Board approves Highly Capable program update; coordinator flags identification gaps

At its Oct. 9 meeting, the Meridian School Board approved the district’s Highly Capable program presentation and policy as described by Rebecca Montgomery, the district’s Highly Capable coordinator.

Montgomery explained the program’s tiered model, saying the district identifies students through a combination of data reviews, nominations and district screeners given to all second graders and to fifth graders in late winter. “We currently identify high-cap students through a series of [measures],” Montgomery said, noting the district gives a screener to every second grader and every fifth grader and then reviews nominations and other scores as a team.

She told the board the district is monitoring representation gaps: “we are still not quite making the mark for our Asian, African‑American or Latino students,” and said staff are examining less-biased tests and additional outreach. Montgomery also described program elements at each level (classroom differentiation, cluster classrooms, pull-out options and secondary-school supports) and mentioned expansion of opportunities such as National History Day and work to meet state requirements tied to the screener.

A board member moved to approve the program; the motion was seconded and the board voted in favor.

Montgomery said a key near-term task is more systematic data collection and family engagement to measure program effectiveness. The board approved the program as presented; no amendments were recorded.

Next steps cited by Montgomery include further data analysis, coordination with counselors on social-emotional supports, and participation in a statewide PLC for coordinators.