Highly Capable Program

Grand Coulee Dam School District Highly Capable Program Description

The Grand Coulee Dam highly capable program (HCP) is a full inclusion model at the elementary level. This means students are serviced in their regular classrooms. For each identified student, a student learning plan (SLP) is developed at the beginning of each school year and is revisited during each conference. The purpose of the SLP is to ensure identified children receive the services necessary to facilitate academic growth. At the junior and senior high school level, students are served through a variety of advanced course offerings.

Nomination of Students for the Highly Capable Program

Highly Capable Plan 2024-2025

Highly Capable Announcement

Referral Form

Highly Capable Appeal Form

Highly Capable Programs Policy 2190

Highly Capable Programs Procedure 2190P

Teachers, students, parents, and community members can nominate students for the highly capable program. To nominate students, please contact the child’s school. Those interested in nominating a student for the highly capable program will complete the nomination form, and the student will be assessed during the next identification activity. Identification activities take place each year in November and February. The identification process uses a multiple measures approach to help teachers, principals, and parents make appropriate decisions about the learning needs of highly capable learners. 

Definition of Highly Capable

The State of Washington defines highly capable children as students who exhibit a high capability in intellectual and/or creative areas, possess an unusual leadership capacity, or excel in specific academic fields, thereby requiring services beyond the basic programs provided in school. 

Identification Process

The identification process uses a multiple measures approach to help teachers, principals and parents make appropriate decisions about the learning needs of highly capable learners. Students can be referred by parents, teachers, counselors, students, and administrators. 

The Cognitive Abilities Test (COGAT) is administered to all students referred for highly capable testing. This is not an IQ test but it does show ability at advanced thinking and problem-solving. Scores from the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA), STAR Math/Reading, and other district assessments are also part of the process. 

Common Highly Capable Indicators

High Achiever	Highly Capable
Remembers answers	Poses unforeseen questions
Is interested	Is curious
Answers to questions in detail	Ponders multiple perspectives
Needs 6-8 repetitions to master new learning	Needs 1-3 repetitions to master new learning
Is receptive	Is intense
Is accurate and complete	Is original and continually developing
Absorbs information	Manipulates information
Is pleased with own learning	Is self-critical
Gets A’s	May not be motivated by grades
Is able	Is intellectual
Learns with ease	Already knows

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