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Gifted & Talented

The Jeffco Public Schools Gifted and Talented (GT) Department’s vision is to Actualize Learners’ Potential for gifted and high-ability learners through a focus on access, equity, inclusion and diversity. All students deserve an education that provides meaningful growth academically, socially and emotionally.

Each year, every second grader in Jeffco takes The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) which measures reasoning skills with different types of verbal, quantitative and nonverbal questions. The results of this test inform teachers which students may be identified as gifted and talented. 

What Is A Gifted Student?

GT students are learners between the ages of four and 21 whose abilities, talents or potential for accomplishment are so exceptional or developmentally advanced that they require special educational programming. Children under five who are gifted may also receive early childhood special educational services.

Gifted students include students from all backgrounds who have exceptional abilities or potential. Gifted students are capable of exceptional performance,  production or learning behavior and have one or more of these areas of giftedness:

Areas of giftedness

  • Intellectual abilities
  • Specific academic skills
  • Creative or productive thinking
  • Leadership abilities
  • Visual arts, performing arts or musical abilities
  • Physical skills

Gifted and Talented News

Identification

GT Identification

Jeffco screens all students in 2nd grade using the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT). Learn about different categories of giftedness and steps families can take to request GT identification for their student.

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GT Student Transfers

Jeffco honors Colorado Department of Education (CDE) Portability guidelines for students transferring from one Colorado school district to another with a GT identification that follows state guidelines.

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Twice-Exceptional Students

The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) defines twice-exceptional (2e) students as gifted students with disabilities.

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Programming

Acceleration

Acceleration moves students through an educational program at a rate faster or at an age that is younger than typical. This can include grade skipping, moving ahead in a subject or other ways to provide greater challenges.

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Advanced Learning Plan (ALP)

The Advanced Learning Plan (ALP) for identified gifted students is used as a guide for educational planning, programming and decision-making.

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Early Access to Kindergarten and First Grade

Early access to elementary school for highly advanced gifted children may be granted based on evidence and board policy requirements.

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GT Center Schools

Gifted centers are located in regular school settings and provide full-time educational experiences. Instruction involves acceleration, enrichment and attention to affective needs.

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GT Online Courses

Jeffco offers online GT courses through Jeffco Virtual Academy (JVA) for middle school students.

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SPARKS

SPARKS is a GT enrichment program offered during the summer for Jeffco GT students.

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Talent Pool

Talent Pool is a group of students who demonstrate exceptional ability in a particular area but at this time still need to meet the formal criteria for GT identification.

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GT Family Resources

Jeffco provides presentations, documents, book study opportunities and other resources.

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GT Frequently Asked Questions

See common questions about GT identification, GT centers, resources and more.  

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Contact Us

Gifted and Talented

Phone: 303-982-6650
Email: gtinform@jeffco.k12.co.us

GT Resource Teachers

A GT Resource Teacher provides services to students, teachers, administrators and parents to meet individual students' needs. GT Resource Teachers serve many schools, and are not full-time at any school.

Find your GT Resource Teacher

SEL & GT Counselors

A GT Counselor, also known as a Social Emotional Learning counselor (SELC), provides social-emotional learning support for GT Center classes and listens to GT Center students' concerns about academic, emotional or social concerns.

Find your GT Counselor

Building Leaders

Building Leaders are members of the school staff who share info from the GT Department with the individual school's community.

Find Your Building Leader