Policy 2190 - Highly Capable Programs

To develop the abilities of each student, the district will offer a highly capable program which provides identified kindergarten through twelfth grade students selected for the program access to basic education program that accelerates learning and enhances instruction. The framework for such programs will encompass, but not be limited to, the following objectives: 

1. Expansion of academic attainments and intellectual skills; 
2. Stimulation of intellectual curiosity, independence, and responsibility; 
3. Development of a positive attitude toward self and others; and 
4. Development of originality and creativity. 

Program Design 

The board will annually approve the district’s highly capable plan including: 

• The number of students the district expects to serve by grade level; 
• The district’s plan to identify and place students, including universal screening at two grade levels; 
• A description of the highly capable program goals; 
• A description of the services the program will offer; 
• An instructional program description; 
• A description of ongoing professional development for highly capable program and general education staff; 
• Program evaluation and fiscal report; and 
• Assurances that the district is legally compliant with all applicable statutes and regulations. 

The superintendent or designee will establish procedures consistent with state guidelines for implementing universal referral, screening, assessment, identification, and placement of highly capable students. The procedures will include prioritizing equitable identification of a diverse cohort of students including but not limited to multi-language learners, students of color, students with an IEP or 504 plan, and low-income students. Richland School District uses multiple measures to identify students who perform or show potential for performing at significantly advanced levels when compared with others of their age, experiences, or environments. These measures include a standardized cognitive ability test and national, state, or district achievement tests. In addition to ability and achievement tests, the World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment is used to evaluate students with a first language other than English, to determine their ability for rapid language acquisition, which can be a characteristic of highly capable learners. 

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