Identification Process

Notification to Families about Testing

In early January, a letter will be sent home in the backpacks of all 1st-6th-grade students notifying families of the Highly Capable Program and the process for testing and identification selection.

Nominations and Referrals

All students in kindergarten, 1st grade and 2nd grade in Highline are nominated to receive highly capable services and for the Challenge program. We think this is critical in the early years because brain development is so rapid and variable at young ages, and intelligence does not always present itself in a traditional way, for students with a variety of backgrounds and exposure to early learning experiences.

Students in any grade (including K-2) may be nominated for testing by their parent/guardian, teacher, principal, another staff member, other students or a community member by calling or e-mailing the Teaching and Learning department by March 31. If a student is referred to the program and their grades/test scores are generally proficient, they are brought in for testing. For student nominations, you may call the Teaching and Learning Office at 206-631-3101 or make a request via email to Highly Capable. 

Screening and Identification

In addition to the nomination and referral process, Highline screens all students for highly capable services. The screening process varies depending on the grade the student is in. The table below shows the assessments that may be used in our screening process.

Once the screening data is collected, students’ scores are shared with the Multidisciplinary Committee who review the data and make recommendations about which students will be given further testing. Families of students who are recommended for further testing are sent a letter asking permission for the student to take an additional test to determine eligibility to receive highly capable services. Families may also email Highly Capable to find out their student's test screening.

Assessment and Selection

All 1st-6th-grade students who qualify for the 2nd round of testing take the full CogAT as the 2nd round test (Phase II). This assessment has three sections: Verbal, Quantitative and Nonverbal. This assessment gives us more information about students’ cognitive processing ability in areas that inform literacy, math, and general problem-solving. After the 2nd round (Phase II) testing, the Multidisciplinary Committee reviews student data and collection of evidence to make a recommendation for placement. All families of students who took the 2nd round (Phase II) test will receive a letter letting them know their student's results.

In District Students for the Challenge Assessment (CogAT7):

Assessment screening (phase I) for the Challenge program for 1st and 2nd-grade students will begin in January and will last until mid of March. Students will test with their class, and schools will determine their testing schedule within the testing window. Phase I Challenge test takes approximately 45 minutes.

Students in grades 1 through 6 who qualify for the 2nd round of testing (phase II) will be tested mid April- mid May. Second round (Phase II) testing will happen during the school day at the students' schools. Phase II Challenge test takes approximately 2 hours. 

Out of District Students for the Challenge Assessment (CogAT7):

Students in grades 1-6 residing within the boundaries of Highline Public Schools, but not currently attending school within the district may be tested during the month of April and we welcome parents to nominate their students by March 31 via email to Highly Capable.  In your email please include your student's name, grade and your home address.

Please note – Challenge assessment periods and communications might be subjected to change due to unanticipated circumstances, (i.e. weather).