Highly Capable Program 2015-16

Guiding PrinciplesProvide opportunities for accelerations (for

all high achievers as well as HiCappers)Provide opportunities for self-contained

acceleration for students with “Very High” (top 4%) Composite profile (Profile 1) through grade 8

Provide service for students with Very High profile in one area only in neighborhood schools

Provide accelerated opportunities in HS in all subjects

Hire, train and support high quality staff to meet the unique needs of the population

AccelerationOne of the clearest takeaways from research

review – accelerating students when they are academically ready is highly correlated to increased student learning

How do we define Highly Capable?Profile 1: Self Contained

High levels of achievement and aptitude across all tested domains

Profile 2: Cluster in Elementary High levels of achievement and aptitude in one

tested domain

Currently these two groups are mixed, which limits acceleration and enrichment options

CoGAT “tiers”

Profile 1: Self-ContainedTwo schools would host at both Elem and MSIdentify students in the top ~4% Based current numbers, we would qualify

~14-20 districtwide per grade levelMulti-age in both schools (2/3, 4/5)Goal: Accelerated one grade level using

district curriculum, depth and greater text complexity are keysSome compacting as we transition

Profile 2: ClusterStudents attend neighborhood schoolClustered by subject (ELA and Math)Science: we will be looking for a multi-age

enrichment opportunity (possibly after-school)

Opportunity for ELA group to join self-contained in MS

Math would join compacted in MS, and some can double accelerate

Transition Will work with teachers and principals to

establish a plan for compacting for current 4th and 5th groups at Voyager and Minter.

Current 4th graders who do not meet higher self-contained standards would be grandfathered and eligible for self-contained.

HiCap Middle School Self-contained located two middle schools:

Will provide clustering or differentiation in the non-HiCap schools for students opting out of self-contained options

In Self-Contained Humanities (ELA/SS):Includes 5th grade self-contained cohortSome High Verbal Tier 2 students included

(counsel students on appropriate placement)

HiCap Middle SchoolIn Compacted 6th/7th Math or 7th/8th

Profile 2 with High Quantative scores students stay in neighborhood schools

Investigate Accelerated/Challenge Science class (HiCap and high achieving students) – 2016-17,

subject to K-12 science review

ConsiderationsSupport for transition

Joy Giovanini will assist in transition Will continue in HiCap TOSA role next year

TrainingNew teachers will need extensive training

support Teachers will need curriculum and materials

School Selection: Convening committee ASAP to look at space, travel time, etc.

Costs: Support, Training, Transportation, Other; state grant only covers testing

AcknowledgementsHuge thanks to Guiding Team!District Office Admins: Bridgit Reichel, Alli

Bennett, Sean Whalen, Jennifer DempewolfBuilding Admins: Dawn Musgrove, Patty

McClellendParents: Carrie Selby, Deb Toney, Deb

Krishnadasen, Harlan Gallinger (Board Member)

Teachers: Molly Olmstead, Wendy Hawkins-Pinto, Kathryn Portteus