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Highly Capable Program

Program Services and the Highly Capable K-12 Continuum

Grade K-6: Grade K students are served in the regular classroom through differentiation by the classroom teacher. The screening process for the Columbia Elementary School programs start in the fall. Some students in grades K-6 who qualify for highly capable services receive differentiated services or accelerated subject placement in the general education program. Due to the multiple-grade classrooms, classroom teachers provide accelerated differentiation within the classroom and according to student needs and performances.

Grades K-6 S.T.E.M.: Columbia elementary students receive peer delivered robotics education from 8th grade and 10th grade students on a regular basis using Ozobot technology. This may lead to a local robotics competition or celebration.

Grades 4-6 Math: Columbia Elementary School is a proponent of math taught with NCTM standards and WA State Math Learning Standards; therefore, there is a focus on number sense, reasoning, and communication. Traditional computational focus is incorporated by a one-day a week math group which focuses on operations and number sense. There is a monthly focus of assessment using STAR Mathematics to formulate Response-to-Intervention practices including acceleration and enrichment.  Problem solving is emphasized through completion in the Math is Cool program and competition league. Some of the preparation for this program is during class or exploratory periods as well as dedicated afterschool extracurricular activity.

Grades 7-8: Options include a continuum of highly capable services within the classroom and during elective courses. Highly Capable students are pre-tested in mathematics and E.L.A. utilizing STAR data from elementary school and S.B.A.C. interim assessment for determination of need and placement. Individualized success plans are developed by classroom teachers for each student including extension and enrichment activities.

  • Most students are challenged by 7th and 8th grade mathematics courses; however, if students are ready for enrichment activities, then they can access the OdysseyWare (7th/8th grade) program to expand their horizons in mathematics.
  • Most students are challenged by 7th and 8th grade English courses; however, if students are ready for enrichment activities, then they can access the OdysseyWare (7th/8th grade) program to expand their horizons in English Language content.
  • If a student has a need for acceleration or enrichment they can access the OdysseyWare (7th/8th grade and 9-12) program to expand their horizons in humanities, science, or technology.

Note: there is only single subject/class for all content levels. All 7th grade students are in the same 7th grade mathematic class.

Grades 9-10: All classes provide a differentiated curriculum and instruction service for identified gifted students as well as a broader range of high ability students who may not have been identified. Teachers work together to calibrate their instruction to meet E.L.A. and STEM standards. Instruction also focuses on eliminating the barriers for underachieving gifted students before they reach the Dual Credit Course level at 11th and 12th grade.

Grades 11-12 Dual Credit Courses:

  • AP (Advanced Placement): Advanced Placement courses are college level classes offered in the high school. The classes follow a rigorous curriculum developed by the College Board and students are prepared to take a national standards referenced exam that results in credit or higher placement at US Colleges and Universities worldwide. A single AP classes are offered in English. Students normally take AP classes at grades 11 and 12. Collaboratively analyzing and scoring student work for the AP exams helps calibrate the instruction needed to differentiate for the needs of students.
  • I.C. (College in the Classroom): College in the classroom is offered in English. Mathematics College in the classroom courses is currently not being taught; however, there is the potential to resurrect that program if needed.
  • R.S. (Running Start): a large number of 11th and 12th grade students participate in the Running Start online learning program and receive college and high school credits. All Running Start classes provide a differentiated curriculum and instruction service for identified gifted students as well as a broader range of high ability students who may not have been identified.
  • OdysseyWare Courses: students are ready for enrichment activities then they can access the OdysseyWare program to expand their horizons in all content areas and receive high school credit.
  • Modern States Freshman for Free Program: both highly capable identified students and those yet to be identified may participate. Modern States is partnering with edX, the leading online learning platform founded by Harvard and MIT. Modern States has given edX the money to complete the development of more than 30 high quality freshman college courses, taught by some of the world’s leading universities and professors. Each course includes online lectures, quizzes, tests, and other features. Textbooks and materials will also be provided online, free of charge. The courses are designed to prepare students for the major “Advanced Placement” (AP)* or “College Level Examination Program” (CLEP)* tests offered by the College Board, including subjects such as History, Computer Science, Math, English and Economics.

Grades 11-12 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics): Students will choose their own advanced STEM Program of Study from three STEM Pathway Options and complete a Senior Project related to and reflecting on their learning in the chosen STEM Pathway. STEM will be another rigorous curriculum option for our identified gifted students as well as a broader range of high ability students who may not have been identified. STEM will provide opportunities for highly capable students to earn college credit and a STEM diploma. Teachers are trained in STEM process, product, and differentiation of students.

Grades 9-12 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics): T.R.M. (The River Mile) is an intensive student research project in coordination with state and federal agencies. Students have been part of this program for their entire high school career and highly capable students are integral to the success of the program. T.R.M. provide a differentiated curriculum and instruction service for identified gifted students as well as a broader range of high ability students who may not have been identified. T.R.M. is an integrated curricular and extracurricular program.

Grades 9-12 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics): Robotics League is a fledgling program in school year 2019-2020 with the first completion in early spring 2020. Robotics League provide a differentiated curriculum and instruction service for identified gifted students as well as a broader range of high ability students who may not have been identified. Robotics League is an integrated curricular and extracurricular program.