Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 392-170-042 requires school districts to annually make public notification to parents and students before any major identification activity for Highly Capable services occurs. A student may be nominated for services at any time, although formal identification windows occur twice during the school year (fall and spring). Deer Park School District's multi-disciplinary team will engage in preliminary identification of those who may show potential for performance significantly above grade level. This helps us provide daily services within the regular classroom (including differentiation of instruction, special awareness regarding the social-emotional needs of gifted kids, and more). Secondly, it opens the opportunity for certain higher-performing students to participate in after-school enrichment programs. We have several grade-level opportunities available year round.
Some examples of criteria used to identify students are in-district assessments such as i-Ready, state assessments, curriculum or classroom based assessments, teacher recommendations and parent nominations. If you believe your student displays significant above average ability and may benefit from adjusted class instruction or more challenge and rigor, you may fill out a Parent Nomination form and submit it to Kristin Janson at the administration building.
You may submit these forms any time throughout the year. Contact Kristin Janson at (509) 468-3376 or kristin.janson@dpsdmail.org if you have questions.