BELLINGHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT 501

2170P

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE

HIGHLY CAPABLE STUDENTS

SELECTION

Within ten (10) school days of the completion of the assessment, there shall be a meeting of the Multidisciplinary Selection Committee.

This committee shall be composed of the following:

• Director of Special Services or his designee
• Member(s) of the Special Services staff who conducted the assessment
• Member of the Special Services staff with training and/or experience in teaching highly capable students
• Student's classroom teacher
• Student's school principal or his/her designee

Such additional professionals, if any, that are considered necessary and appropriate to the work of the committee

The Multidisciplinary Selection Committee shall first determine if the assessment results provide evidence that the student demonstrates one or more of the following state required characteristics:  

• scores in the top ten percent (10%) in cognitive ability as demonstrated by a standardized ability test
• scores in the top five percent (5%) in one or more specific academic achievement areas
• demonstrates behavioral characteristics for exceptional creativity

If it is evident that the student does not meet one or more of the designated state criteria, the parents will be notified of that fact by the Department of Special Services. They will be offered the opportunity to meet with a member of the Multidisciplinary Screening Committee to review the assessment results and the committee's decision.

A final report will be written. This report will summarize available information, the decision of the Multidisciplinary Screening Committee, and will provide instructional suggestions for the school. A copy of the report will be sent to the school, and one will also be provided to the parents upon request.

If it is evident that the student does meet one or more of the designated state criteria, the Multidisciplinary Selection Committee shall then determine if the student is eligible for the district's program for highly capable students. This decision shall be based upon the following district criteria:

• the student places in the top three percent (3%) on two (2) or more of the standardized measures used in the assessment.
• the professional judgment of the Multidisciplinary Selection Committee when the student has surpassed all or part of his/her regular educational programs because of superior ability.

In the event professional judgment was used instead of a standardized measure in one or more of the designated areas, the staff making the judgment would be asked to make a relative percentage placement. The three percent (3%) criteria would then be applied. The judgment will also be based upon actual classroom performance and performance in extended learning activities.

If it is evident that the student does not meet the district criteria for eligibility for the program for highly capable students, the parents will be notified of that fact by the Department of Special Services. They will be offered the opportunity to meet with a member of the Multidisciplinary Screening Committee, and will provide instructional suggestions for the school. A copy of the report will be sent to the school, and one will be provided to the parents upon request.

If it is evident that a student does meet the district's criteria for eligibility for the program for highly capable students, the Multidisciplinary Screening Committee will then make a decision on whether a student should or should not be accepted into the program. This program acceptance decision will be based upon the following criteria:

• the desire of the student to participate;
• the professional judgment of the Multidisciplinary Screening Committee as to which students will benefit the most from the district's program.

This judgment shall be based on the following guidelines:

• excels academically, intellectually and/or creatively;
• will benefit educationally from extended learning experiences;
• is willing to commit an appropriate amount of time to alternative programs;
• shows maturity in ability to accept guidance and criticism;
• is able to perform independently;
• has successfully participated in school-based enrichment;
• is in need of extended learning opportunities.

If a student is not accepted into the program for highly capable students, the parents will be notified by the Department of Special Services. They will be offered the opportunity to meet with a member of the Multidisciplinary Screening Committee to review the assessment results, the Committee's decision as well as the reasons for that decision.

A final report will be written. This report will summarize available information, the decision of the Multidisciplinary Screening Committee, and will provide instructional suggestions for the school. A copy of the report will be sent to the school and also provided to the parents upon request.

If a student is accepted into the program for highly capable students, the parents will be notified and within fifteen (15) school days a meeting will be held to develop an Individual Student Learning Plan.

Effective:   10-22-87

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