special services

Highly Capable Program

What is Highly Capable in the Sumner School District?
The term “Highly Capable” is used to identify students who have exceptionally high intellectual or creative ability. Sumner School District provides programs for highly capable students, who generally do not perform to their full potential unless they receive specialized instruction at their ability level and have a chance to learn and interact with other highly capable students.

How do I have my child join the program?
You or your child’s teacher will need to nominate your child.

What criteria is required for nominating my child?
Step 1:
Academic Achievement- Measurement of Academic Progress (MAP). Students must  have achieved the following:

Math a RIT total score:
2nd grade: 198 and above
3rd grade: 212 and above
4th grade: 224 and above
5th grade: 235 and above

Reading a RIT total score:
2nd grade: 200 and above
3rd grade: 213 and above
4th grade: 222 and above
5th grade: 229 and above

Step 2:
Cognitive Abilities Test - measures cognitive ability. Students must achieve a 90% or higher.

Note: Measurement of Student Progress (MSP) will be reviewed as additional information. Qualifying scores must be top 5% district wide.

After I nominate my child, what happens next?
You will receive a letter confirming the nomination and testing details for the Highly Capable Cognitive Testing the first week of February.

When do I get the results of the testing?
The month of April, the District Selection Committee reviews test scores and will determine eligibility. Results will be mailed to your home on or before April 25.

The Committee consists of:
a. Highly Capable classroom teachers
b. Elementary Principal
c. Program coordinator
d. School Psychologist
e. Director of Special Services

What does the Committee review?
1. Review all available student data.

2. Ensure that the recommended students meet eligibility requirements according to WAC 392-170.

3. Review information as necessary where professional judgment may be required.

4. Make recommendation for individual assessment of any student who appears to have discrepant or invalid test information.

5. Appeals of identification and/or placement decisions are possible according to the Appeals Process.

6. Students who move into the Sumner School District must present data sufficient to satisfy requirements of WAC 391-170 to establish program placement and eligibility.

7. Records are kept for each student who is identified and placed in the Highly Capable Program. Records include copies of the following:

• Nomination form
• Signed parent permission for testing
• Assessment Score information
• Letter of notice regarding placement decision
• Student Learning Plan

The total number of identified students by gender, age, and ethnic origin is tracked for each program serving Highly Capable children. These totals allow comparison by percentage to the total student population.

What can I expect if my child qualifies?

• accelerated academic pace and depth.
• meet social and emotional needs of students.
• create opportunities for students to work with academic peers.
  

Where would my child attend school if he/she qualifies?
They would attend the Highly Capable classroom the following year.

Elementary
Sumner serves students identified as highly capable in grades 3-5 in a self-contained “all day” program housed at Daffodil Valley Elementary.

Middle School
Grades 6-8 attend Lakeridge Middle School. The Highly Capable Program includes social studies, language arts, math and science. Nomination information regarding characteristics, the identification process and procedures are provided to teachers and are available on the Sumner School District website, additionally, hardcopies are located at each building in the office.

What happens if my child was nominated but did not qualify? Can I appeal?
Yes. Appeals regarding assessment and selection will be made to the Highly Capable Committee (HCC).

Who is on the Committee?

• Principal at the appropriate grade level
• one classroom teacher (that serves highly capable students)
• District administrator
• Psychologist or counselor
• other professionals the District chooses to place on the committee

What do I need to submit to the HCC?
The appeal letter must include the following information:

1. Supporting details for evidence of additional cognitive abilities (additional testing from physician).

2. Samples of work
or
Letters of recommendations from District staff

What are the outcomes of the appeals process?
The HCC shall review the appeal. The committee will determine the appropriate action from the list below:

1. Continued denial for entry into program based on data presented
2. Request for further testing prior to a final decision (elementary students only)
3. Request for further information and/or data prior to a final decision
4. Change status to “qualified”

The decision will be made based on the evidence presented.

If I have questions, who would I call?
Special Services at 253-891-6035.

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