High Ability Learner and Talent Development

WPS High Ability Learner Program

Click the following link to access the Wahoo Public Schools' High Ability Learner (HAL) Program Handbook: HAL Handbook

The Wahoo Public Schools, in partnership with students and parents, is committed to an educational program that recognizes the unique characteristics of each student and strives to enhance all aspects of student development. The High Ability Learner Program is an integral part of this commitment. This program is based on a multidimensional instructional approach that includes a wide range of experiences. The differentiation of educational programs to meet the needs of gifted learners is a major responsibility of the school and the classroom teacher.

If you have any questions concerning your son/daughter and the HAL Program, please contact your child's building principal.

Identification

One of the most frequently asked questions about HAL is how students are identified.  Formal HAL identification begins at the end of 3rd grade.  Students who score in the 95th percentile in both the Math and Reading portions of the MAP assessment in the same test season or achieve a score of 130 or more on the CogAT are identified as HAL.  Students who score close to these scores continue to be monitored for potential HAL identification at a later time.  Parents and teachers may also request that individual students be screened further by providing a basis for their request.  For further information, please refer to the HAL Handbook.