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.
When a student is eligible for highly capable services (see Screening Process below), they are identified as highly capable once families grant permission. The student will keep that identification throughout their time in the district, no matter what type of program with which the student is enrolled (e.g., Montessori, Dual Language, Excel, etc.).
A highly capable student will receive services based on the placements below:
ServiceModel |
Description |
Grades |
Cluster Model | A group of highly capable students (average is 4-6) are grouped together in a general education classroom where the teacher may differentiate what’s taught (content), the way it which it’s taught (process), or how the student demonstrates their learning (product). These decisions are based on if the student is ready for it (readiness), how they learn best (learning style), and level of interest. The differentiation may occur within a unit, within an essential standard, or lessons and assignments when applicable. | 1-8 |
Excel Program* | Self-contained classroom(s) that serve the highest performing highly capable students in 3rd, 4th and 5th-grade. (Not all highly capable students will be placed in Excel. See * note below.) | 3-5 |
Student Choice | High school students have opportunities to enroll in classes that match their readiness and interest, such as AP courses, Running Start, Honors, College in the High School. | 9-12 |
*The Excel Program is located at Salem Woods Elementary and transportation is provided for those families accepting placement from a designated location within their home school boundaries. Every spring, Monroe School District’s Multidisciplinary Placement Selection Committee will review data from all the district’s 2nd, 3rd and 4th-grade highly capable students to determine who will be offered enrollment in the Excel Program. Highly capable identification does not guarantee enrollment in Excel. All 3rd, 4th and 5th-graders not offered enrollment in the Excel program will be served within the Cluster Model in a general education classroom.
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
Annually, the following steps are taken to screen Monroe School District students for highly capable eligibility:
Universal Screening:
- It is required by law.
- All second and fourth grade students are administered the Cognitive Abilities Assessment Screener (CogAT).
- If the student passes the CogAT Screener, permission is needed for the student to take the CogAT Post Screener.
Screened by Referral:
- A teacher, parent, student or staff member can refer any student in grades K-1, 3, 5-7 to be screened.
- Referred students are administered the Cognitive Abilities Assessment Screener (CogAT).
- If the student passes the CogAT Screener, they will take the CogAT Post-Screener.
Please refer to the timeline below.
Services Offered, Depending on District Placement
Elementary Level
- Cluster Model
- Highly Capable students are served in the general education classes with the cluster model.
- The cluster model is 3-5 highly capable students in a general education class.
- The teacher differentiates lessons, assignments, and projects based on student readiness, interest, and learning profile.
- Excel Program - By Invitation Only*
- Highly capable may be selected by the Multidisciplinary Selection Committee to enroll in the self-contained Highly Capable classroom, Excel, at Salem Woods Elementary.
- This classroom serves the highest performing highly capable students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade.
- The math and reading curriculum is accelerated and the teacher differentiates lessons, assignments, and projects based on student readiness, interest, and learning profile.
- Students are notified of any after-school enrichment activities.
*If students are not eligible for the Excel Program, they will be served under the Cluster Model.
Middle Level
- Cluster Model
- Highly Capable students are served in the general education classes with the cluster model. Priority clusters are Reading and/or Math, depending on area of qualification. When possible, students may be clustered in other content areas.
- The cluster model is a small group of highly capable students (average 4-6) in a general education class.
- Teacher may differentiate what’s taught (content), the way it which it’s taught (process), or how the student demonstrates their learning (product). These decisions are based on if the student is ready for it (readiness), how they learn best (learning style), and their level of interest.
- Differentiation may occur within a unit, within an essential standard, or lessons and assignments when applicable.
- Students are notified of any after-school enrichment activities.
High School
- Student Choice:
- School staff work to channel Hi Cap students into the advanced course offerings, such as Honors, College in the High School, AP Classes, Running Start, and Sno-Isle Skills Center.
- It is not required to be Hi Cap to take advanced course offerings.
- Students are notified of any after-school enrichment activities.
Resources
- Referral forms: English / Spanish
- Also available on Family Access Online Forms on October 7, 2024
- Characteristics of Highly Capable Students
Timeline for the 2024-2025 Screening & Identification Process
Referral Window |
October 7 - 18 |
|
Data Survey & Parent Permission
|
Fall 2024 |
|
CogAT Screener
|
Early November |
|
Notification of Screener Results |
November 21, 2024 |
|
Permission Needed from 2nd & 4th Grade Families to Continue Testing |
November 27, 2024 |
|
Post-Screener |
December 2-13, 2024 |
|
Data Review #1 |
Early January |
|
Notification of Post-Screener Results |
February 12, 2025 |
|
Notification of Recommended Services for Students in Grades K, 1, 5-7 |
February 12, 2025 |
|
Appeals Window
|
February 12-17, 2025 |
|
Permission Due to Receive Services for Students in K, 1, 5-7 |
February 20, 2025 |
|
Data Review #2 |
Late February |
|
Notification of Recommended Services for Students in Grades 2-4 |
Early March |
|
Deadline to Accept Services for 2024-2025 |
Late March |
|
School-Based Placement |
April |
|
*exact dates, TBD
Per RCW 28.A.185.050, Section 4, " Beginning November 1, 2023, and annually thereafter, the superintendent of public instruction must make data publicly available that includes a comparison of the race, ethnicity, and low-income status of highly capable students compared to the same demographic groups in the general student population of each school district. Reporting must also include comparisons for students who are English language learners, have an individualized education program, have a 504 plan, are covered by provisions of the McKinney-Vento homeless assistance act, or are highly mobile."
2023-2024 MSD Highly Capable Data
If you have questions, please contact:
David Paratore
Chief Student Services Officer
paratored@monroe.wednet.edu
(360) 804-2600
Sandra Monson
Teacher on Special Assignment
monsons@monroe.wednet.edu
(360) 804-2617