Gifted & Talented

CogAT

The CogAT is the Cognitive Abilities Test and it measures cognitive abilities, reasoning skills and problem-solving aptitude. It is a standardized, multiple-choice test and is given in nine sections over three days during school hours. 

For more information, visit the CogAT website.

Second-grade students take the CogAT in October. Results are shared with parents as soon as the district makes them available for sharing. You can also schedule to take this test during other scheduled times.

Jeffco began using a comprehensive body of evidence to support a child’s “giftedness” as opposed to only CogAT scores beginning in 2016.

• The Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) test is given three times during the school year to students in second through sixth grades and measures a student’s progress in reading and math. It is a computerized, adaptive test. 
  • For more information, see NWEA Home - NWEA
• The GT program also uses the Scales for Identifying Gifted Students Survey (SIGS) when considering giftedness. 
  • Parents fill out a narrative survey from the Jeffco GT website to support this.
  •  Formerly, the program utilized a “15 traits of giftedness” survey that parents and teachers filled out, now replaced with SIGS.
• The body of evidence incorporates test scores, SIGS, teacher input and parent input. 
  • A student needs a qualifying score of 95% or above twice in a calendar year in one content area of MAP.
  • And a minimum of one qualifying data point of 95% or above in one CogAT strength area.

The Jeffco program has resources throughout the year to support GT students and families. Access the Jeffco Gifted and Talented page for informational meetings and seminars, GT presentations, useful links and more.

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

The 2024 Fall GT Center application is now open.