CRE Gifted and Talented

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

LINK to District Page for More Information

If you are wondering if the Discovery Program might be a good fit for your child, please email Lauren Wilson: awilson3@dcsdk12.org

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 grade (November).

5th Grade Universal Screen

As part of this process, ALL students in 5th grade not identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) the week of November 2, 2026. 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.

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 DCSD Gifted & Talented Referral Form.

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

Philosophy and Programming

DCSD offers a variety of programming options to meet the full spectrum of needs of our gifted learners. In alignment with the The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) guiding principles and programming standards, a continuum of programming services exist for gifted learners in DCSD. Each school is served by a gifted education facilitator who collaborates/ consults with classroom teachers. Gifted Education Comprehensive Program Plan (Douglas Re 1, Castle Rock 7) and other support staff appropriately plan instruction and learning opportunities to meet the needs of gifted/ high potential learners.

Gifted Programming is designed to meet the academic, social/ emotional, and behavioral needs of students identified with advanced learning needs. Teachers and support staff differentiate learning opportunities to meet these needs. Each school site provides for gifted learners through the implementation of some or all of the following strategies:

• Differentiated instruction

• Curriculum compacting

• Content acceleration

• Grade level/content acceleration

• Tiered assignments

• Cluster grouping

• Flexible grouping

• Independent study

• Project-based learning

• Leadership opportunities

Here at Castle Rock Elementary we will help meet the needs of our GT students through many of the strategies listed above. Universal strategies used throughout our school include:

• Social/Emotional support groups (discuss topics specific to the GT population)

• Curriculum support (Ed Zaccaro Math, Beast Academy, William and Mary Language Arts units, Junior Great Books, Jacob’s Ladder)