Challenge/Highly Capable Programs

Many students demonstrate a readiness to learn which exceeds some of our traditional classrooms. For these students, a specifically designed highly capable challenging curriculum may be needed. We currently offer a variety of elementary and middle school highly capable programs.

The elementary programs include the following: JAWS (Joining Ability with Subject Matter), a one-day-a-week pull-out program with specific grade level sessions for 3rd, 4th and 5th graders: and full-time 4th and 5th grade SAIL (Self-contained Advanced Individual Learning) classes. Starting this fall, two full-time multiage pilot programs for students in grades 3, 4, and 5, known as GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) classes, will begin. The JAWS classes are strategically housed at several elementary schools throughout the district for easy accessibility. The SAIL classes are currently located at Lister and Wainwright elementary schools. The new pilot GATE classes are located at Franklin and Downing elementary schools.

At the middle school level, program offerings generally include options in language arts, social studies, science, and mathematics.

Highly capable testing sessions are conducted four times each year, by grade levels. Prior to testing, student nomination forms, which are available at every school site, must be completed. See below for nomination deadlines and testing dates.

Completed nomination forms for new students, and others being tested throughout the year, must be received by the Curriculum and Instruction office no later than 4:30 p.m. on the identified deadline dates. Students who enter the district after the above deadlines will have and opportunity to be tested in September 2008 for the 2008-09 school year. Call 253.571.1120 for more information.