Advanced Academics and Talent Development

Our priorities within talent development and advanced academics include:

• Finding and developing the interests and strengths of our students
• Advancing critical and creative thinking skills of students
• Honoring student experiential knowledge and giving students opportunities to play an active role in their own learning
• Increasing complexity of instruction and depth of content to fit students' needs
• Providing accelerated learning opportunities

Our process for identifying students for advanced academics services within Roseville Area Schools incorporates the screening of all students, teacher observations and input, parent perspectives and input, classroom performance assessments, and ability testing.

In January - April, teachers use an informal identification and screening process that considers learning behaviors of all of all kindergarten and first grade students. Using a valid and reliable rating scale, teachers observe social and academic behaviors that are known to lead to high achievement levels or indicate the potential for high achievement. For more information on the informal identification process, download our Informal Identification fact sheet.

In October and November, all students in grade 2 and 4 take the CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test). This test measures students’ ability to reason and problem solve in verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal domains. Teachers, lead teachers, and other relevant staff meet to review CogAT results and to consider the results of the grades K-1 informal screening and classroom assessments. The team uses these assessment results to identify students needing advanced academics.

• CLICK HERE to view a recording on "Understanding CogAT Results"
• CLICK HERE to read more information about CogAT

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

How do I know if my child is identified as gifted?

The Minnesota Department of Education definition of giftedness focuses on " those students with outstanding abilities....(and) students capable of high performance." However, capability is not always apparent nor can it be easily measured, especially in young children. Also, performance alone is not an indication of giftedness. A student who is not identified as gifted but highly motivated could easily outperform a child who is identified as gifted but lacking motivation or opportunity. A child who comes from an enriched home environment could also show more advanced performance.

Some believe that a child who has an IQ of 130 or higher is gifted. But giftedness is also more than an IQ score. Giftedness is actually a combination of personality and intellectual traits that lead to increased sensitivity and aptitude in a number of areas.

Contrary to what many people think, the gifted child is not destined for success. Many gifted children have social, emotional, and educational needs that are not easily met in the normal school setting.

How will I know if and when my child has been identified?

Informal assessments and classroom grouping occur in grades K-2. Information and placement at this level is used solely for talent development purposes. No formal identification or notification occurs at this time. In the winter of second and fourth grade, the CogAT scores of all students are reviewed as part of a formal identification process.

The coordinator of Advanced Academics and Talent Development sends a letter (usually in February) to parents of identified students that confirms and explains the types of services the student will receive. 

What can I do if I believe my child is gifted and should be identified for service?

Start with your child's teacher and ask about your child's abilities in the classroom. Share with the teacher information about your child's strengths, interests, and achievements outside of school. Ask what the process is for identifying students for advanced work. The school's Advanced Academics and Talent Development lead teacher is another resource who can answer questions about the identification process.

When do you identify students and start service?

Student information is reviewed periodically throughout the child's school career, starting during kindergarten and then whenever new information becomes available (or at the request of a teacher or parent).

Informal services begin in grades 1-2 for students who show a need for differentiated curriculum due to high reading and math abilities. During these grades, a committee of educators reviews student profiles and screens all students for gifts and talents.

In January of grade 2, we review the results of CogAT, which is a strong indicator of a child's abilities, along with other district and classroom data. We repeat this review of data in grade 4.

Formal advanced academic services begins in grade 3.

My child has been in a gifted program in another school district. Does this guarantee placement in Roseville Area Schools' Advanced Academics and Talent Development Program?

Participation in a gifted program in another school district does not necessarily qualify a student for services in Roseville Area Schools. Be sure to share your child's gifted identification data with the Advanced Academics and Talent Development coordinator, and we will review the records to determine how to best serve the student in our district. Email Trina Hira at trina.hira@isd623.org or call 651-604-3649.

The Twice-Exceptional Group

Some students who are gifted may also have autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, behavioral or emotional disorders, or related challenges. We have a twice-exceptional learning(2e) parent group to address the unique needs of multi-exceptional students and their families. If you are interested in learning more about twice-exceptional (2e) students, please join our 2e learning group.

Four times a year, we meet on Zoom from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. The meetings start with a short presentation on the monthly topic, followed by discussion, and ending with time for families to ask questions of each other, share resources and ideas, etc. To join or for more information, please contact Trina Hira. You are also encouraged to consider the resources provided by MCGT (Minnesota Council for the Gifted and Talented).

2025-26 Meeting Dates and Topics. All are 6:30 - 7:30 pm:

Oct 6          Back to School for the 2e Learner and Book/Resource Share          

Nov 17         Anxiety and Mental Wellness

Jan 26        Perfectionism

Mar 23        Self-Regulation, Emotions and Intensities

Note: 2e Families are encouraged to join AATD parent presentations as well. See more information on the menu above labeled "Parent Presentations."

Advanced Academics services are available for elementary, middle school, and high school students. At the elementary level, students are grouped so teachers can readily meet their advanced learning needs with extensions, enrichment and acceleration. In grades 7-8, courses in math and world language offer high school credit, and other courses offer Advanced Options to deepen and extend learning. At the high school level, students may take Advanced Placement courses, and college classes offered at the high school (CIS) or at neighboring colleges (PSEO).

There are many ways to accelerate learning for students who are academically, intellectually, socially, and emotionally ready to learn at a faster pace or before the expected age for learning.

1. Early Entrance to Kindergarten or First Grade

• Policy and Regulations
• Procedure for Early Entrance to First Grade
• Early Entrance to Kindergarten Timeline and Steps

2. Grade or Subject Acceleration:

• Policy and Regulations-Acceleration; Regulations-Retention
• Acceleration Process and Form

These options require a formal request and have a set process to follow. See the attachments above for more information on these procedures. The Request for Acceleration Form allows parents/guardians, teachers, or students to begin the process. Note that teachers also accelerate learning in more informal ways in the classroom, such as compacting the curriculum and differentiating instruction, and these informal procedures do not require a formal request form.

MATH ACCELERATION:

In kindergarten and grade 1, teachers offer enrichment and extensions to students. In grade 2, Roseville Area Schools screens all students for advanced math needs, including math enrichment plans and math acceleration. Click here to read more about the process. 

In middle school, all students have the opportunity to accelerate in math by selecting Intermediate Algebra and Geometry, which earn high school credit. In high school, students can continue on an accelerated path by registering for accelerated and advanced math courses, including college-credit classes through AP (Advanced Placement) and Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO).

RADICAL ACCELERATION IN MATH:

UMTYMP, or the University of Minnesota Talented Youth Mathematics Program, is one of the nation's premier accelerated programs for students who are highly talented in math. Starting in grade 5, students can take the qualifying exam for the program. Students who are accepted complete the traditional high school curriculum in two years and in the final three years earn up to 12 University credits in a sequence of Calculus courses.

For more information on these options, please contact your child’s teacher, the school Advanced Academics and Talent Development lead teacher, or the district coordinator.

Jen Martin, Brimhall
Sara Laine, Central Park
Emily Mattson, Edgerton
Cameron Radke, E.D. Williams
Eric Kruger, Falcon Heights
Greta Thun, Harambee
Alison Coe, Little Canada 
Erin Anderson, Parkview 
Ursala Pankonin, RAMS

Advanced Academics & Talent Development Advisory Council (AATDAC)

The Advanced Academics and Talent Development Advisory Council (AATDAC) brings together families, students, teachers, and district leaders to support advanced learning opportunities in our schools.

Who is on the council?

• AATD lead teachers

• Student representatives

• Parent representatives

• A district administrator

• A School Board representative

What does the council do?

• Strenthen communication between families, students, teachers and district leadership

• Provide feedback on policies, practices and priorities in advanced academics and talent development

• Advocate for equity and inclusion in advanced academics

• Ensure that talent development is responsive to student needs and integrated into the district's broader mission

• More information

For the 2025-26 school year, the council will meet virtually from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. on the following dates. These meetings are open to the public (Zoom link; Meeting ID: 833 1418 9588; Passcode: 755491)

• November 6, 2025
• February 12, 2026
• April 9, 2026

ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS

Talent development and advanced academic opportunities extend beyond the school day and school year. Below is a list of local opportunities and resources.

• Roseville Area Community Education: Roseville Area Community Education provides Academic All-Stars and Talent Development courses that are designed to extend learning and provide enriching experiences. Creativity and critical thinking are infused into learning activities.
• Get Ready for College: Up to $1000 is available to students on free/reduced lunch in grades 3-11 to take one summer enrichment class or camp.
• Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth: MITY offers summer camps for students in grades 1 - 11 as well as Saturday morning classes for 1st - 4th grade students in the fall, winter and spring. Financial aid is available.
• Northeast Metro 916: 916 lists enrichment opportunities for students in arts and academics.
• Science Museum of Minnesota: The Science Museum of Minnesota offers Saturday and summer classes in science and technology.
• St. Thomas University's Science, Technology & Engineering Camps: The University of St. Thomas offers a FREE day-long summer camp (STEPS – Science Technology & Engineering Preview) for students in grades 6-8 via a random lottery selection (applications open January through mid-April).
• Star Tribune Summer Camps Guide: Each spring, the Star Tribune publishes a summer camp guide that lists a huge range of opportunities for kids.
• Talent Development Testing: The Center for Talent Development at Northwestern University offers above-level testing information for students(e.g. third grader taking the EXPLORE test or 7th grader taking the ACT), as well as online enrichment, honors and AP courses.
• University of Minnesota Children's Math Programs: The U of M offers several math programs for children: UMTYMP as well as Saturday and summer enrichment opportunities.
• University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering: STEM summer camps for juniors and seniors through the U of M College of Science and Engineering. Fees are reasonable due to donations, and scholarships available.

• All Things Gifted: The all-things-gifted site is full of resources, articles, books, and links to help and support parents, teachers, and gifted children alike. It's a great site to explore.
• AP Central, College Board: Information on AP (Advanced Placement) courses and exams.
• Center for Gifted Education: William and Mary's Center for Gifted Education site
• Center for Talent Development: Northwestern University's Center for Talent Development site has links for students, parents, and educators
• Institute of Talent Development: Davidson's Institute for Talent Development has a mission to recognize, nurture, and support profoundly intelligent young people and to provide opportunities for them to develop their talents to make a positive difference.
• Minnesota Council for the Gifted and Talented: The Minnesota Council for the Gifted and Talented (MCGT) is a support and advocacy organization for parents and educators of gifted children. This organization sponsors an annual state conference and monthly CHAT nights around the Twin Cities.
• Naeg Center for Gifted Education & Talent Development: The University of Connecticut has a Gifted Education and Talent Development Center that researches ways to meet the unique needs of gifted and talented children.
• National Association for Gifted Children: The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) has links for educators, students, and families. Click on the site's Teaching for High Potential for great articles and resources.
• Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted: SENG's mission is to empower families and communities to guide gifted and talented individuals to reach their goals intellectually, physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.
• Twice Exceptional Newsletter: This bimonthly electronic publication promotes an understanding of twice-exceptional children and what they need to reach their potential. The newsletter features articles, news, events, book reviews, resources, etc.
• Uniquely Gifted: This website contains information for families of students who are both gifted and have special needs.

2025-26 PARENT PRESENTATIONS

FEBRUARY 21, 2026

Gifted learners often have a complex relationship with learning to write and writing. This session, created for parents and students to attend together, will help you gain a new perspective to the reasons why bright students struggle with writing and help you find the first next right steps to reconnecting the partnership between the student and parent.

"Let's Stop Crashing Into Writing" is co-sponsored by Roseville Area Schools AATD and the Minnesota Council for the Gifted and Talented (MCGT). Presenter Tina Van Erp is a Gifted Learner Coach, Learning Specialist and Teacher Trainer with 25 years of experience working with gifted learners and their families.

Parents are encouraged to bring their student(s). This is not a drop-off event - parents must attend. If you require accommodations or an interpreter to attend, please email trina.hira@isd623.org.

• WHEN: Saturday, February 21, 2026, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• WHO: Parents, Students, Educators
• WHERE: Aŋpétu Téča Education Center at 1910 County Rd B West, Roseville, MN 55113 (Fairview Room on 2nd floor)
• COST: $15 for Roseville Area Schools families (use code ROSEVILLEWRITER when registering). Note: financial assistance is available here.
• REGISTRATION: You must register here before February 21

MARCH 30, 2026

AATD is hosting a presentation on "Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic and What We Can Do About It" on Monday, March 30, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. The presentation will be held at Aŋpétu Téča Education Center at 1910 County Rd B West and is appropriate for parents of students of all ages. More information will be sent to families in early March.

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2024-25 SPEAKER SERIES WITH DR. TERESA BOATMAN:

MARCH 27 Presentation: Anxiety and Perfectionism

• Slides from Mar 27 presentation on Anxiety and Perfectionism
• Recording from Mar 27 presentation (Passcode: L2L8.AHv)

SEPT 16 AND JAN 23 Presentations: Executive Functioning, Neuroscience and Intensitites

• Slides from presentations: Gifted Children: What Do We Know and What Do We Do? (includes slides from Sessions 1 and 2)
• Recording from Jan. 23 presentation (Passcode: ^Z@AKzI5)
• The Intensities of Giftedness, by Pediatrician Marianne Kuzajanakis, M.D.
• Neuroscience of Giftedness: Greater Sensory Sensitivity, and Neuroscience of Giftedness: Increased Brain Areas Associated with Emotional Processing, by Sharon Duncan, Corin Goodwin, Joanna Haase and Sarah Wilson
• Understanding Intensities in Gifted Children, includes accommodations for intensities in the classroom