Gifted & Talented
Gifted & Talented Students at Federal Heights
Our Vision and Mission - Advanced Academic & Gifted Services (AAGS)
Process for GT Recommendation - Identification & Assessment
GT Program Framework - Programming
Advanced Learning Plans (ALP) Timeline and Criteria - Advanced Learning Plan
Our School’s GT Coordinator(s) Contact Information
Jennifer Venturo-Valdez
Jennifer.L.Venturo@adams12.org
720-972-5368
When is GT testing in my school?
Universal Screening: In Adams 12 Five Star Schools, 2nd and 6th graders who are not already identified GT participate in the Universal Screening process for potential gifted and talented identification. Find more detailed information regarding Universal Screening in the Five Star District.
Important dates for the Universal Screening process at our school:
The NGAT screening will be given to all 2nd graders on September 22, 2025. If your child’s data shows that he/she has a potential for needing qualitatively different instruction, your child’s teacher will reach out to you to gather more information.
Parent/Staff/Student GT Recommendation: All K-1 and 3-5 students can participate in the GT identification process by submitting a complete body of evidence. Find more detailed information regarding the GT recommendation process in the Five Star District.
Important dates for the GT Recommendation process at Federal Heights Elementary School:
Federal Heights GT Testing will occur on November 10, 2025. If you are interested in having your child be considered for the GT identification process, contact your GT Advocate and complete this form by October 8, 2025. Late nominations cannot be accepted.
- Gifted & Talented Program Offerings
Advanced Curriculum & Extended Learning: “The Vehicle”
Provides the depth and complexity needed to ensure meaningful academic growth
Classroom instruction is differentiated, with in-class and small-group opportunities for students to apply their skills through enrichment, acceleration, and extension. Teachers collaborate and plan with the GT Coordinator to ensure the needs of gifted and talented students are met.
Differentiated Learning Pathways: “The Roadmap”
Provides an education at the appropriate level of readiness and challenge
Teachers work to understand Gifted and Talented students by recognizing their names, strengths, and needs in order to provide instruction at an appropriate level. Data is collected through formative and summative assessments, analysis of student work, and observations of interactions with peers and adults in both structured and unstructured settings. Using this information, teachers determine each student’s level of readiness and the degree of challenge needed, then design content and assignments to match.
Individualized Opportunities & Enrichment: “The Customized Options”
Actively engages and motivates through interests and meaningful learning opportunities
Each fall, students and parents complete an input form to share the student’s interests, hobbies, and goal areas. This information, combined with student data, is used to develop an Advanced Learning Plan (ALP). ALPs include goals that address both academic strengths and social-emotional factors that influence learning. All stakeholders—the student, parents, classroom teacher, and GT Coordinator—collaborate in setting and reflecting on these goals throughout the school year. This process empowers students to take the lead in shaping learning opportunities tailored to their strengths. In addition, our school offers a variety of co-curricular opportunities that allow students to further explore their interests and talents.
Social-Emotional Learning: “The Destination”
Focuses on developing the whole child by balancing empowerment and accountability
Our school offerings include:
- Students participate in weekly whole class SEL lessons with our SEL Specialists
- Federal Heights Elementary PBIS system.
- GT students collaborate with their teachers and family to determine their annual affective goal for their ALP.