Highly Capable and Advanced Learning

WSD Highly Capable Program Annual Screening Notice and Testing Window

For 2023-2024 program participation, Highly Capable Program Referral & Screening Authorization forms are now being accepted to identify students who qualify for further assessment and possible placement into the district’s Highly Capable Program.  Referrals can be submitted by parents/guardians, community members, teachers, and other district staff.  For all Universal and Off-Grade assessments, we will be administering the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT3).

Testing Window: MARCH 1-22, 2023

The Universal Screening of ALL second-grade students has been scheduled for March 1-22, 2023. If you do not wish to have your child included in this screening, you must notify your child’s school or teacher no later than February 28, 2023.

During this testing window, Off-Grade Level testing for grades TK-1 and 3-12 will also be scheduled for Mondays and Fridays through March 22, 2023.  If necessary, makeup testing will be scheduled for students absent on the testing day.  Schedules will be posted as soon as they are available.

Please note that a Program Referral & Screening Authorization Form will need to be completed, signed, and then returned prior to the start of testing for ALL students participating in the diagnostic screener.  

The forms can be turned into the front office at the child’s school, or emailed to the District’s Highly Capable Coordinator, Brian Pfeifer. His email is bpfeifer@wahluke.net.

(Both English and Spanish versions of the form are available on the district website.)

Contact:

Highly Capable and Advanced Learning Services

Wahluke School District is committed to developing the abilities of every K-12 student, including our advanced students.  Each student is an individual with unique talents, learning styles and needs.  For students whose abilities, talents and potential for accomplishment are so advanced they require special provisions to meet their educational needs, each school will develop a plan to meet those needs.  

Highly Capable (HC) Services

The district's highly capable services are designed to meet the needs of gifted and exceptionally talented students at all grade levels.  Highly Capable students are present in all student groups, regardless of gender, disability, English language proficiency, economic status, ethnic or cultural background.

Definition of students who are highly capable (WAC 392-170-035)
As used in this chapter, 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, or environments. Outstanding abilities are seen within students' general intellectual aptitudes, specific academic abilities, and/or creative productivities within a specific domain. These students are present not only in the general populace, but within all protected classes according to chapters 28A.640 and 28A.642 RCW.

Washington State Law regarding Highly Capable Programs
RCW 28A.150.220(3)(g)(3) The instructional program of basic education provided by each school district shall include: (g) Programs for highly capable students under RCW 28A.185.010 through 28A.185.030.

RCW 28A.185.020 The legislature finds that, for highly capable students, access to accelerated learning and enhanced instruction is access to a basic education.

WAC 392-170-012 For highly capable students, access to accelerated learning and enhanced instruction is access to a basic education. School districts may access basic education funds, in addition to highly capable categorical funds, to provide appropriate highly capable student programs.

Advanced Learning (AL) Services

Some students are advanced academically but may not meet the criteria to receive Highly Capable services.  

Because the goal of Wahluke School District is to provide every student instruction at his/her level, this includes our Advanced Learners.  The school district is very committed to meet our Advanced Learner's needs and each school will be responsible for providing appropriately leveled instruction in order to promote growth at every level.