Gifted and Talented Education

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]

Spring 22-23 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).

2nd Grade Universal Screen

As part of this process, ALL students in 2nd grade not identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) the week of February 6th and 13th.  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. 

Kindergarten/ 1st Grade Gifted Identification Referral Testing

  • If your child is in K or 1st  grade 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 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

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. 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 2023-2024 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

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In compliance with Titles VI & VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, and Colorado law, the Douglas County School District RE-1 does not unlawfully discriminate against otherwise qualified students, employees, applicants for employment, or members of the public on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, religion, ancestry, or need for special education services. Discrimination against employees and applicants for employment based on age, genetic information, and conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth is also prohibited in accordance with state and/or federal law. Complaint procedures have been established for students, parents, employees, and members of the public. The School District's Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator to address complaints alleging sexual harassment under Title IX is Aaron Henderson, 620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, [email protected], 720-433-1083.

Outside Agencies

Complaints regarding violations of Title VI, (race, national origin), Title IX (sex, gender), Section 504/ADA (handicap or disability), may be filed directly with the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1244 North Speer Blvd., Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204. Complaints regarding violations of Title VII (employment) and the ADEA (prohibiting age discrimination in employment) may be filed directly with the Federal Office of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 303 E. 17th Ave., Suite 510, Denver, CO 80202, or the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 1050, Denver, CO 80202.

NOTICE OF DESTRUCTION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION RECORDS

Special Education records which have been collected by Douglas County School District related to the identification, evaluation, educational placement, or the provision of special education in the district, must be maintained under state and federal laws for the period of five (5) years after special education services have ended for the student. Special education services end when the student is no longer eligible for services, graduates, or completes his/her educational program at age 21, or moves from the district. This notification is to inform parents/guardians and former students of Douglas County School District's intent to destroy the special education records of students who exited special education services as of June 30, 2016. These records will be destroyed in accordance with state law unless the parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student notifies the school district otherwise. After five years, the records are no longer useful to the district, but may be useful to the parent/guardian or former student in applying for social security benefits, rehabilitation services, college entrance, etc. The parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student may request a copy of the records by requesting the records by email to [email protected]