Gifted and Talented Education
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.
Contact Us
Amy Camp, Gifted Education Facilitator
acamp@dcsdk12.org
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.
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?
Our roles as Gifted Education Facilitators are 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. We may also provide some enrichment opportunities to students with ALPs in a small group setting during grade level DLT times. Our roles also include 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, we are able to help with that process as well.
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.
CogAT Assessment Window
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 3rd. 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.
Discovery Program
The Application Window for the 2025-2026 School Year is Now Open!
The DCSD Elementary Discovery Program is a center-based gifted program designed specifically for highly advanced gifted students in grades 2 through 6. This program meets the needs of students who require a level of intensity and acceleration beyond what is typically available through gifted programming at their local school.
The Discovery Program is ideal for students who demonstrate the following characteristics:
- Exceptional intellectual/cognitive ability
- Consistent advanced academic achievement and performance
- Intense curiosity and motivation to learn
- A unique ability to make connections and understand complex concepts
Application Deadline: November 13, 2024
To begin the application process, please carefully review the 2025-2026 Discovery Program Application and Process Information.
For more information about the program, please contact us and/or visit the district’s Discovery Program page.
Information Nights
- Pine Lane Elementary School Thursday, October 24th, 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
- Renaissance Magnet School Wednesday, October 9th, 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
- Northridge Elementary School Tuesday, October 1st, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
- Please RSVP for an in-person presentation
- VIRTUAL Information session: Monday, November 4th, 2024, 6:00-7:00pm
- RSVP for virtual presentation
Gifted Education Resources