1. Shelton School District Hi Cap Program Review
Results and Recommendations for
April 29, 2014

2. New Requirements
Beginning with 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)

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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
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

7. Transition Plans
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)

8. Cost Considerations
1.0 FTE 4/5 self contained teacher ( $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 $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 can be absorbed within existing Teaching and Learning budget

9. 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
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 , and/or restructuring of 4/5 teacher position in

10. Questions?