The First Steps in Jeffco
jeffcopublicschools.org/programs/gifted_talented

JEFFCO GT WEBSITE

Identification:  Gifted identification is done through a process of collecting a body of evidence.  Evidence may include cognitive assessment data, achievement assessment data, norm-referenced observation scales, portfolios, performance evaluations, etc.  Identification is a process that follows the four possible pathways outlined by the Colorado Department of Education.  It does NOT consist of a single test score.  A student can be recommended for identification by a parent, teacher, principal, district support staff, or self-nominate.  Please contact your school or the GT Resource Teacher for your school to get started.

For additional Information on identification from the Colorado Department of Education (CDE), click here.

Testing:  Cognitive data is an important piece for the identification process.  All students are tested with the CoGAT for the purposes of screening for gifted and talented across the district in second grade each year.  Additionally, the CogAT is given on a Saturday in October and in March for the purpose of applying for GT Center placement and for obtaining data to support and Advanced Learning Plan.  
Parents can sign up for testing at the GT website:
https://www.jeffcopublicschools.org/programs/gifted_talentedwww.jeffcopublicschools.org/programs/gifted_talented
Parents may also seek out and submit data from private testing.  Acceptable assessments include the DAS, WISC, WPPSI, NNAT, Ravens, Woodcock Johnson, and the ITBS. If you have questions about outside data or are in need of a professional reference, please contact the GT Department.

Advanced Learning Plan:  Once a body of evidence is established that identifies a student as gifted, an Advanced Learning Plan (ALP) will be created.  This is an electronic document that documents a gifted student’s areas of strength and is used to guide teachers each year as they program and set goals for their students.  ALP goals are set, progressed monitored and completed each year.  Please see your child’s teacher for more information on their goals.

Programming Options for 4 and 5 Year Olds
Early Access - Early Access allows for high gifted children to enter Kindergarten and First Grade a year early if they are academically gifted and socially and emotionally mature.  Highly gifted is defined as scoring in the top 2% (at the 98th percentile) or higher on a cognitive assessment.  (Additional information available here.)

Programming Options for Gifted Elementary & Middle School Students
There are several options for programming for gifted students in Jeffco.  Approximately 80% of identified gifted students remain in their neighborhood schools.  Approximately 20% of gifted students attend a GT Center school.  There is an application process that occurs twice a year (fall and spring) for admittance to GT Center for the coming school year.  Students will not be admitted to GT Center without application.

Neighborhood School
Acceleration is the advancement of students that places them ahead of the regular school curriculum.  There are many forms of acceleration, the most common of which include single subject acceleration and grade skipping.  Contact your school or GT Resource teacher to learn more.
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GT Center School
GT Centers consist of a school-within-a-school model in which gifted students are clustered together.  Instruction involves acceleration, enrichment, and attention to affective (social-emotional) needs. Instruction is based on various formal and informal data to assure that the needs of the students are met.  Teachers are certified in Gifted and Talented and receive continuous support and training in gifted education.  If a student is in a GT Center for elementary school, he or she will automatically be accepted for GT Center placement in middle school.

Gifted Center Schools
Elementary - Coronado, Devinney, Hackberry Hill, Kendrick Lakes, Kyffin, Parmalee, Sheridan Greens, Stevens, Westridge
Middle Schools - Creighton, Evergreen, Everitt, Ken Caryl, North Arvada, West Jefferson
High Schools - Arvada, Wheat Ridge

Jeffco Links
2021-2022 GT Resource Teachers & Counselors
GT 101
Identification and Assessment
Center School Map

Transition Resources

• Transition resources for parents (Edutopia)
• Transitioning from elementary to middle school (Davidson Institute)
• Middle school transition tips for parents (Scholastic)

​Working With Teachers & Parents

• ​Tips for Working With Parents of Gifted Students (Davidson Institute)
• Building Parent-Teacher Relationships (Reading Rockets)
• Partner With Your Child's School (Understood.org)

As a GT Parent
Never accept:

• "I don't believe in differentiation".
• "He's so smart...he'll be fine"
• " I'll just give him extra work to keep him busy"
• “He’s so far ahead he can help teach the other kids”

Always remember:

• No one will ever advocate for your kid like you will
• Keep knocking on doors until your knuckles bleed
• Make sure your kid knows you have his back

                         -JAGC Board

Other Alternatives

Options and charter schools are also Jefferson County Schools, but operate under their own charters and deliver services per those charters.  Contact the individual schools to learn how they support gifted education and 2e.