What Does Highly Capable Mean?

What Identifies a Student as Highly Capable?

The Sumner-Bonney Lake School District uses multiple objective criteria to determine eligibility for Highly Capable Services.  Data from multiple tests are considered for qualification.  A multi-disciplinary selection committee makes placements for the entire district using multiple measures such as ability testing, achievement testing, and a teacher referral and inventory.

Scores and data from the following tests will be reviewed by a multi-disciplinary selection committee to determine eligibility and placement for all students.

• MAP: Measure of Academic Performance (Math and Reading achievement test)
• CogAT: Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT 7)
• AimsWeb Assessment (High test scores on district achievement testing in reading and math are considered as an additional factor in Highly Capable placement.)
• State Assessment Data (Smarter Balance Assessment, Measurement of Academic Progress and/or End of Course Exams are considered as an additional factor in Highly Capable placement).
• Inventory for Finding Potential (This inventory is considered as an additional factor for Highly Capable placement.)

The committee makes a selection decision based on:

•    A preponderance of evidence from the profile data demonstrating that a student is among the most Highly Capable
•    Evidence of clear need for Highly Capable services

The Sumner-Bonney Lake School District defines highly capable education as services, curriculum, and activities, which extend learning beyond the basic program provided by the school. Highly capable services are designed so that all students of outstanding levels of aptitude may develop their innate abilities.

The Sumner-Bonney Lake School District Hicap Services:

• Targets the unique interests, abilities, and strengths of the child
• Weaves differentiated learning experiences into the regular school day
• Progresses academic growth through pre, post, and formative assessments
• Develops independent lifelong learners
• Accelerates and compacts curriculum while maintaining curriculum integrity as needed
• Flexibly groups students for best success in core content areas
• Intentionally addresses the social and emotional needs of individuals
• Recognizes and embraces the asynchronous development of highly capable students

Highly Capable students are students who perform or show potential for performing at significantly advanced academic levels when compared with others of their age, experiences and environments.

Characteristics and traits of Highly Capable Learners can sometimes look like…..

The Highly Capable  student Asks many questions and is very curious Possess a large amount of information Has a good memory	But… Easily gets “off task” and “off topic” Is impatient when not called on in class
The Highly Capable student Learns new information quickly Retains information easily Masters reading skills earlier Demonstrates strong abilities in math Displays unusual academic achievement Finishes class work quickly	But… Is easily bored Can become disruptive in class Shows strong resistance to repetitive activities and memorization Completes work quickly but sloppily
The Highly Capable student Is interested in many things Becomes involved in a variety of activities Is motivated to try new things Enjoys a challenge	But… May resist working on activities apart from areas of interest Leaves projects unfinished Takes on too much and becomes overwhelmed
The Highly Capable student Thinks independently Expresses unique and original opinions Is self-motivated	But… Challenges authority Does not handle criticism well Does not work well in groups
The Highly Capable student Uses higher level thinking skills (analysis, synthesis, evaluation) Makes connections other students don’t see Considers unusual approaches to problem solving	But… Tends to be absent minded regarding practical details Forgets homework assignments
The Highly Capable student Has a strong sense of justice likes to debate current issues and real life problems	But… Can be very critical of self and others Likes to argue a point Is a perfectionist and expects others to be perfect as well
The Highly Capable student Has a sophisticated sense of humor Understands subtle humor Enjoys plays on words and satire	But… Easily gets carried away with a joke Has a tendency to become the “class clown”
The Highly Capable student Demonstrates strong expressive skills Is sensitive to feelings of others Elaborates on ideas Shows skill in drama/art/music/language	But… Sometimes perceived as a “know it all” by peers Is sometimes “bossy” to peers in group situations