Meet your Facilitator
Hello, my name is Lauren Wilson. I am the Gifted and Talented Facilitator at Saddle Ranch Elementary. My job is to address the unique needs of every gifted and talented learner at our school. I graduated from the University of Missouri with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 2006. In 2022, I completed the Gifted Academy graduate program at Christian Brothers University.
If you need to get in contact with me, my email is [email protected].
Philosophy and Programming
DCSD offers a variety of programming options to meet the full spectrum of needs of our gifted learners. In alignment with the The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) guiding principles and programming standards, a continuum of programming services exist for gifted learners in DCSD. Each school is served by a gifted education facilitator who collaborates/ consults with classroom teachers. Gifted Education Comprehensive Program Plan (Douglas Re 1, Castle Rock 7) and other support staff appropriately plan instruction and learning opportunities to meet the needs of gifted/ high potential learners.
Gifted Programming is designed to meet the academic, social/ emotional, and behavioral needs of students identified with advanced learning needs. Teachers and support staff differentiate learning opportunities to meet these needs. Each school site provides for gifted learners through the implementation of some or all of the following strategies:
- Differentiated instruction
- Curriculum compacting
- Content acceleration
- Grade level/content acceleration
- Mentorships
- Tiered assignments
- Cluster grouping
- Flexible grouping
- Independent study
- Project-based learning
- Leadership opportunities
Here at Saddle Ranch we will help meet the needs of our GT students through many of the strategies listed above. Universal strategies used throughout our school include:
- Social/Emotional support groups (discuss topics specific to the GT population)
- Curriculum support (Ed Zaccaro Math, William and Mary Lang. Arts units, Junior Great Books)
Gifted Identification
If you believe your child needs evaluation for Gifted Identification and Services, and you have not done so already, please initiate the Gifted Identification Referral Process by completing the referral form linked
English Gifted Referral Form
Formulario de recomendación- Español
Other Valuable Resources:
DCSD Gifted Programming Website
Douglas County Association of Gifted and Talented (DCAGT)
Colorado Association of Gifted and Talented (CAGT)
National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)
Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG)
Colorado Department of Education - Gifted Information
GT Enrichment Opportunities