CTD Families, please remember that we do not have school this coming Monday October, 13th. Please take this day to spend time with family, rest, or go do something fun. We are looking forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday October, 14th. Stay safe!

Learner Agency Through Talent Development

Key Program Elements

1. WHOLE CHILD DEVELOPMENT

  • Culture and diversity is celebrated; students speak 14 languages, including Spanish and Somali.
  • Student talent exploration in academic and non-academic interests and abilities is taught and celebrated.
  • Wellness supports include counselor, psychologist, dean of culture
  • Family engagement is a priority, including early childhood outreach and education.
  • Community/school partnerships in the arts, leadership and athletics.
  • Extended day childcare before and after school.

2. STUDENT TALENT IDENTIFICATION AND DEVELOPMENT

  • School wide talent identification process in ECE through fifth grade using research-based tools.
  • All students have equal access to explore their talents in humanities, math and science, languages, arts, leadership and athletics.
  • Talent pool students are given access to GT servicing through both core instruction and GT teacher supplemental instruction.
  • “Twice-exceptional” identification and programming.

3. CHALLENGING STANDARDS-BASED ACADEMIC INSTRUCTION

  • Instruction is planned to reach high standards; scaffold to support student acceleration and mastery.
  • GT practices include problem-based learning, differentiation, compacting, scaffolding, acceleration and cluster grouping.
  • Our school-developed, standards-based curriculum focuses on developing critical thinking skills, social justice and humanities, and is differentiated to meet the needs of students and highlight cultural responsiveness.
  • Full-day 3- and 4-year-old early childhood education program.
  • English language development and biliteracy supports for native speakers of other languages; pathway to biliteracy recognition.

4. HIGH-LEVEL ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES

  • Electives include art, dance, and physical education
  • Weekly advisory classes during the school day every Thursday are offered in 6-8 week cycles and include student choice in arts, athletics, leadership and STEM
  • Field studies, mentoring, and college-to-career exposure.

5. INNOVATIVE TEACHER DEVELOPMENT

  • Teacher-development pipeline program with CU Denver.
  • All teachers receive training on Gifted and Talented instructional practices.
  • Opportunities for teachers to pursue advanced certifications. Extended time for collaboration and planning.
  • Teacher leaders provide coaching, feedback and leadership development.