Prairie Crossing Elementary

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 [email protected], 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 the link below to begin the gifted identification process.
 
English Referral Form
Spanish Referral Form

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. 
Most of the differentiation happens in the classroom with the classroom teacher. Students with ALPs may meet in small group for 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 support our teachers with differentiation ideas and resources to meet the needs of our students with Advanced Learning Plans (ALPs) and those needing advanced academics or enrichment. I may also provide some enrichment opportunities to students with ALPs in a small group setting during grade level DLT times. My role also includes coordinating the gifted identification process, the CogAT assessment, as well as facilitating the writing and updating of 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 [email protected].

Fall 2023-2024 CogAT Assessment Window

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 sixth grade  not identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) the week of November 6th.  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 next steps in the gifted identification process.

Estimados Padres/Tutores,

DCSD está comprometido a implementar prácticas equitativas para aumentar el acceso a oportunidades de aprendizaje avanzado/para estudiantes dotados. Con base en las recomendaciones y requisitos estatales y nacionales, implementamos la Prueba de detección universal para los estudiantes de segundo grado (febrero).

Pantalla Universal de 2do Grado

Como parte de este proceso, TODOS los estudiantes de 2do grado no identificados para programación para superdotados tomarán la Prueba de Habilidades Cognitivas (CogAT) la semana del 6 o 13 de febrero.

Esta evaluación indica el nivel y patrón de desarrollo cognitivo de un estudiante en comparación con sus compañeros de grado y edad. Estas habilidades de razonamiento general, que comienzan a desarrollarse al nacer y continúan hasta la edad adulta temprana, están influenciadas por las experiencias adquiridas tanto dentro como fuera de la escuela.   

Si su hijo ya está identificado para la programación para superdotados, no participará en esta prueba de pantalla universal. Su Facilitador de Educación para Dotados se comunicará con usted directamente con información sobre este proceso.

Prueba de referencia para la identificación de estudiantes dotados de Jardín de Infantes/Primer Grado

• Si su hijo está en el Jardín de Infantes o 1er grado y cree que necesita una evaluación para la identificación y los servicios de dotados, puede recomendar a su hijo para que se realice la prueba iniciando el proceso de identificación de dotados.  
• NOTA: Solicitar esta evaluación inicia automáticamente el proceso de evaluación para la identificación de dotados. Solicite la prueba CogAT para su hijo completando la Recomendación para identificación de superdotados vinculada AQUÍ.
• Al recibir este formulario, el Facilitador de Educación para Dotados se comunicará con usted para dis

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. 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 linked below.

English Referral Form Spanish Referral Form

Discovery Program

The application process for the 2024-2025 school year is now open.

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 intensity of instruction and acceleration beyond what can reasonably be expected from gifted programming and services provided through their school. 

Visit the DCSD Discovery Program page for more information.

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

Mrs. Camp's Enrichment Opportunities Website
PCE Gifted Education Updates- September
PCE Gifted Education Updates- October