Purpose(s):
- Review and clearly articulate goals and priorities of the Highly Capable Learners’ Program ( HCLP)
- Identify and advocate for under-represented groups
- Increase awareness of the characteristics and needs of our HCLP students
- Evaluate current model and make recommendations to the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for improvements
Committee Type:
- Ad Hoc Committee: Approved by the Superintendent to advise administrative staff on certain issues. It dissolves when the specific work is completed
Basis for Establishment: - Feedback from staff and families gathered during the Superintendent’s Entry Plan process regarding the need to provide more options and challenges for advanced learners
Decision Making: - Consultative to the Director of Curriculum and Instruction by committee members using the processes of consensus and input/feedback
Plan of Work:
- Survey current status of the HCL Program
- Research/site visit program models of similar size school districts in Washington State
- Review the districts practices for child referral, identification, evaluation and service delivery
- Become knowledgeable about research and best practices in gifted education
- Develop a Professional Development plan that supports K-5 teachers in meeting the needs of their advanced students
Committee Members:
- Nancy Smith, K-5 HCL Program TOSA
- Missy Ferguson, Lowell Elementary Principal
- Karen Tolliver, Happy Valley Elementary Principal
- Jeff Hilburn, 5th grade teacher- Lowell Elementary
- Lisabeth Chalmers, Title 1 teacher
- Jeannie Dodd, Counselor-Alderwood Elementary
- Sarah Fairchild, 3rd grade teacher- Roosevelt Elementary
- Denise Binderup, 3rd grade teacher- Wade King Elementary
Responsibilities of Committee Members:
- Regular meeting attendance
- Communicate the content of the meetings and gather input from school staff as requested by the committee
- Respectful and collaborative interactions with committee members
Communications:
- Communicate the purpose of the committee to district staff and families
- Committee members serve as key communicators for the groups they represent
- Post pertinent information on the district website to keep families informed
- Use regular and ongoing surveys to communicate information and gather input from staff and families
- Use district communication process to inform stakeholders of committee outcomes
Specific Meeting Schedule:
- November 1st, Happy Valley
- January 17th, Happy Valley
- Remaining dates TBD.
Committee Budget Implications:
Support for staff to meet, including release time, printing, etc.