Gifted & Talented

While Dunstan is not identified as a GT Center School, many students on Advanced Learning Plans (ALP) and/or who are identified as gifted do choose to attend Dunstan. Meeting the needs of all learners is the ultimate goal of any staff member, regardless of what type of plan they’re on, including ALPs. Dunstan staff members continue to learn ways to meet the needs and differentiate for all students through professional development provided by Dunstan/Jeffco and/or through continuing their education through colleges and universities.

In addition, students identified with specific strengths are encouraged by staff members to take advantage of the opportunities to demonstrate those skills through coursework, assessment, and extension projects. For some students, honors coursework is also available.

Strategies for Meeting the Needs of Gifted Learners

• Honors Courses
• Goals Surveys and Trackers
• Clubs and Activities
• Leadership Opportunities (WEB, etc)
• Contest Opportunities
• Dunstan Open Houses
• Volunteering
• Optional Enrichment Activities
• Virtual Learning and Webinars

• Jefferson Association for Gifted Children (JAGC)
• Colorado Association for Gifted and Talented (CAGT)
• Understanding Advanced Learning Plans in Jeffco Public Schools
• Destination Imagination (example of school-wide activity)
• Parent Resources for Twice-Exceptional Learners
• GT Monthly Toolbox provides additional GT enrichment activities

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 closed.  Please contact your GT Resource Teacher with questions regarding GT Center.