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 Gifted Education Facilitator, Amy Camp at acamp@dcsdk12.org, if you have specific questions or have resources to share.
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 Education Facilitator, 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 may meet regularly in small group enrichment opportunities with Mrs. Camp. These groups will focus on the academic areas, affective skills, 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 Education Facilitator?
My role as Gifted Education 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. Please know that I am work part time.
Please feel free to contact me via email acamp@dcsdk12.org.
CogAT 2021-2022 Information
As part of the DCSD Universal Screening process and our commitment to equitable identification for gifted programming, DCSD will administer the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT 7) in the fall and the spring. This assessment indicates the level and pattern of cognitive development of a student in comparison to grade and age mates.
Specific information for the fall and spring testing window coming soon.
Gifted Identification Referral Testing
If your child is in grades K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 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. Universal Screening for 6th grade will take place in the fall or 2021. Universal Screening for 2nd grade will take place in the late winter of 2022.
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.
What is the CogAT?
All students in the Douglas County School District in second 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, 3, 4, and 5 to take the CogAT. Testing outside the universal screening (grades 2 and 6) is solely for the purpose of Gifted Identification. At this time, the CogAT is only given to sixth grade and students in the Gifted and Talented Referral process in fall. Second grade will take the assessment in the spring. If you would like to begin the gifted identification process, you may access the Prairie Crossing Referral Form here.
Discovery Program
Discovery Program Application Process
The application process for the Discovery Program will be opening soon. 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.
Discovery Program Information Night
Discovery Program Application and Process
Gifted Education Resources
Prairie Crossing Gifted Education Referral Form
Visit Mrs. Camp's Remote Learning Opportunities Here
DCSD Gifted Education Newsletter
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