Director's Corner

SAVE THE DATE Colorado Gifted Education State Directors' Meeting March 3 - 4, 2020

Taking place at the Sheraton Denver West Hotel in Lakewood CO. Please do not call hotel at this time, more information to follow.

Message from our director, Dr. McKinney, regarding the Unified Improvement Plan (UIP):

Hello Gifted Education Directors and Coordinators,

In my listening tour this fall and as districts/BOCES begin their planning process for UIP, several questions have arisen.

Gifted UIP Resources *NEW*

I understand some districts especially those exercising biennial flexibility last year may have questions about gifted requirements in the UIP. We have developed a supporting document to provide options for meeting the gifted requirements.

I have heard concern regarding requirements for USQP grant funding connected to UIP expectations. I would like to clarify that the UIP serves as a foundational element for the grant, but should not interfere with eligibility to apply for USQP grant funds. Additional information about this process will be released with the grant application. Should you have any additional questions prior to the release, please feel free to reach out.

UIP Support

If you or your district staff have questions about meeting your gifted expectations through the UIP, please reach out to me, mckinney_r@cde.state.co.us; 303-866-6652 or Erin Loften loften_e@cde.state.co.us; 303-866-6642, from the School Improvement and Planning Office.

I look forward to seeing you and appreciate all of your efforts to support gifted learners in Colorado. ~Rebecca McKinney, Ed.D.

Gifted Programming Elements:

The Exceptional Children’s Educational Act (ECEA) is Colorado’s primary law with requirements for the implementation of specific elements and procedures for gifted education. The State Board of Education is responsible for promulgating rules that local districts use to follow Colorado education laws. Administrative Units (AUs) oversee and provide educational services to gifted students and professional development opportunities for educators. AU is defined as a school district, a board of cooperative services (BOCES), or the state Charter School Institute. ECEA Rules guide AUs in developing provisions for the implementation of the gifted program plan. Click the links below to access information for each of the thirteen programming elements.

*Legislation allows AUs to determine if Early Access is provided as a gifted programming option.

Resources to support the AU Gifted Director/Coordinator

Note: If you are not able to access the resources or need additional support, please contact the Office of Gifted Education Gifted Program Administrator.