Gifted Learner, please use this referral form to begin the process of gifted identification.
What does Gifted Programming look like at PCE?
At Prairie Crossing, we create ALPs for students who have gone through the Gifted Identification process and qualify as a gifted learner. The ALP formalizes the differentiation the classroom teacher does for the student in their identified area(s), as well as affective needs.
Students on ALPs will meet regularly in small group enrichment opportunities with Mrs. Camp in their area of strength. These groups will focus on the academic areas and also on developing critical thinking skills, collaboration, and creating connections with peers. These enrichment opportunities will be in addition to the differentiation already happening in the classrooms.
What is role of the Gifted and Talented Facilitator?
My role as GT Facilitator is to meet with students on Advanced Learning Plans (ALPs) to provide enrichment opportunities outside of the traditional classroom setting. My role also includes coordinating the gifted identification process as well as facilitate writing the ALPs. If a parent is interested in applying for the Discovery Program, I am able to help with that process as well. Please feel free to contact me with questions, however please know that I am only at Prairie Crossing on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. I may be out occasionally for district meetings.
Please feel free to contact me via email acamp@dcsdk12.org.
DCSD Discovery Program
The Douglas County School District 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 programming. The Discovery Program application process is now open. Please see the following links for more information.
Discovery Information Flyer
Discovery Program Application
Gifted Education Resources
Douglas County School District Gifted Programming Website
Douglas County Association of Gifted and Talented (DCAGT)
Colorado Association of Gifted and Talented (CAGT)
National Association of Gifted Children (NAGC)
Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG)
Colorado Department of Education- Gifted Information
Douglas County Gifted Newsletters
DCSD Gifted Newsletter October 2019