Highly Capable  - Nominations & Identification Process

Auburn School District - Highly Capable Program Guidance  

Each year, the Auburn School District opens a referral window for screening and nominating potential students for highly capable program selection. Once a student is identified as highly capable, he/she is entitled to Highly Capable program services from the date of eligibility through graduation; annual testing is not required. The identification process for Highly Capable programs is as follows:

1. Screening Criteria for High Achieving students (90th percentile and above) as identified through district standard assessments. September - December 20, 2024

2. Referrals accepted during open nomination window for students not meeting the above screening criteria. January 6th, 2025 - February 14, 2025

3. Permission to Test/Characteristics/Creativity Rating from parent/guardian due February 14, 2025

4. CogAT assessment administered February 24, 2025 - March 28, 2025

5. A multi-disciplinary selection team composed of district administrators, building principal(s) and counselors will review data that has been collected for each of the referred students.  April 3, 2025

6. Parent/guardians notified of student selection.  Notification Letters sent by April 18, 2025

7. Parental permission to provide services (permission to place) form due May 14, 2025

8. Appeals due May 14, 2025

9. STEP Registration form for next years 4th and 5th graders selecting to attend the STEP program at Terminal Park Elementary and Willow Crest Elementary due May 14, 2024

Screening considers nominees who are currently enrolled in grades kindergarten through eleven. The nomination & identification process reflects state guidelines for identifying intellectually gifted students. If you feel your child should participate in the identification process but doesn't meet screening criteria, you may nominate your child.

Anyone may refer a child to the program, including teachers, other staff, parents, students, and members of the community. Referral forms are available online and in all elementary counseling offices. If you wish to refer your child, you may download the form from our website, pick one up at the school counseling office, or contact your school to request a form be sent home to recommend your child for consideration to the program. 

Families interested in submitting an appeal must first meet with the school counselor to review placement data and criteria.

If you have questions about Highly Capable Programs, contact your child's counselor or Adam Ladage at ALadage@auburn.wednet.edu or (253) 931-4950.