Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gifted Education Program in PSD?
The Gifted Education Program in Poudre School District is committed to identifying and serving gifted learners. All schools in the district identify gifted learners based on a body of evidence that indicates high potential, write Advanced Learning Plans for all gifted learners, and serve gifted students by differentiating instruction, providing enrichment opportunities, or providing specific services based on the needs of gifted learners.
How are students identified in PSD?
Gifted Students in Poudre School District are identified based on a body of evidence that includes achievement scores, intellectual ability scores,
and behavior rating scales.Performance indicators are most often used for additional information in the body of evidence.Students who have three qualifying scores of 95th percentile or higher in at least two categories of the body of evidence will have an Advanced Learning Plan (ALP) in the area of strength (such as a content area,
creativity, visual arts, music, or leadership).
All 2nd graders take the Cognitive Abilities Test, and the CogAT along with STAR, MAP, and CMAS are used in the initial body of evidence.
How are students new to PSD identified?
Because Poudre School District uses a “body of evidence,” any assessments your child has taken previous to their attendance in Poudre School
District can be used.The criteria of scoring 95th percentile in at least 3 different categories of the “body of evidence” remains the same.
What is the distinction between GT identification and qualifications for advanced classes?
Advanced classes require evidence of high achievement and potential.Gifted identification looks at scores in the area of achievement, aptitude, and behaviors in the 95th percentile.While sometimes these scores overlap, an advanced class might have different criteria than gifted identification.Because advanced classes have a faster pace and require a student to go deeper into the content, certain skills and characteristics (such as work habits, attendance, past performance, and motivation) are considered before enrollment in an advanced course.These courses can be of great benefit to a gifted learner as they allow them to work at a faster pace and learn with other motivated students.
Are students in the program for all the years they attend PSD schools?
Once identified gifted, students will have an Advanced Learning Plan for the remainder of their PSD education unless you wish to “opt out.”Gifted identification, however, does not guarantee specific GT services.Services and programs are matched to strength areas of the student, and each site will determine which services best meet the needs of its gifted population.An Advanced Learning Plan will document agreements between parents, teachers, and students regarding GT services available.
The Gifted Education Program in Poudre School District is committed to identifying and serving gifted learners. All schools in the district identify gifted learners based on a body of evidence that indicates high potential, write Advanced Learning Plans for all gifted learners, and serve gifted students by differentiating instruction, providing enrichment opportunities, or providing specific services based on the needs of gifted learners.
How are students identified in PSD?
Gifted Students in Poudre School District are identified based on a body of evidence that includes achievement scores, intellectual ability scores,
and behavior rating scales.Performance indicators are most often used for additional information in the body of evidence.Students who have three qualifying scores of 95th percentile or higher in at least two categories of the body of evidence will have an Advanced Learning Plan (ALP) in the area of strength (such as a content area,
creativity, visual arts, music, or leadership).
All 2nd graders take the Cognitive Abilities Test, and the CogAT along with STAR, MAP, and CMAS are used in the initial body of evidence.
How are students new to PSD identified?
Because Poudre School District uses a “body of evidence,” any assessments your child has taken previous to their attendance in Poudre School
District can be used.The criteria of scoring 95th percentile in at least 3 different categories of the “body of evidence” remains the same.
What is the distinction between GT identification and qualifications for advanced classes?
Advanced classes require evidence of high achievement and potential.Gifted identification looks at scores in the area of achievement, aptitude, and behaviors in the 95th percentile.While sometimes these scores overlap, an advanced class might have different criteria than gifted identification.Because advanced classes have a faster pace and require a student to go deeper into the content, certain skills and characteristics (such as work habits, attendance, past performance, and motivation) are considered before enrollment in an advanced course.These courses can be of great benefit to a gifted learner as they allow them to work at a faster pace and learn with other motivated students.
Are students in the program for all the years they attend PSD schools?
Once identified gifted, students will have an Advanced Learning Plan for the remainder of their PSD education unless you wish to “opt out.”Gifted identification, however, does not guarantee specific GT services.Services and programs are matched to strength areas of the student, and each site will determine which services best meet the needs of its gifted population.An Advanced Learning Plan will document agreements between parents, teachers, and students regarding GT services available.