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Highly Capable Referral Window Open Now through November 6th

Posted Date: 10/14/25 (6:00 PM)
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Pioneer Staff & Families:

Do you know a K-5 or a 6-8 grade student who:

  • Thinks up unusual ways to solve difficult 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 regarding any of your students, they may benefit from being identified to receive highly capable services.

Grades 2 and 6: Universal Screening

  • All students will take the CogAT Screening cognitive assessment in grades 2 and 6. Students scoring in the top 20% will receive additional testing and/or data collection to determine eligibility.  

  • Students in all other grades will need a referral to be tested for HiCap.

  • Referred Kinders will take the WaKIDS (Washington Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills): This is a state-wide observational assessment at the beginning of kindergarten to gauge a student's general readiness in six domains (cognitive, language, literacy, math, physical, and social-emotional)

  • Referring members may submit additional scores and information for review by emailing Kpeck@psd402 (Elementary School) OR broth@psd402.org (Middle School).

  • Any historical assessment scores loaded in Skyward may also be considered.

  • Parents may choose to “Opt-Out” of any HiCap screener or test by contacting their school's Highly Capable Coordinator. 

All other grade levels will need a referral to be tested for HiCap services. Referrals may come from community members, teachers, other staff, parents/guardians, and students. The referral window is open now for student identification for Highly Capable Services and will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, November 6th, 2025

HiCap Referral Form-English

HiCap Referral Form-Spanish

If you have additional questions, please contact the Highly Capable staff at your school.

Pioneer School District Highly Capable Program

District Coordinator: Jeff Davis jdavis@psd402.org

Elementary School Coordinator: Kathleen Peck kpeck@psd402.org

Middle School: Brenda Roth broth@psd402.org