Gifted & Talented

Gifted and Talented Programing 

Gifted programing at Acres Green is designed to meet the academic and social emotional needs of identified students. 

What will you see:

• Cluster grouping
• Content Acceleration
• Reading and Math enrichment
• Differentiated instructions
• Small group instruction

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.

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 12 - 15.  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.

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

Important Information: Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) - 5th/6th Grade Universal Screening

Dear Parents/Guardians,

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 3rd (5th grade)  and November 17th (6th grade). 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.

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.  

• 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.

Gifted Identification Referral Testing 

Testing for Gifted Identification outside of the universal screening grade (6th) WILL NOT be facilitated in this November testing window.  Referral testing will be offered in the Mid Year testing window.  

We will provide more detailed information about this opportunity soon!  

If your child is in a grade other than 6th and you believe he/she needs evaluation for Gifted Identification and Services, and you have not done so already, please initiate the Gifted Identification Referral Process by completing the referral form. 

NOTE:  Completing this referral form WILL NOT initiate the CogAT assessment.  

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