The Colorado Department of Education reports there are 66,983 students in Colorado identified as gifted (2019-2020), including gifted children with disabilities (twice-exceptional), gifted children from diverse populations and gifted children of low socio-economic backgrounds, representing approximately 7.7% of the K-12 public school population. There are also gifted learners in other educational settings such as home school and private schools.
CAGT partners with selected Legislators on bills, proposals, and policies that influence gifted education. Legislative Day is an opportunity for students in grades 8 – 12 to partake in a shadowing experience with a member of the Colorado State Assembly.
CAGT advocates for families of gifted children through policies and legislation resulting in programming that may have a social, emotional or financial benefit. CAGT Affiliates are “the boots on the ground” that support parent questions, provide resources, and assist in problem solving. CAGT collects feedback from parent groups to inform progress toward the implementation of policies. CAGT coaches families in positive advocacy strategies.
Colorado has a growing number of educators who have either a Master’s degree in Gifted Education or a Gifted Education Endorsement. CAGT has a special relationship with many educators that take advantage of CAGT’s professional development, conference opportunities and parent seminars.
Partnering with institutions of higher learning is critical to assure that our teachers are prepared to instruct gifted learners and that our gifted students have smooth transitions in their educational processes. Most major Colorado universities are represented on the CAGT Board.
CAGT is a state affiliate of the National Association of Gifted Children (NAGC) as we share resources, advocate for gifted programming, provide feedback and continue to be an active voice at the federal level.
