Franktown Elementary

This link will take you to the DCSD webpage for additional information.

Important Information: Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) - 2nd and 5th Grade Universal Screening

Universal Screening

Based on feedback from families and the Colorado Department of Education, and our commitment to increased equitable identification practices, we have made improvements to our Universal Screening process. In the spring of 2020, DCSD transitioned from the “paper pencil” CogAT to the online version. The online assessment platform provides for easier administration, faster results, and access to the directions in multiple languages other than English. (NOTE: Additional language options are in process.)

As part of the DCSD Universal Screening process and our commitment to equitable identification for gifted programming, DCSD will administer the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT 7) during November for 5th grade and February for 2nd grade. This assessment indicates the level and pattern of cognitive development of a student in comparison to grade and age mates. Please see below for specific information based on your child’s current grade.

5th and 2nd Grade Universal Screening at FES

• As part of this process, ALL students in 2nd or 5th grade who have not been identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) in November or February respectively. 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 more detailed information about this process.

Gifted Identification Referral Testing

• If your child is in grades K, 1, 3, 4 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 HERE.

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.

eLearners

Families with students currently enrolled in eLearning will receive detailed information about their CogAT testing options and logistics directly from the DCSD District Team/eLearning Administration. If you do not receive this information, please contact the DCSD Gifted Education Team at: [email protected].

Please see the following for additional information linked below:

Franktown - DCSD Gifted Identification Referral Form -
Consent to Evaluate, Parent/Guardian Survey & Student Survey

Click here for more information, contacts and the application process.

What is Gifted & Talented?
If a student is identified as GT, they may go to their neighborhood school (Franktown) or apply for the Discovery Program that is at another school. The Discovery Program is designed for those students who have needs so intense that they cannot be met in a regular classroom. All students in Douglas County are given the CogAT, Cognitive Abilities Test, in 3rd & 5th grade (unless the school has 6th grade) as a universal screen for early intervention. If there is a need for a student to take the CogAT in another grade due to teacher recommendation or parent request, that is possible at grades 1 ,2, 4 & 5. Testing at these levels is solely for the purpose of possible GT identification. At this time, the CogAT is given each September.

What is an ALP?

An ALP is an Advanced Learning Plan. All students that are identified as GT have an ALP whether they go to their neighborhood school (Franktown) or a Discovery School. The decision to create an ALP comes from an identification process that looks at a body of evidence that includes many data points including CogAT, classroom work/assessments, other standardized measures, input from classroom teacher, parent(s), and student.

What does GT look like at Franktown?

At Franktown, we create ALP plans for students that have gone through a GT identification process and qualify. The ALP is written by the GT Facilitator (me) in collaboration with classroom teachers, students, and parents. The ALP formalizes the differentiation that the classroom teacher does for the students in their identified area(s) as well as affective needs. At Franktown, we value and support the depth and complexity of knowledge, not just what grade level a concept may be. All students in our building read and write at their highest independent level. Sometimes additional grouping is needed in the area of mathematics. Our MTSS team collaborates to make the best determination of what that looks like year to year. Some strategies that we use to meet needs at our building are: Flexible Grouping in reading and math, Content Acceleration, Grade Level Acceleration, Independent Study, Curriculum Compacting, and Blended Learning.

What will this look like at Sagewood Middle School?

Sagewood has many options for different levels of learning. Teachers will recommend placement based on their knowledge of the student and the choices that are offered. Parent and student input is taken as well.

What is my role?

My role as the GT Facilitator is to collaborate with our assessment coordinator during CogAT testing, coordinate the identification process as well as facilitate writing the ALP. If a parent is interested in applying for the Discovery Program, I help with that process as well. I also collaborate with teachers in writing the goals, gathering support materials, analyzing data and adjusting plans as needed. Franktown has a long history of highly capable students and our teachers are well versed in differentiation for all students. When needed, I work with students on specific projects or affective goals that need individualization.