Advanced Learning

Identification and Eligibility Process 2024-25

At SPS we are committed to honoring each student’s strengths while implementing a holistic evaluation of the existing and available data and information.

In the past three years, we have improved the way decisions are made and who is eligible for Advanced Learning services. The AL department is committed to serve students, particularly Black, Brown, and Native American students.

Effective July 23, 2023, a new section was passed in Senate Bill 5072 relating to advancing equity in the identification for services. The legislature has directed school districts to prioritize equitable identification of low-income students for participating in highly capable programs and services. Learn more about RCW 28A.185.030.

At SPS, it all begins with the Universal Screening review for students in grades 1-8. Families can find their eligibility decision letter in the Source. Below is a guide on how to access each family account:

The Universal Screening is a complete review of current and available student educational record data matched to specific criteria and benchmarks. It is structured to provide a holistic evaluation of each student’s strengths and a pattern of high academic achievement.

Multiple pathways for identification are used and the pathways are different to meet the characteristics of Advanced Learner and Highly Capable students who:

Qualify for Free and Reduced-Price Lunch
Receive McKinney-Vento Act services
Qualify for Special Education services
Are Multilingual Learners
Qualify under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Show a need for services and do not have all required baseline data.

The data sources to identify students for AL or HC services may include, but are not limited to:

Academic assessments from current and previous school year
Demonstrated Performance in the classroom provided by teaching staff
Current gradebook or report card

Additional data if applicable:
Language acquisition assessment for students receiving multilingual services; and
Additional assessments in a student educational record that were used as part of a SPS Special Education evaluation, which resulted in a student receiving an individualized education program (IEP)

Our youngest students benefit from spending their first full school year (kindergarten) developing a pattern of high performance in the classroom. Beginning 2023-24, SPS kindergarten students will not be part of the formal process of HC or AL identification. In their first grade year, students will participate in the Universal Screening process for HC or AL eligibility decisions. Assessments and report cards from their kindergarten year, along with fall data from first grade will be used in their first Universal Screening.

Throughout the school year, teachers will get to know each kindergarten student and implement strategies from the Neighborhood School Model that provides high quality instruction with opportunities for every child to grow in an engaging, challenging, rewarding, and identity-affirming environment.

First grade students newly identified for services in 2024-25 can choose between their neighborhood school or a Highly Capable pathway school in 2025-26.

We acknowledge the important and essential role parents/guardians have in the academic and social emotional outcomes of students. The Advanced Learning department offers parents/guardians the option to opt out their student from participating in the 2024-25 Identification and Eligibility process. The Opt-Out form will be available September 18 – October 31, 2024.

Highly Capable (HC) Services – By the end of February, parents/guardians will be notified by a letter when their student(s) are found eligible for HC services. Parents/guardians will need to provide consent for services using the Consent Form within 20 days of receiving the letter. All this information and the Consent Form will be included in the notification letter.

Advanced Learner (AL) Services – By the end of February, parents/guardians will be notified by a letter when their student(s) are found eligible for AL services. Parents/guardians can appeal the decision. Parents/guardians have 10 business day after the date marked in their notification letter to appeal. All this information will be included in the notification letter.

The appeals form will be available during the appeal process window in February, 2024.