GIFTED EDUCATION

At Renaissance, we recognize and nurture the unique talents of every student. Our Gifted and Talented program supports high potential, advanced, and gifted learners by providing meaningful, differentiated learning experiences that challenge their abilities and prepare them to thrive in school and beyond.

Gifted and talented students are those whose abilities and potential for achievement are so exceptional or advanced that they require specialized instruction to meet their educational needs. These students may be identified in one or more areas, including General or Specific Intellectual Ability, Academic Aptitude, Creative or Productive Thinking, Leadership Skills, Visual, Performing, or Musical Arts and Psychomotor Abilities.

We also recognize and support twice-exceptional learners—students who are gifted and also have learning differences—as well as gifted students from all cultural, linguistic, and economic backgrounds.

Enrichment Interventions

Students who demonstrate a need for additional challenges or advanced skills may be placed in enrichment groups as an intervention to better meet their needs. These groups are flexible in order to give students the opportunity to flex in and out of groups as appropriate. Students who are not on an Advanced Learning Plan but have data showing potential for giftedness can be a part of these groups. Students may also be part of a co-taught class in which the grade level teacher and the gifted facilitator meet to plan lessons to meet the needs of advanced students within the classroom.

Gifted Referral, Screening and Identification Process

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 or 6th grades -- a student's final year of elementary school (November).

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.

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 (6th Grade) and November 11th (5th 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.

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 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.

Initiate the Gifted Identification Process

Iniciar el proceso de identificación de superdotados

Robust Body of Evidence

As part of the gifted referral process, a body of evidence is gathered—such as assessment scores, classroom performance, teacher and parent input, and student reflections—to determine if a student is consistently performing above grade level and demonstrate a need for gifted programming..

A team trained in gifted education reviews this information to recommend the best support. Programming may include enrichment groups, special projects, subject acceleration, or in-class extensions.

Gifted Students and Advanced Learning Plans

Once a student is identified as gifted, an Advanced Learning Plan (ALP) is created to guide their academic and personal growth. ALPs include individualized goals in areas of strength and social-emotional development,along with the supports in place to help the student thrive.

Plans are updated quarterly, reviewed each spring, and revised as needed throughout the year to stay aligned with the student’s evolving needs and interests. The ALP acts as a blueprint for learning, helping students take ownership of their education, understand their strengths, and become confident, independent learners.

Discovery Programming

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 neighborhood school. This program is offered at Northridge Elementary school in Highlands Ranch, Renaissance Elementary in Castle Rock and Pine Lane Elementary in Parker.

The application process for the Discovery Program can be found on the DCSD's Gifted Education webpage. The application window generally opens in late September for the following school year. REMS does not accept applications nor place student for the Discovery Program.

DCSD's Gifted Education Discovery Programming

Discovery Program at REMS

At Renaissance, the Discovery Program offers students more than just academics—it provides a whole-child, experience-rich education that nurtures curiosity, confidence, and connection.

Through unique opportunities like Adventure Education, Integrated Learning Expeditions, Workshop Wednesdays, and All-School Drum Circles, students engage in learning that is active, meaningful, and joyful.

We weave social-emotional learning into everything we do. Whether in the classroom or on outdoor Voyages, students learn to navigate emotions, support one another, and grow as individuals and as a team.

At the heart of Discovery is our belief in Crew—that we are a community of learners who work together, grow together, and take care of one another.

Amanda Deegan

GT Facilitator