Shelton School District Hi Cap Program Review Results and Recommendations for 2014-15 April 29, 2014

New Requirements Beginning with 2014-15 school year all districts are required to provide highly capable programs and services for students in Grades K-12 Districts must submit a Board approved program plan to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction Districts must have clearly defined written nomination, screening, assessment, and selection procedures that use multiple objective criteria for identification of students requiring services Districts must provide a continuum of services to students from grades K-12 Each district is required to assign appropriate values to Hi Cap students in Skyward, which uploads to the state information system (CEDARS)

The Mindshift The Hi Cap Program is not a “place” with a fixed number of slots to fill Highly Capable Students should have options from a continuum of services that best meet their specific, individual needs Hi Cap not a categorical program – it is part of the basic education program Each building will need to adjust their RTI systems and program offerings in significant ways to provide appropriate services for highly capable students

Program Review/Plan Process Convene a study committee representing all schools Review current programs and services Develop an understanding of new requirements Attend conferences, webinars, and workshops to learn about research and best practices in education of highly capable students Hold parent/community forums and disseminate surveys (paper and online) to gather input Survey students at each level to gather input Develop district plan based on research, best practices, and student/parent/community feedback Have plan reviewed by program evaluation expert and develop strategy to ensure program goals are met

Conclusions from Research We should provide opportunities for Hi Cap students to be with their intellectual peers We need a broader set of options and services to better meet the needs of all Hi Cap students, including more systematic options for acceleration We should have options at each grade level and school so students do not need to leave their home school for services We need a better system of communication about available services We need to provide professional development to all staff about how to meet the needs of Hi Cap students

Transition Plans 2014-2015 Develop improved communications protocols Identify students grades K, 2, 5 – continue or re-enroll students in grades 6-12 and flag in Skyward/CEDARS Improve opportunities for enrichment through RTI intervention groupings and enrichment academies Implement new advanced classes at Middle School/Junior High School Provide professional development for staff and plan/prepare for implementation of cluster groupings in 2015-16 Complete obligations for 4/5 self contained class Pilot Iowa Acceleration Scale (IAS) for whole grade acceleration Develop procedures for early entrance to Kindergarten Initiate Advisory Committee for Program Monitoring and Evaluation

Transition Plans 2015-2016 Continue to identify students and flag in Skyward/CEDARS Implement early entrance to Kindergarten Possibly transition 4/5 self contained class Implement cluster classes as feasible in grades 1-7 Consider full implementation of Iowa Acceleration Scale at all grades K-8 Continue to provide professional development to staff on critical issues Continue Advisory Committee Monitoring/Evaluation of new program options (make adjustments as necessary)

Cost Considerations 1.0 FTE 4/5 self contained teacher (2014-15 -- $80,000 in current budget) 1.0 FTE Advanced Academic Program Facilitator (in addition to existing 4/5 teacher, or eliminate 4/5 position and create K-12 program facilitator position for 2015-16 -- $80,000 new) Purchase of instructional materials (tiered interventions and/or enrichment academies -- TBD) Purchase of testing instruments ($10 – 15,000) Professional development -- TBD Expenditures other than an additional 1.0 FTE for 2014-15 can be absorbed within existing Teaching and Learning budget

Committee Recommendations The Hi Cap Study Committee recommends approval of the Shelton School District Advanced Academic Program Plan on April 29, 2014 Once the plan is approved, staff will begin communications and procedures for identification of students for advanced academic services in 2014-15 The Hi Cap Study Committee recommends adoption of the proposed policies (2190 and 2195), preferably on or before June 24, 2014 The Hi Cap Study Committee recommends adoption of new instructional materials to provide RTI interventions for highly capable students at grades K-7, preferably on or before June 24, 2014 (to be determined) The Hi Cap Study Committee recommends addition of an Advanced Academic Program Facilitator position, either through addition of 1.0 FTE in 2014-15, and/or restructuring of 4/5 teacher position in 2015-16

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