Information
Highly Capable Program Selection Process
What is it?
Highly Capable Services are designed for students who perform or show potential for performing at significantly advanced academic levels when compared with others of their age, experiences, or environments. Successful candidates are often independent learners who thrive on progressively challenging opportunities, utilize advanced problem- solving, and enjoy in-depth study and presentation of the curriculum. Students qualifying for Highly Capable Services shall receive appropriate curriculum and instruction to meet their academic needs.
Who can be nominated?
Any student grades Kindergarten through 12th grade who lives in the Skykomish School District boundaries.
Who can nominate students?
Nominations for the Highly Capable Program may come from parents, teachers, school staff, students, and other community members.
How can I nominate a student?
Call or email for a nomination form:
Sonia Bartosek, school counselor
(360) 677-2623 ext. 201 / sbartosek@skykomish.wednet.edu
What’s next?
Once a referral is received, you will receive a nomination form to complete. In addition, the counselor will review current standardized testing and grades. A Gifted and Talented Evaluation Scale (GATES) will be provided to the student’s teacher. This is a norm referenced rating scale which identifies Intellectual Ability, Academic Skills, Creativity, Leadership, and Artistic Talent in comparison to average students their age. An additional screener, the Screening Assessment for Gifted Elementary and Middle School Students (SAGES-3) will be given to K-8 students by the counselor.
Following the screening process, if a committee determines it is possible the student may qualify for Highly Capable Services, the parent/guardian will be provided further information about the program. The parent/guardian then decides whether or not they want their child formally assessed and must provide written permission.
Nomination Form