gifted education programs
Coordinator (Elementary/Middle School): Branden Mitchell
Coordinator (High School): Cherrie Smith
15675 Ambaum Blvd SW
Burien, WA 98166
Phone: 206.433.7117
Challenge & Highly Capable Programs
Challenge Program’s Philosophy
CHALLENGE: Grades 1-6
Challenge classes are designed for students entering grades 1-6 who demonstrate a high degree of academic and/or intellectual capability and who generally rank in the top two percent of the district population. Successful candidates are normally independent learners who thrive on progressively challenging opportunities to learn and utilize advanced problem-solving, in-depth study, and presentation of curriculum matched to their demonstrated skills and capabilities.
- Highline programs for highly capable students have six goals that are common across the various grades and program configurations:
- Accelerate the rate of learning using sequentially more advanced, complex materials, and resources.
- Emphasis on instructional processes that facilitate students’ transfer of skills and knowledge across the content areas.
- Maximize opportunities for individualized and flexible learning time that supports and nurtures independence and self direction.
- Use of instructional strategies and learning activities that promote creative thinking, higher level cognitive processes, and complex thinking skills.
- Implementation of strategies that foster the development of new and original ideas and products by the learner.
- Provide support for the awareness of self, sensitivity toward others, and development of positive personal advocacy skills.
Nomination Guidelines: Students may be nominated for the program by a parent, teacher, administrator, counselor, other staff or community member or they may nominate themselves. Nominations are accepted from January through April 21st.
Nomination forms are available at all elementary schools or from the Highly Capable Programs office. All applications must be completed and received at ERAC no later than nine days prior to the requested test date. Late nominations will be accepted, but students will often be scheduled for the next available test date. Note: early application is encouraged, and applications received after April 21 will not be considered for the 2008-09 school year unless the applicant is an end-of year or summer transfer into Highline.
Screening and Evaluation: All nominated students are given the Cognitive Abilities Test (Phase I), however, students who tested within the last 2 years may not need all levels of testing. Phase I test results are reviewed by the Central Screening Committee. This team makes recommendations based on district criteria. Families will be notified of scores and recommendations by mail, and the applicant’s Principal will be notified of team recommendations once the information is released to families.
Students entering grades 1-6 who meet initial criteria will be referred to Phase II which includes completion of a nationally normed cognitive measure. In some cases students may be exempted from Phase II, or use of an alternative or non-verbal measure may be indicated. (Criteria for selection is outlined in the Placement Consideration section.)
Testing: Group tests are given by district teachers, counselors or psychologists. This test session takes approximately two hours.
Individual Cognitive Measure: District school psychologists conduct the phase II test that takes approximately 1 –1.5 hours.
WACs that are in accordance with state guidelines for public instruction, are available on line or upon request.
CRITERIA USED FOR SELECTION
PLACEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
