Gifted and Talented Education
Gifted and Talented Education
What Does Gifted Programming Look Like at Mountain View?
At Mountain View Elementary, our goal is to make sure gifted students are challenged, supported, and engaged in learning that meets their needs. We focus on helping students explore topics with greater depth and complexity.
Students who qualify as gifted learners receive an Advanced Learning Plan (ALP). The ALP is created with input from the GT Facilitator, classroom teacher, student, and parents. It identifies the student’s strengths and needs and outlines ways we will support and challenge them at school.
Gifted support can look different for every student. It may include flexible grouping, enrichment, small-group learning, differentiated instruction, acceleration, independent study, or curriculum compacting. Supports may change as students grow and their needs change.
What Is an ALP?
An Advanced Learning Plan (ALP) is a plan created for students who are identified as gifted learners. The identification process looks at the whole child and multiple pieces of information, including CogAT scores, classroom work and assessments, other assessment data, and input from teachers, parents, and students.
A parent, teacher, or student can refer a child for gifted identification. If you think your child may be a gifted learner, you can begin the process using the link below. Once a referral is submitted, the GT Facilitator will reach out to explain the next steps.
What Does the GT Facilitator Do?
The GT Facilitator works with students, teachers, and families to support the needs of gifted learners. This may include:
- Helping teachers find ways to challenge and extend student learning
- Providing enrichment opportunities for students
- Supporting students in small-group settings
- Coordinating the gifted identification process and CogAT assessment
- Creating and updating ALPs with teachers, students, and families
- Helping families navigate the Discovery Program
What Is the CogAT?
The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) is one assessment used to better understand how students think, reason, and solve problems. It looks at different types of thinking and helps us understand students’ strengths. CogAT results are one piece of the body of evidence considered during the gifted identification process.
To help ensure all students have access to advanced and gifted learning opportunities, DCSD uses universal screening for all second-grade students. The CogAT is administered during the February assessment window.
Gifted Education Resources
- DCSD Gifted & Talented Referral Form
- 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
- Destination Imagination
Contact the GT Facilitator at MVE
Karena Williams, Gifted Education Facilitator
Karena.Williams@dcsdk12.org