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Gifted and Talented

Meet your Facilitator

Dear Parents, 

Welcome to the new school year! I am excited and honored to work with you and your child this year. 

This school year will be my twenty-sixth year of teaching at the elementary level in the Douglas County School District. I have been a Saddle Ranch Elementary School teacher since the 2000-01 school year. Before becoming a Gifted and Talented Facilitator, I taught third, third/fourth combo, fourth, fifth, and sixth grade. 

I was born and raised in Hawaii, and after high school, I attended the University of Northern Colorado. I received my Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis on Interdisciplinary Studies. I also have a Master’s Degree in Education with an emphasis in Administration and Supervision from the University of Phoenix. 

I have been married to my wife of twenty-three years and have a seventeen-year-old son. My son will be entering the twelfth grade this coming school year. 

I am filled with anticipation and excitement as we prepare for the new school year. I am eager to get to know each of you and your child. Please contact me via email, phone, or by visiting the classroom if you have any questions or concerns about your child's education. 

Sincerely, 

Blaine Agasa 

Mr. Blaine Agasa 

Gifted and Talented Facilitator 

Saddle Ranch Elementary School 

(303) 387-6400 

 

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) and 5th or 6th grade--a student's final year of elementary school (November).

Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, we will be testing only 5th graders in Douglas County in November.  In preparation for this, we will be testing all 5th & 6th graders this November so as not to miss any students in the transition process.

 5th & 6th Grade Universal Screen

As part of this process, ALL students in 5th & 6th grade not identified for gifted programming will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) the week of November 10. 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.  

In alignment with DCSD’s Strategic Plan, starting in the 2026-2027 school year, we will be testing only 5th graders in Douglas County in November.  In preparation for this, we will be testing all 5th & 6th graders this November so as not to miss any students in the transition process.

Gifted Identification Referral Testing 

  • If your child is in grades 3 and 4, and you believe they need evaluation for Gifted Identification and Services, you may refer your child for testing by initiating the Gifted Identification Process.  
  • NOTE:  Requesting this assessment automatically initiates the process to evaluate for Gifted Identification. 
  • Please request CogAT testing for your child by completing the Referral for Gifted Identification linked HERE
  • Upon receipt of this form, the Gifted Education Facilitator will connect with you to discuss next steps in the gifted identification process.

 

 

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