K - 1 Identification Process

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The Olympia School District (OSD) screens students in Kindergarten and 1st grade in the fall of each school year. Our screening process is comprehensive and multi-layered, using objective criteria. The screening process begins with a screening referral.

Do you know a student who…

  • Thinks up unusual ways to solve hard problems?
  • Generates and comprehends complex and abstract ideas?
  • Exhibits feelings and opinions from multiple perspectives?
  • Thinks logically and wants things to make sense?
  • Prefers the company of intellectual peers?
  • Is an expert who abstracts beyond the field?

 

If you answered “yes” to any of the questions above, please consider referring that student for identification for highly capable services. Referrals may come from the community, teachers and/or parents. Please access the referral form from the “Forms” link on the left.

 

Who Can Refer Students

Referrals may come from community members, teachers, other staff, parents/guardians, and students. 

 

Referral Timeline & Form

The referral window for students in Kindergarten and First Grade to be considered for Highly Capable is open in October. During the 2021-2022 school year, the referral window closes at 5 p.m. on Friday, October 29, 2021.

  • Curious about what the steps for identification and timeline look like for this process? Details can be found here.
  • To learn more about OSD Highly Capable Services, go to Olympia School Districts' Highly Capable Services webpage where there's information regarding identification and services, as well as links to the referral form
  • Physical copies of the referral form are available and can be picked up at the front desk of the Knox Administrative Center located at 111 Bethel Street N. E. in Olympia. 

 

Referral Process

Students in Kindergarten and 1st Grade referred for screening are then assessed through a teacher rating scale (SIGS), an achievement test (MAP), and a cognitive ability test (CoGAT).

 

In order to qualify for Highly Capable Services, students had to meet the following criteria:

  • CogAT: Age Percentile Rank for Verbal/Quantitative/nonverbal (VQN) Composite – at or above the 95th percentile.  Not more than one battery below the 95th percentile
  • MAP: To be served in one or more subject areas the students must place at the 95th percentile or above. 

 

A Multidisciplinary Selection Committee will then review all data and determine which students are most highly capable in the Olympia School District. Students are selected based on evidence that they have exceptionally high cognitive ability, demonstrate exceptionally high academic achievement, and consistently exhibit behavioral and learning characteristics associated with exceptional creativity and problem-solving.

 

Contact Us

If you have any questions, please contact members of the Teaching & Learning Team through our general email address: [email protected]