FAQs

What does my student need to do to get into the Highly Capable Program?

The Sequim School District outlines the process and criteria for Highly Capable services in the Highly Capable Program Handbook. The handbook can be found within process and forms.

How does one know if a student is exhibiting highly capable or gifted behaviors?

The National Association for Gifted Children provides information on informal assessments and checklists to help address this question. Please see http://www.nagc.org/resources-publications/resources/my-child-gifted/common-characteristics-gifted-individuals

How do I prepare my student for testing?

It is not necessary to prepare your student in any special way other than making sure they are well rested and fed. Each student will receive practice questions on the day of the test. Please be sure to talk with your student prior to them taking the CogAT assessment.

Must a student excel in all areas to be referred to the Highly Capable Program?

Students do not have to be highly capable/gifted in multiple areas to be considered for the Highly Capable Program. Specific criteria and qualifications can be found in the Highly Capable Program Handbook found within process and forms.

Can a student have learning or physical disabilities and exhibit highly capable/gifted traits?

Students can experience learning and physical disabilities and at the same time exhibit highly capable/gifted characteristics. This is widely referred to as twice exceptional or dual exceptionality.

What if my student does not qualify?

The Highly Capable Program is a specialized program intended for a small population of students (similar to Special Education). Teachers in all classrooms work to differentiate instruction in their classes to meet the needs of all students.

How often can my student test?

Students may test once every 12 months. If a student scores in the high 80’s to 90’s percentile on the CogAT, please consider retesting in the future. Retesting a student more than twice usually does not produce dramatically different results.

I am confused by a lot of contradictory information about giftedness. Where can I find more information about being identified highly capable or gifted?

You can find further information about highly capable/gifted as well as programs at the National Association of Gifted Students http://www.nagc.org/myths-about-gifted-students and http://giftedandtalentedresourcesdirectory.com/

For more information, please contact Jodi Olson at [email protected] or (360) 775-7083.