Highly Capable

For students identified as highly capable, a multidisciplinary process includes consideration as to which program options are most appropriate for each qualified student. Parents, teachers, school principals, counselors, school psychologists, specialist teachers, and district administrators are included as part of the selection and placement process. The multidisciplinary selection team will make a recommendation for appropriate services. Service options are made on a continuum and may include:

• Placement in the regular classroom with the parent/guardian requesting no services be provided at this time

• Placement in the regular classroom with special attention to the need for differentiation and extension activities within specific lessons or subjects

• Pull-out project based learning with an emphasis on integrated science themes. Projects focus on literacy and math using higher level thinking skills, in-depth learning, collaboration and cooperation and presentation skills. Students attend the pull-out classroom one day a week, students may be provided instruction in grade-specific or mixed-grade classes.

The Steilacoom Historical School District offers a variety of accelerated options to meet the needs of students in grades 6-12. Students in these grades do not need to be officially selected as highly capable to take advantage of these options. The Steilacoom Historical School District encourages all students to take advantage of these opportunities when they demonstrate the capability. Within these program options, our goal is to provide students with academic acceleration and rigor. Service options are made on a continuum and may include:

• Placement in the regular classroom with the parent/guardian requesting no services be provided at this time

• Placement in the regular classroom with special attention to the need for differentiation and extension activities within specific lessons or subjects

• Participating in one or more enrichment activities or clubs offered after school

• Placement in selected subjects within another grade level

• Placement in one or more honors or AP courses

• Bring together students of high ability in order to enable them to be challenged and stimulated by students of like ability

• Provide accelerated academic enrichment opportunities for students of high intellectual and academic achievement

• Offer rigorous academic curriculum that supplements their classroom instruction

• Offer an environment where highly capable students are encouraged to reach their full potential

• Address the social and emotional needs of students through peer interaction and by fostering a sense of community

Referral Process

For the 2023-2024 school year, our district is adjusting the dates of screening, testing, and placement of students into the Highly Capable Program (HCP). The revised calendar will provide a more efficient and timely process for our staff and families.

• May 1 - September 15: Open referral process. Any teacher or parent can submit a referral in support of except the fall class of 3rd grade students, who will participate in universal screening.

• September 18 - 29: Universal screening for all 3rd grade students in their classrooms.

• October 2 - 6: Testing of referred students. Those who qualify will begin the program as soon as Hi-Cap sessions begin in October.

• November 27 - December 20: Open referral process for kindergarten students. Any teacher or parent can submit a referral for testing to determine eligibility.

• January 10 - January 31: Testing of referred kindergarten students. Those who qualify will begin the program by mid-February.

Information regarding transfer students:  Referral and testing for newly enrolled (transfer) students will occur throughout the academic school year. The referral process must be initiated by the teacher and/or parent within 45 days of enrollment. Students who have qualified and/or participated in a Highly Capable or Gifted/Talented program in a previous school district will be considered. Previous records will be obtained and reviewed to determine eligibility or the need for further testing.

Referral Cover Sheet

Parent Referral

Teacher Referral

Quick Guide to Appeals