The Gifted and Talented Program at the elementary level and the Highly Capable Program at the middle school level identify academically accelerated third through eighth grade students who are intellectually advanced in their verbal/linguistic and mathematical/logical development. These programs meet the individual needs of students with accelerated learning needs. Advanced placement classes are available in the high schools.

Elementary Gifted Program

The Richland School District has a Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Program for students in grades three through five. It is housed at Lewis & Clark Elementary School. Goals of the GATE program are:

• To provide opportunities for higher level thinking
  
• To provide opportunities for interaction among peers with similar abilities
  
• To develop an understanding of self and others
  
• To provide learning opportunities designed to encourage individual growth

To qualify for the elementary GATE program, students are first tested. The GATE Selection Committee then reviews the test results in March and decides which students will be invited to participate in the program for the upcoming school year.

Here are some additional details on our selection criteria and timeline.

Criteria for Selection:

• State guidelines for selection
  
• NWEA (MAP) Reading and Math Tests 95%
  
• Otis Lennon Mental Abilities Test - 90%
  
• Standardized teacher rating scale

GATE Timeline:

• Mid-February - Elementary counselors forward completed testing to GATE office
  
• March - GATE selection committee meeting
  
• Mid-March - Letters sent to students
  
• Before Spring Break - tour
  
• Before Spring Break - deadline for decision
  
  For more information, contact Marty Brewer, GATE Director, at (509) 967-6277, or by e-mail at marty.brewer@rsd.edu.
  
  
  Middle School Highly Capable Program
  
  The Richland School District has kicked off middle school science classes for highly capable students. The rigorous science courses are the first step in establishing a comprehensive Highly Capable (Hi-Cap) program that will challenge advanced students.
  
  "Establishing a quality middle school gifted program has been a longtime District goal," explains Deputy Superintendent Jean Lane. "Middle school Hi-Cap fills in the gap between elementary GATE offerings and high school advanced placement classes."
  
  Hi-Cap language arts will be added in fall 2008 with social studies to follow in fall 2009. Meanwhile, all three middle schools continue to offer advanced math classes.
  
  For more information, contact Mike Johnson, Hi-Cap Director, at (509)967-6429, or by email at mike.johnson@rsd.edu.
  
  Click on the link below to view our Hi-Cap brochure.