MSD Highly Capable Program
Dear Parent/Guardian,
Your student has the option to be evaluated for the Montesano School District Highly Capable (Hi-Cap) Program. This program serves students in grades K-12. If your student qualifies, the services received will vary depending on his/her particular academic needs and grade level; all students will have an individual plan in place. In grades K-6, Hi-Cap students will receive differentiated instruction in their regular classrooms and participate in a weekly Extended Learning Program. In the Jr. Sr. High, students may have opportunities such as differentiated or accelerated instruction in their math and English classes, advanced placement/honors classes, Running Start, and academic consultation from the Highly Capable Coordinator.
Qualifying for the Hi-Cap Program is based on multiple parameters, including a standardized test, teacher ratings, and a compilation of student achievement data including state and district assessments. Final selection is determined by a Multidisciplinary Selection Committee. Your permission is needed to release your student from class to participate in the testing. Please fill out the permission form below and return it to your child’s school office by Friday, October 6th. Students with permission slips returned after the deadline will be considered for evaluation the following year. Testing for the Hi-Cap Program will be scheduled during October and early November. Because we evaluate students in every grade (K-12), the process takes a significant amount of time to complete.
Qualifying letters will be sent home after the evaluation period. If your child qualifies for the Highly Capable Program, your permission will need to be given for participation. A letter will also be sent home to families of students who do not qualify based on the evidence collected. You may request an appeal. As part of the appeals process, the committee will complete a data review for accuracy, consider any anomalies, and determine if the student will be retested. If the student still does not qualify, the team will recommend possible extended learning opportunities within the general education setting.
Our Highly Capable Program’s Appeals Process and Exit Policy are located on the reverse side of this form. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your assistance.
Julie Aldrich, Highly Capable Program Coordinator
360.249.4331
jaldrich@monteschools.org