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Board approves Issaquah School District's Highly Capable (Accelerated Learning) plan
Summary
After a presentation on identification and services, the Issaquah School District board voted to authorize the district's Highly Capable ("accelerated learning") plan, which includes multiple screening measures, expanded universal screening, and services intended to increase equity and access.
The Issaquah School District board voted to authorize the district's Highly Capable program plan after a presentation that described the identification process, state reporting requirements and the district's continuum of services.
Dr. Reitman and district staff summarized the plan and said the district follows Washington code and submits an annual plan to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). The district uses multiple measures to identify students, including the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills for secondary students, i-Ready for K'05 reading and math screening, the CogAT cognitive-abilities test and the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking. The district expanded universal screening to three times (kindergarten, second grade and fifth grade) to improve equity and reduce missed opportunities for identification.
The presentation described a continuum of services ranging from brief primary enrichment for early grades (PEP) to pullout SAGE services, self-contained options at designated sites (Apollo and Endeavor) and secondary-level access to dual credit, CTE and running-start pathways. Staff emphasized counseling touchpoints, options to furlough or exit designation, and attention to students who are "twice-exceptional" (those with both high capability and special education needs).
Directors asked whether families sometimes push students into accelerated courses that are a poor fit and how the district monitors for that; staff said counselors document check-ins and there are exit/furlough options. Board members also pressed for information on disproportionality and access; staff said work continues to ensure the program is inclusive and that school psychologists and MTSS teams play roles in assessing and navigating services.
After questions and discussion, the board called the vote and the motion to authorize the plan passed with the ayes recorded.
