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, 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.

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

• Project based learning within the classroom with an emphasis on integrated science themes. Projects focus on literacy and math using higher level thinking skills, in-depth learning, collaboration, cooperation and presentation skills. Students may be provided instruction in grade-specific or mixed-grade classes.

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

• Placement in  highly capable ELA and math courses with a focus on higher level thinking skills, increased academic rigor, in-depth learning, collaboration, cooperation and presentation skills.  

• 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 2024-25 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.

• August 30 - September 20: Open referral process for new to the district students only. Any teacher or parent can submit a referral in support of screening for new to the district students.

• September 20-October 6: Testing of referred students. Those who qualify will begin the program as soon as Hi-Cap sessions begin in October.

• October - Universal screening of all 2nd grade students.

• December 2 - December 20: Open referral process for kindergarten students. Any teacher or parent can submit a referral for testing to determine eligibility.

• January 13 - January 31: Testing of referred kindergarten students. Those who qualify will begin the program by mid-February.

• March 3 - March 28: The 25-26 school year open referral process for 1st grade-5th grade. Any teacher or parent can submit a referral in support of except students that have participated in screening within the last two years OR the universal screening process during the 24-25 school year (2nd or 5th grade). 

• April - June - Universal screening of all 5th grade students.

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