Highly Capable

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 productivities within a specific domain.

Program Purpose

Our Highly Capable Program is designed to address the significantly higher learning needs of highly capable students through a continuum of service models that span from kindergarten through 12th grade. 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.

Screening Process

Students in grades 2, 5 and 8 are screened annually to determine eligibility for highly capable programs. In addition, any parent, staff member or professional who works closely with a child may submit a Highly Capable Referral form (English form | Spanish form). Parents of students identified as highly capable will be notified and have the right to "opt-out" of receiving services.

NominationJanuary 15 - February 23, 2018
  • Referral window open for current Monroe students in grades K-11. Referrals accepted from staff, families, students and community members.
  • A referral triggers the screening process and a review of the data.
Data Survey & Parent PermissionMarch 1 - March 16, 2018
  • Learning & Teaching Department compiles most recent data from the district/state assessments (Star, Interium assessment, Fountas & Pinnell, evaluations, SBA, etc) to identify students for possible screening as well as data for the Data Review Committee.
  • Parent permission to test forms distributed and collected for referred students.
All 2nd, 5th, 8th grade & referred students are screenedMarch 19 - April 18, 2018
  • CogAT screening for all 2nd, 5th and 8th grade students and any referred students from other grades who have parent permission.
Data review for students who took the screenerApril 23 - May 4, 2018
  • District Highly Capable Review Committee (HCRC) reviews data for all 2nd, 5th, 8th grade and referred sctudents.
School based placement & appeals processMay 18 - June 15, 2018
  • May 20, 2018: Parent consent for HC services for the 2018-19 school year due
  • May 23, 2018: Lists of eligible students with consent on file sent to principals
  • May 23 - June 19, 2018: Building level HC teams meet to determine services/placement of eligible students
  • May 19 - June 11, 2018: Appeal window
  • May 23 - June 11, 2018: Appeal data processed; additional assessment administered as needed
  • June 14 - June 18, 2018: The committee's final decision will be sent in writing to the person filing the appeal. If a scholar is determined to be eligible via appeal, a letter and request for consent will be sent to the parent/guardian; consent due to the district office by June 25, 2018.

Program Description & Structure

The program offerings for highly capable students range from differentiation and enrichment programs or clustering models based at the student's home school to self-contained full-time placement at a one of our schools offering this program.

It is possible for a student to qualify one year and not the next. In these instances, an exit interview will be conducted with families to ensure the appropriate placement for the student.

If you have questions, please direct them to:

Nick French
Director of Curriculum & Assessment
frenchn@monroe.wednet.edu

(360) 804- 2551