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-fifth 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-two years and have a sixteen-year-old son. My son will be entering the eleventh 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

[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

 




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NOTICE OF DESTRUCTION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION RECORDS

Special Education records which have been collected by Douglas County School District related to the identification, evaluation, educational placement, or the provision of special education in the district, must be maintained under state and federal laws for the period of five (5) years after special education services have ended for the student. Special education services end when the student is no longer eligible for services, graduates, or completes his/her educational program at age 21, or moves from the district. This notification is to inform parents/guardians and former students of Douglas County School District's intent to destroy the special education records of students who exited special education services as of June 30, 2016. These records will be destroyed in accordance with state law unless the parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student notifies the school district otherwise. After five years, the records are no longer useful to the district, but may be useful to the parent/guardian or former student in applying for social security benefits, rehabilitation services, college entrance, etc. The parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student may request a copy of the records by requesting the records by email to [email protected].