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Highly Capable Program
Highly Capable Program
Our district is dedicated to recognizing and nurturing the unique abilities of highly capable students, understanding that their distinctive talents require specialized and tailored instruction. We are committed to equipping our educators with the necessary training and resources to meet the diverse and individualized needs of these students, ensuring they receive the support and challenges they require to thrive.
We envision a Highly Capable Program that is inclusive and representative of students from all ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds.
Through a commitment to excellence, equity and diversity, we strive to provide opportunities that inspire intellectual growth, creativity and leadership, preparing our students to excel in their personal and academic journeys.
Highly Capable Program
Our Highly Capable programs offer accelerated and enhanced instructional opportunities to students who have been identified as highly capable. Our programs are designed to meet the needs of our highly capable learners by providing services and instruction beyond the scope of the general education classroom.
A highly capable learner is defined by the state of Washington as a “student who has been assessed to have superior intellectual ability as demonstrated by one or more criteria.” Our Program uses both cognitive and academic performance data to determine a student’s highly capable eligibility.
We provide services to students who are currently enrolled in Kennewick School District, and who have been identified as needing highly capable services.
Referral
If a student is not identified in the annual data review process, but a parent/guardian or teacher feel the student may need Highly Capable services, a referral can be submitted. A parent/guardian or teacher can submit a referral form each year between December 1 - 31.
Highly Capable Services by Level
Early Entrance to Kindergarten
State and Kennewick School District guidelines require that students entering Kindergarten in the fall be five (5) years of age on or before August 31. However, a child who turns 5 years old on or before December 1 is eligible for testing. Please click here to find detailed information regarding the application process.
Grades K-2
Our earliest formal identification of a student for highly capable services is the end of 1st grade. Differentiation for students in kindergarten through 1st grade will be provided in your child's classroom. We believe our youngest learners should be given the time to explore and develop their unique talents.
Grades 2-5: Cluster Classrooms
The Cluster Classroom Model is located at all elementary schools and is designed to provide students with highly capable services in one or more academic areas. In this model, identified highly capable students are clustered in grade-level classrooms alongside peers of varying achievement levels. Within these classrooms, teachers employ differentiated curriculum and instructional methods to cater to the unique needs of highly capable students.
Appropriate service options may include:
- Enrichment and extension of academic and intellectual skill.
- Stimulation of intellectual curiosity, independence, and responsibility.
- Acceleration and enrichment of content to meet student learning needs.
- Development of advanced critical thinking.
- Cohort of intellectual and age peers.
Grades 3-5: KOG
Students who are academically gifted at the highest levels in both math and reading will be served through KOG in self-contained classrooms at Vista Elementary School. Identified students are offered enrollment and transportation. KOG is a rigorous academic program where students learn from advanced curricula in math and reading. They apply grade-level science and social studies units to projects and research.
Appropriate service options may include:
- Above grade level curriculum acceleration.
- Differentiated instruction.
- Enhanced/enriched content.
- Research projects
- Support for social-emotional needs.
Highly capable middle school students are enrolled in honors-level or advanced courses in English/language arts, math and world languages. These courses are designed to prepare them for more challenging high school coursework. Students may also have the opportunity to start earning high school credits in subjects like math and world languages. It is important to note that a highly capable designation is not a requirement for placement in an advanced course in middle school.
Kennewick School District provides a range of rigorous options at the high school level for our highly capable students, including Advance Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College in the High School and honors courses. All of our high schools offer opportunities for accelerated course enrollment.
Click here to find out more information on each of these programs.
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Early Entrance to Kindergarten
State and Kennewick School District guidelines require that students entering Kindergarten in the fall be five (5) years of age on or before August 31. However, a child who turns 5 years old on or before December 1 is eligible for testing. Please click here to find detailed information regarding the application process.
Grades K-2
Our earliest formal identification of a student for highly capable services is the end of 1st grade. Differentiation for students in kindergarten through 1st grade will be provided in your child's classroom. We believe our youngest learners should be given the time to explore and develop their unique talents.
Grades 2-5: Cluster Classrooms
The Cluster Classroom Model is located at all elementary schools and is designed to provide students with highly capable services in one or more academic areas. In this model, identified highly capable students are clustered in grade-level classrooms alongside peers of varying achievement levels. Within these classrooms, teachers employ differentiated curriculum and instructional methods to cater to the unique needs of highly capable students.
Appropriate service options may include:
- Enrichment and extension of academic and intellectual skill.
- Stimulation of intellectual curiosity, independence, and responsibility.
- Acceleration and enrichment of content to meet student learning needs.
- Development of advanced critical thinking.
- Cohort of intellectual and age peers.
Grades 3-5: KOG
Students who are academically gifted at the highest levels in both math and reading will be served through KOG in self-contained classrooms at Vista Elementary School. Identified students are offered enrollment and transportation. KOG is a rigorous academic program where students learn from advanced curricula in math and reading. They apply grade-level science and social studies units to projects and research.
Appropriate service options may include:
- Above grade level curriculum acceleration.
- Differentiated instruction.
- Enhanced/enriched content.
- Research projects
- Support for social-emotional needs.
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Grades 6-8 Highly capable middle school students are enrolled in honors-level or advanced courses in English/language arts, math and world languages. These courses are designed to prepare them for more challenging high school coursework. Students may also have the opportunity to start earning high school credits in subjects like math and world languages. It is important to note that a highly capable designation is not a requirement for placement in an advanced course in middle school.
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Grades 9-12 Kennewick School District provides a range of rigorous options at the high school level for our highly capable students, including Advance Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College in the High School and honors courses. All of our high schools offer opportunities for accelerated course enrollment.
Click here to find out more information on each of these programs.
Highly Capable Identification Timeline
December
Referral window opens for parents and teachers.
January
All students in 1st grade are given a cognitive screener. The cognitive screener is also administered to the students for whom a referral was received.
February
A multidisciplinary team reviews student data for placement in highly capable programs. All 1st and 5th graders, along with referred students, will be included in this review.
March
Parents will be notified if their student has qualified for highly capable services to begin the following school year.
March-April
Appeal window will be open for 30 calendar days after qualification notices are sent home.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Kennewick School District uses multiple measures to identify students who perform or show potential for performing at significantly advanced levels when compared with others of their age, experiences, or environments. These measures include national achievement tests (STAR/MAP and SBA), a standardized cognitive abilities test (CogAT), and language proficiency assessment (WIDA). Special education data available for twice-exceptional students may be used in the identification process when relevant to determining a need for highly capable services. No single test score can qualify or disqualify a student from being recommended for services. Data from up to the last two years are considered. A multidisciplinary team reviews all data and makes placement recommendations.
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Families have the option to opt out of Highly Capable services. If a parent changes their mind, their student may be reviewed again in future school years.
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If a student is not identified in the annual data review process, but a parent/guardian or teacher feel the student may need Highly Capable services, a referral can be submitted the following year. A parent/guardian or teacher can submit a referral form each year between December 1 - 31.
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Parents/legal guardians have the right to appeal the multidisciplinary team's decision. Individuals appealing the selection committee's decision must submit a completed appeals form or letter requesting review of selection/placement decision. The written request must include reasons for the appeal and, to support reconsideration, provide additional evidence of significantly advance cognitive or academic levels and/or outstanding intellectual academic or creative abilities. Parents/legal guardians must submit the appeal request and supporting evidence to the Teaching & Learning Department. The student's file, assessment data, and additional evidence provided in the request for appeal will be reviewed. A decision will be made by the administrator overseeing the highly capable program within 10 school days after receipt of the written request for reconsideration. The parent/legal guardian will be notified of the decision in writing and is final.
Appeals must be received within 30 days after placement decisions were made.
To submit an appeal, contact highlycapable@ksd.org.
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If your student is currently receiving highly capable services at another school district and you move to KSD, please submit their cognitive test results and letter from prior district stating student's placement in highly capable services to our district highly capable specialist: EMAIL
Family Resources & Links
For more information or questions about our Highly Capable program, please call (509) 222-5031 or send us an email.