Academy Charter School (ACS) is dedicated to high-quality gifted/talented and enrichment programming that will serve as a model for other Charter schools in the district, state, and county.
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 grade--a student's final year of elementary school (November). Please click HERE to learn more.
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 5. 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
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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.
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NOTE: Requesting this assessment automatically initiates the process to evaluate for Gifted Identification.
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Please request CogAT testing for your child by completing the Referral for Gifted Identification linked HERE
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Upon receipt of this form the Gifted Education Facilitator will connect with you to discuss next steps in the gifted identification process.
Meet the ACS Gifted and Talented Team
Melinda Kennedy is the GT Facilitator. She has 25 years of teaching experience and has worked with students as a classroom teacher, a technology specialist, and a gifted and talented teacher. Melinda joined ACS in 2009. She has a Bachelor’s degree in English, a Master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction, and the Gifted Education Specialist endorsement.
Contact: [email protected]
Sarah Zimmerman is the Gifted and Talented Specialist. Sarah joined ACS in 2005 and has taught kindergarten, first grade and third grade. She has a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and is working on her Gifted Education Specialist endorsement.
Contact: zimmermans@academycharter.org
Please click through the tabs below to learn more about:
-Gifted and Talented Definition
-Gifted Identification
-Programing objectives
-Resources