All students at Southwest Public Schools can and will learn by seeking personal excellence
based on their individual needs, interests, and talents. The mission of the High Ability
Learning Program is to meet the social, emotional, and academic needs of highly able
learners. By recognizing the unique strengths and talents and providing a continuum of
supports, services, and opportunities, the program will maximize the individual learning and
achievement of identified students.
Depending upon the student’s identified abilities and expressed interests, an individualized
plan will be created to maximize the student’s potential in conjunction with Southwest Public
School’s essential outcomes.
A formal process is used to identify students who qualify for the HAL program. During
Phase I of this process, the scores on the Measure of Academic Progress (MAPs) and
AIMSweb tests are used. Scores on each of these instruments are converted to a point
scale and these points are used to determine whether the student will qualify for the HAL
program.
If a student does not meet the Phase I qualification requirements, a district team reviews
additional student information in Phase II. This review process includes information, such
as report cards and NeSA test scores, to determine if a student qualifies for the HAL
program. Phase II also includes evaluation of students who were enrolled in a similar
program from another school district.
If a child qualifies in Phase I or Phase II, a letter is sent to parents/guardians. They are
asked to complete a Phase III form that allows the HAL staff to gain more information about
the student’s strengths and talents. The qualifying student also completes an interest and
strengths inventory in this phase.
Phases I - III of the identification process for current students will be completed by the end
of the school year (May). Participation in the HAL program for a qualified student then
begins the following year.
A continued commitment to his/her High Ability Learner Plan (HALP) and engagement in
seminars and/or activities, is required for a student to maintain eligibility in the district
program each year.
The Classroom:
At Southwest Public Schools, we believe that High Ability Learners should be provided with
consistent challenges and appropriate learning opportunities. The classroom teachers are
the primary sources for providing these services on a daily basis. Differentiated instruction,
as well as enrichment and extension activities, are offered to serve this purpose.
The HALP is one in which the HAL student and the HAL staff work together to identify an
individual goal and set a plan to reach that goal throughout the year. The goal is chosen by
the student in an area of interest. The plan includes specific steps, resources needed, and
ways to achieve the goal. Under the guidance of a HAL facilitator, the student will work on
the HALP throughout the school year inside and outside of the classroom and at home. Once
the plan is completed, the student will share his/her learning through a pre-determined final
project or presentation.
HAL students are strongly encouraged to participate in a variety of activities, within their
school and community. Having a variety of activities enriches your child’s life and learning.
Our school district offers many enrichment opportunities for all students. The activities
offered vary by building and are held at various times of the day. Some of these activities
include quiz bowls for elementary and secondary level students, academic decathlon as well
as college classes for high school students.
HAL students are given the opportunity to explore various career options through career
fairs and field trips during their high school years. These trips may include businesses and
colleges in the surrounding area.