Highly Capable (HiCap)

The mission of Highly Capable (HiCap) Programs is to provide services that acknowledge and address students’ diverse advanced learning needs.  Highly capable students are defined as students who perform or show potential for performing at significantly advanced academic levels when compared with others of their age, experiences, or environments.  

Outstanding abilities are seen within a student's general intellectual aptitudes, specific academic abilities, and/or creative productivity within a specific domain.

These students are present not only in the general populace, but are present within all protected classes according to chapters 28A.640 and 28A.642 RCW. The WSD is guided by principles (National Association for Gifted Children) that acknowledge that giftedness is dynamic and is constantly developing and giftedness is found among students from a variety of backgrounds. 

Referral and Identification Process

Opportunities for students with advanced learning needs are available K-12 in a variety of academic domains. We emphasize curriculum that can be appropriately differentiated in pace and complexity. Programming can offer regular opportunities for students to work with other students of similar (advanced) academic abilities.

All students in the Wenatchee School District are automatically considered for identification for HiCap services through annual reviews of data that include multiple years and multiple measures. We review information for every student every year. 

There are focused universal screening at two grade levels. 
In the spring, all 2nd-grade students are universally screened for measures of cognitive development and reasoning ability.  Also in the spring, the Smarter Balanced Assessment will be used to universally screen all 5th-grade students.

Referral is not necessary for consideration
If you have additional evidence you would like considered in the identification process, you may refer a student and include this information on the referral form for consideration for Highly Capable services.