Highly Capable Links
Category: Special Services and Programs
Referral Window Open October 1, 2021- December 10, 2021
Highly Capable Referral Packets
The initial pages of each packet contain program information. When submitting a referral, submit the student information and rating scales pages only.
Quick Links
For families and West Valley Educators
A site for WVSD educators looking for information, resources, and strategies concerning Highly Capable/Gifted education. Use the pull down menu in the upper right corner to access strategy pages with links to more resources.
Washington Association of Educators of Talented and Gifted (WAETAG) is dedicated to building a community of people who passionately work together on behalf of gifted children.
Byrdseed.com is a resource for teachers who work with gifted and talented students. If you work with this population, you know that textbooks do little to address their unique needs, leading to boredom, apathy, and behavior problems. Hopefully here you’ll find tools and ideas to help you reach these kids.
Lisa Van Gemert's goal is to help others become a force for good in the lives of gifted children. She has an array of articles, freebies, videos, and more to explore as a teacher, parent, admin, or gifted youth.
NAGC works to support those who enhance the growth and development of gifted and talented children through education, advocacy, community building, and research.
Northwest Gifted Child Association
Northwest Gifted Child Association (NWGCA) provides presentations, seminars, resources, and events to help families approach parenting challenges armed with information specific to the needs of gifted and talented children, enhance family relationships, and connect with other families who have gifted children.
NAGC works to support those who enhance the growth and development of gifted and talented children through education, advocacy, community building, and research.
Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG) works to offer support and guidance to the gifted community, through education, research, and connection.
Lisa Van Gemert's goal is to help others become a force for good in the lives of gifted children. She has an array of articles, freebies, videos, and more to explore as a teacher, parent, admin, or gifted youth.
Hoagies' Gifted Education Page - Parents
Welcome to Hoagies' Gifted Education Page. Here you can find the latest research and experience on parenting and educating these marvelous children, plus the best internet and print resources to be found on every aspect of giftedness.
Appeals Process
Universal Screening
West Valley School District universally screens second grade students each year. There is no appeal process for universal screening. The appeal process exists for appeals of final eligibility only. Universal screening is one data point within the collection of data in considering Highly Capable Program placement, and does not determine final eligibility on its own.
Final Eligibility
West Valley School District, in compliance with Washington State rules for Highly Capable Programs (WAC 392-170-076), has an appeals process. If a parent/guardian does not agree with the final eligibility decision and wishes to appeal, they are asked to submit a detailed written explanation regarding why an appeal is being filed. Appeals are reviewed and considered by the district's Multidisciplinary Selection Committee (MSC). The MSC is chaired by the Highly Capable Program Coordinator as a designee of the Superintendent. The MSC's final decision will be sent by mail to the parent/guardian submitting the appeal. Appeals will only be considered for the following reasons:
- During the testing window, there was an extraordinary circumstance (e.g., a death in the family, an illness that prevented the student from completing the test during administration, or a traumatic event) that may have affected the validity of the test results.
- The birthdate or grade level listed on the student’s results notification is incorrect.
- The student has a 504 Plan or an IEP that has test accommodations, and these accommodations were not provided during Highly Capable Testing.
- A misapplication, miscalculation, or misinterpretation of the scores.
Submitting an Appeal
Appeal forms are mailed with the notification of score results letter, and can also be found on the district website. The deadline for submission of appeals is ten (10) business days from the date of the notification of score results letter.
For more information, please contact:
Wendy Clark - Highly Capable Program Coordinator
Middle School