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Advanced Learning Overview

Advanced Learning & Highly Capable Program

Oak Harbor Public Schools advanced learning programs identify and serve advanced K-12 learners by providing a consistent, challenging, and supportive educational environment.

K-12 Continuum of Advanced Learning Opportunities

Oak Harbor Public Schools provides a continuum of advanced learning that includes a variety of services and classes. An important part of the continuum is the Highly Capable Program, which serves eligible students in grades K-6 whose potential and/or performance is significant enough to require modifications to their instructional approaches. At the secondary levels, grades 7-12, advanced classes are offered to students looking for a challenge and who demonstrate prerequisite skills.

In identifying students for the Highly Capable Program serving students in grades 3-6, every effort is made to provide a screening and placement process that considers each referred student carefully and thoughtfully. A selection team uses established criteria that maintain equity and conforms to state guidelines. For middle school classes, grades 7-8, placement tests are one of several measures used to assess readiness for accelerated and honors classes. In high school, students select honors and advanced placement classes based on their interests and goals.

Timeline

2024 Summer Referrals for New Incomong 1st - 12th Graders to Oak Harbor Public Schools
Online referral window will be open from July 1 – 31 for new incoming students. In August, families will be notified of a testing date and any additional information we made need.
October 1, 2024

K-11 Online Referral Window Opens

All Students in 2nd and 4th Grade are universally screened and considered for HiCap services by completing the Cognitive Abilities Test Screener (CogAt).  Since all 2nd and 4th grade students are screened and considered for HiCap services, a referral is not necessary.  If you do not want your child to be tested or considered for HiCap services, please inform your child’s teacher by October 1, 2024.

October 31, 2024

 

 K-11 Online Referral Window Closes

October – February

 

 2-11 Student Testing Window
February – April

Eligibility Committee Meets
May

Families are notified of eligibility status
June 6 Permission forms for HiCap Services are due for the 25/26 school year
June 6 Deadline for Appeals
June 18 Families are notified on appeal decision

 

Parent Handbook

Referral Forms

Contact

Liz Ritz
Director of Teaching and Learning
360.279.5011 

Patsy Ramirez
Advanced Learning Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA)
360.279.5994 

Kristen Smith
Teaching & Learning Secretary
360.279.5034

Definition – Students who are highly capable

Definition – Learning Characteristics