Highly Capable
Purpose & Program
The mission of the Monroe School District Highly Capable Program is to identify and serve highly capable K12 students by providing a consistent, challenging and supportive educational environment within the resources of the district. We address the significantly higher learning needs of highly capable students through a continuum of service models that span from Kindergarten through 12th grade. We provide instruction, activities, and services that accelerate learning, and offer a unique academic challenge for young learners identified as highly capable. While the program offerings vary depending on the grade level of the student, the intent is to help students explore learning through enhanced activities that target their unique skills and abilities.
Monroe School District has one self-contained classroom, Excel, and it currently serves the highest performing highly capable students in 4th and 5th grade. It is located at Salem Woods Elementary and transportation is provided for those families accepting placement from a designated location within their home school boundaries.
Definition of a Highly Capable Student
As defined by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), highly capable students are those who perform or show potential for performing at significantly advanced academic levels when compared with others of their age, experiences, or environments. Outstanding abilities are seen within students' general intellectual aptitudes, specific academic abilities, and/or creative productivity within a specific domain. Learn more about the characteristics of a highly capable student HERE.
Screening Process
Students in grades 2 and 4 are screened annually to determine potential eligibility for highly capable programs. For students in Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, and 5-11, a Highly Capable Referral form, sent to families via Skyward can be submitted or print, complete and send in a copy of the referral form from the link below. A teacher or other staff member may recommend that a parent fill out the referral form if they see potential ability in the student. In alignment with OSPI's equitable identification, the top 4% of students in each student group ("racial, ethnic and socio-economic population present in the public school population") are identified as eligible for highly capable services. Parents of students identified as highly capable will be notified and have the right to "opt-out" of receiving services.
Resources
- Referral forms: English / Spanish
- Characteristics of Highly Capable Students
- Highly Capable Flyer 2022-23
- Highly Capable Program Handbook
Timeline for the 2022-2023 Screening & Identification Process
Referral Window |
November 7 - December 9 |
|
Data Survey & Parent Permission
|
Fall, 2022 |
|
CogAT Screener
|
January 9-26 |
|
Notification of Screener Results |
February 3rd |
|
Post-Screener |
February 8-24 |
|
Data Review
|
Late February |
|
Notification of Post-Screener Results |
Early March |
|
Appeals Window
|
mid-March |
|
Data Review #2 |
mid-March |
|
Notification of Recommended Services |
end of March |
|
Deadline to Accept Services for 2022-2023 |
End of April* |
|
School-Based Placement |
Early May 2023 |
|
*exact dates, TBD
For more information, download the: Highly Capable Program Parent Handbook
If you have questions, please contact:
David Paratore
Chief of Student Services
paratored@monroe.wednet.edu
(360) 804-2609
Chris Cronas
Director of Categorical Programs
cronasc@monroe.wednet.edu
(360) 804-2558
Sandra Monson
Teacher on Special Assignment
monsons@monroe.wednet.edu
(360) 804-2617