Dates
Assessments & Selection Process
Notification
Retesting & Appeals
Transfer Students

Testing Process & Testing Dates (for 2011-2012 Placement)

Testing dates have passed and took place in March 2011.

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Assessments & Selection Process

To qualify for highly capable programs, the following assessments are used:

Ability test scores:

• Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)
• Tests in Verbal, Quantitative, and Non-Verbal
• For more information about the tests:  http://www.riversidepublishing.com/products/cogAt/details.html#tests
• Qualifying students score in the 97th percentile or above in at least one area or students score in the 90th percentile on both Verbal and Quantitative tests.

Achievement test scores

• Grades K-3:
• DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Early Literacy Skills):  Students must score at benchmark level.
• District Benchmark Assessments in Math
Grades 4-8:
• Measurements of Student Progress (MSP).  Qualifying students must have met standard or exceeded standard on this state test.

Creativity

• Creativity is assessed through both teacher and parent referral and feedback forms

A multi-disciplinary team consisting of teachers, district administrator, and psychologist/other qualified practitioner trained in the interpretation of assessment results is convened to review the above mentioned data and make final selection decisions.

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Notification

Student work on the CogAT often takes multiple weeks to be scored.  Once results arrive in the district , the multi-disciplinary team must meet to make decisions.  Schools and parents will be notified in June (toward the end of school).  Parents will receive a letter in the mail indicating placement decision.  Once a student has qualified for highly capable programs, they do not need to test again.  If parents have any questions about placement, they are directed to call the highly capable office at (253) 683-6952. 

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Retesting & Appeals

Re-testing:  Students may re-test given the following conditions:  1. It has been over 9 months since the student last tested and 2 The student is enrolled in at least one grade level higher than when they last tested.

Appeals: Appeals are considered annually for students who did not meet the criteria. The Multi-disciplinary team will examine provided additional evidence of high ability and need for program placement. Parents must contact the Highly Capable office at 253.683.6953 to receive an appeal form. The deadline for appeals is 3 weeks after receipt of the placement notification letter. This year that should make the deadline June 1, 2012.

Out-side testing:  Private testing as well as testing from other districts are accepted for review. 

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Transfer Students

Students who transfer in from out-of-district and have qualified in that district’s highly capable program are not automatically enrolled.  Test scores and placement letters from the other district may be used as long as they meet our placement criteria.  A fall testing opportunity will be available for students who come new to use over the summer.  Students who qualify for highly capable programs in the Bethel School District are placed pending room and availability.

Notice of Non-Discrimination/Title IX The Bethel School District complies with all federal and state rules and regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, or disability.  This holds true for all students who are interested in participating in educational programs and/or extracurricular activities.  Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the school district’s Title IX/RCW 28A.260 compliance officer in the Human Resources Department at 253.683.6000, the Section 504/ADA staff coordinator at 253.683.6000, or the Section 504//ADA student coordinator at 253.683.6020.  Their address is 516 176th St. East, Spanaway, WA 98387.

 

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