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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) and 5th or 6th grade (November)--a student's final year of elementary school.
  • 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 6-10, 2023. 
  • 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 Fac

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 the next steps in the gifted identification process.

As part of this process, ALL students in grade 5 not identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) the week of November 7-11, 2022.

  • 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. 

The Discovery Program Application process is now open for the 2023-2024 school year. 

 

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

 

In an effort to ensure equitable opportunity for families to learn about this program there are three Discovery Program Information Sessions scheduled during the last week of September or the first week of October. Please click this link for the Discovery Program Information Night flyer in English, and this link for the Discovery Program Information Night flyer in Spanish.

If your child is in grades 3, 4, or 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.  

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 the next steps in the gifted identification process.

Questions about the Gifted and Talented Program?

Please email Lonnie McKenzie at [email protected]


 
flow chart gifted and talented