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).

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 10th, 11th, and 12th. 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 linked

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

You have a right to

• know about your giftedness.

• learn something new everyday.

• be passionate about your talent area without apologies.

• have an identity beyond your talent area.

• feel good about your accomplishments.

• make mistakes.

• seek guidance in the development of your talent.

• have multiple peer groups and a variety of friends.

• choose which of your talent areas you wish to pursue.

• not to be gifted at everything.

Written by Del Siegle (NAGC President, 2007 - 2009)

Welcome to Mrs. Rocha's Corner of Education and Passion!

With an impressive 23 years of dedicated experience in the field of education, I am thrilled to embark on a new chapter as the GT Facilitator at South Ridge Elementary. My journey in education has been a dynamic one, encompassing roles as a gifted facilitator, interventionist, coach, and double specials instructor. Previously, I had the privilege of teaching first, fourth, fifth, and sixth-grade students, and I've also served as an assistant principal. Holding a Master's in Curriculum and a Principal's License, my commitment to nurturing young minds has always been unwavering.

Passion and purpose are at the core of my teaching philosophy. Working with diverse learners fuels my enthusiasm and dedication to fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment. Each day, I strive to unlock the potential within every student, helping them discover their unique abilities and talents.

Beyond the classroom, you'll find me indulging in my hobbies. Whether I'm engrossed in a captivating book, exploring new destinations through travel, or savoring delightful dinners out, I cherish every moment of life's adventures.

On a personal note, I am blessed to be married with five grown children and share my home with three beloved dogs, each with their own unique personalities.

I believe that education is the key to unlocking limitless possibilities, and I am dedicated to nurturing a love for learning in every child I meet. My desire to learn is insatiable, and I am constantly seeking new ways to improve as an educator to better serve my students.

Thank you for visiting my website, where you'll find a wealth of resources, insights, and a glimpse into the world of an educator who is passionate about making a positive impact on young lives. Join me on this exciting journey of education, growth, and discovery!

All Douglas County Schools adhere to the guidelines put forth by the Colorado Department of Education regarding identifying students as gifted learners. Once a student is identified as a gifted learner in a particular area of learning, we work collaboratively with the parents and student to write an Advanced Learning Plan for the student.

It is important to note that we use a body of evidence to identify students as gifted learners. The CogAT test is just one of these pieces of evidence. We need to have evidence from 3 of 4 categories:

• Student Achievement (consistent achievement at 95th percentile or above) e.g iReady scores, CMAS scores

• Student Aptitude (scores at 95th percentile or above) e.g. CogAT

• Student Performance Evaluation (Advanced/Distinguished or above) e.g. advanced classwork, achievement in state/national competitions, etc.

• Gifted Education Scale: SIGS- a Nationally Normed Teacher Observation Scale (scores at 95th percentile or above)

Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) - Universal Screening

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).

This assessment - CogAT - 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 you would like your 2nd or 5th grade student to opt out of the CogAT assessment, please reach out to your classroom teacher or Angela Rocha @ alrocha@dcsdk12.org.

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 more detailed information about this process.

If your child is in a grade other than 2nd or 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 linked below.

Be advised, you will need approximately 30 to 45 minutes to complete the entire document. At the end of this form there is a section for the student to complete. Please have them take their time as they answer these questions. If your child is not old enough to type, please transcribe their responses for them. There is not a way to save your progress in this form. You need to be ready with your child to fill it out. Please reach out to Angela Rocha with questions. Upon receipt of this form the Gifted Education Facilitator will be connect with you to discuss next steps in the process.

*If you are a student nominating yourself, fill out the referral portion of the form and the student survey. Please ask your parents/guardians to fill out the parent survey only.