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Board approves highly capable program plan after presentation on screening and enrichment
Summary
The board approved the Eatonville School District’s highly capable (HiCap) district plan after a presentation outlining universal screening, program delivery models, student learning plans and enrichment activities; speakers described current student counts and classroom-based delivery.
The Eatonville School District Board approved the district’s highly capable (HiCap) plan after a staff presentation that outlined universal screening, identification, delivery models and program goals.
Presenters said the plan aligns with new state legislation requiring universal screening at two grade levels (the district cited grades 2 and 5 for screening) and described a multi-step identification process involving an annual public notice, teacher and parent referrals and a multidisciplinary team that includes a psychologist and district coordinator. The presentation emphasized that services are delivered in general education settings through enrichment and differentiated instruction rather than by segregated pull-out classrooms.
Joe Kelson, identified in the meeting as the HiCap coordinator, described curriculum and enrichment activities used at different grade ranges, including engineering and physics projects, Rube Goldberg machines for older elementary students, a podcast and plans to add robotics and coding. A presenter said the program tracks student learning plans that are revised annually; the presenter noted that Kelson is coordinating plans "k through 12th grade."
The presenters provided enrollment counts for the HiCap program: 41 students in kindergarten through fifth grade, 27 at the middle-school level and 19 at the high school level. Presenters said the district added a program-evaluation survey and a parent/community-involvement component this year.
Why it matters: The HiCap plan describes how the district identifies and supports students who demonstrate significantly advanced academic potential. The plan’s classroom-focused approach affects teaching strategies, assessments and professional development for staff.
What the board decided: After presentation and questions, the board voted to approve the HiCap district plan. Board discussion included a clarification that the program is "not running a separate program where we're segregating high cap students" and that enrichment occurs within general education with differentiated plans for identified students.
Ending: The board approved the HiCap plan and thanked staff and the coordinator for the program work; staff said they will proceed with screenings, student learning plan completion and professional development identified in the plan.
