Gifted & Talented

Gifted and Talented

Students are identified as being gifted using a body of evidence that is collected with the input of students, parents, and teachers. This identification process is in accordance with state and district guidelines. A child that is identified as being gifted is then placed on an Advanced Learning Plan (ALP). The ALP is a document that records the goals the student will be working towards and is monitored by the classroom teacher throughout the school year. All ALPs are reviewed annually with the student and parents. Students who have an ALP have their needs met primarily in the classroom because of our mastery based learning at WCA with teacher and push-in support from our gifted facilitator.

CogAT Testing

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).

Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, we will be testing only 5th graders in Douglas County in November. In preparation for this, we will be testing all 5th & 6th graders this November so as to not miss any students in the transition process.

5th & 6th Grade Universal Screen

As part of this process, ALL students in 5th & 6th grade not identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) the week of November 4th. 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.

In alignment with DCSD’s Strategic Plan, starting in the 2026-2027 school year, we will be testing only 5th graders in Douglas County in November. In preparation for this, we will be testing all 5th & 6th graders this November so as to not miss any students in the transition process.

5th & 6th Grade (and 3rd-4th grade referrals): November

2nd Grade (and K/1st grade referrals): February

Gifted Identification Referral Testing

If your child is in grades 3 and 4, and you believe they need evaluation for Gifted Identification and Services, you may refer your child for testing by initiating the Gifted Identification Process. 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 next steps in the gifted identification process.

Resources

For questions about the program, please contact Kate Parker or see her website for more information.