Gifted and Talented

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 3-7, 2025.  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 has already been 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.

• Upon receipt of this form, the Gifted Education Facilitator will connect with you to discuss the next steps in the gifted identification process.

As part of this process, ALL 2nd graders not identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) the week of February 3-7, 2025.  

• 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 has already been 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. 

As part of this process, all 5th-grade students who have not been identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) on November 6 and November 11-12, and 14th, 2025.  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 more detailed information about this process. These students will have a hands-on project to complete during the testing blocks in a small group.

Please see the following for additional information linked below:

DCSD Universal Screening Letter to Families_Fall 

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 grade (November).

• NOTE:  Requesting this assessment automatically initiates the evaluation process for Gifted Identification. 

• Please request CogAT testing for your child by completing the Referral for Gifted Identification.
• Upon receipt of this form, the Gifted Education Facilitator will connect with you to discuss the next steps in the gifted identification process.

• 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 evaluation process for Gifted Identification. 

Please request CogAT testing for your child by completing the Referral for Gifted Identification or here for the Spanish link:

• Formulario de recomendación para la identificación de estudiantes dotados en el DCSD - Consentimiento para la evaluación, Encuesta de padres/tutores y  Encuesta de estudiantes 

• DCSD Gifted Programming Website
• Formulario de recomendación para la identificación de estudiantes dotados en el DCSD - Consentimiento para la evaluación, Encuesta de padres/tutores y Encuesta de estudiantes
• Douglas County Association of Gifted and Talented (DCAGT)
• Colorado Association of Gifted and Talented (CAGT)
• National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)
• Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG)
• Colorado Department of Education - Gifted Information
• Referral for the gifted identification process