While most parents think their child is or will be, the Everett School District is testing for “Highly Capable” students. Here’s how the program works according to Everett Public Schools…
In accordance with its philosophy to develop the special abilities of each student, Everett Public Schools shall offer appropriate instructional programs to meet the needs of exceptionally gifted and talented students of school age. The framework for such programs shall encompass, but not be limited to, the following objectives:
•Expansion of academic attainments and intellectual skills.
•Stimulation of intellectual curiosity, independence and responsibility.
•Development of a positive attitude toward self and others.
•Development of originality and creativity.
What is the Highly Capable Program?
The Highly Capable Program is an alternative placement for students who require additional and accelerated experiences. The program begins at grade two and continues through grade five. Eligible students are offered enrollment in a self-contained classroom for highly capable students. These classrooms are currently located at Cedar Wood Elementary School, Mill Creek Elementary School, Penny Creek Elementary School, and View Ridge Elementary School. Each neighborhood school is assigned to one of these four centers. The Highly Capable Centers may have multi-age classrooms to accommodate the number of students qualifying each year.
Transportation is offered for qualifying students to their assigned Highly Capable Center. Qualifying students whose home school has a Highly Capable Center will have the same transportation services as regular program students. Qualifying students must attend the assigned center unless they follow the Everett Public Schools variance process. Transportation is NOT available for students who have obtained a variance.
How are students nominated and selected for the Highly Capable Program?
Selection procedures include a nomination form from both a parent and a teacher as well as testing of each student. Written parent permission is required prior to testing. A selection committee composed of teachers, counselors/psychologists, and administrators, makes the final selection of students for the program.
Selection is based on academic assessments, a cognitive assessment and teacher/parent ratings on learning, motivation and creativity. The selection committee reviews data on each student, substituting student numbers for names to protect confidentiality. Parents will receive a letter following the Selection Committee meeting with test results and the committee’s decision for placement in a Highly Capable Program classroom or regular program classroom.
Please Note: No more than two tests will be administered within a four-year period. Re-tests must be at least one calendar year from the date of previous testing. Out of district testing must have prior approval. Testing from other sources will be considered as additional information only.
Elementary classrooms are self-contained for Highly Capable students who meet the state’s criteria for giftedness.
Teacher nomination/inventory form and parent packets are used to nominate students to be considered for placement into the Highly Capable classes.
For more information please contact:
Director: Becky Ballbach
Phone: 425-385-4033
Mailing Address:
Highly Capable Program
Everett Public Schools
4730 Colby Ave.
Everett, WA 98203
Appeals Process
You have the right to appeal the decision of the selection committee by completing an appeals form. The written appeal request and previous assessment information will be considered by the Highly Capable Selection Committee composed of the program administrator, a school psychologist, a principal of a school with a Highly Capable Center, classroom teachers, and other professionals as appointed. The committee will make a decision to place the student in the program or to deny placement of the student in the program. The committee may request additional assessment or other information prior to making a decision. Parents will be informed in writing of the final decision. The decision of the appeals committee is final. To request an appeal form, please contact the Highly Capable office at 4730 Colby Ave., (425-385-4033).
November 22, 2013
Everett