Seattle Public Schools | Advanced Learning Appeal Process

Appeal Process for 2007 - 2008 Testing Cycle

If your child participated in the 2007-08 testing cycle and was found not eligible as a student who is academically gifted or academically highly gifted, you may appeal the decision. We will not accept private assessments as the basis of initial eligibility - all students MUST participate in the district testing cycle.

You are responsible for providing information in ALL areas in which your child failed to meet eligibility criteria AND in those areas required for an eligibility decision. For example, at the second and third grade level, cognitive ability AND reading and math achievement tests are needed for an eligibility decision. If your child participated in the district's cognitive ability testing, but the scores did not meet the thresholds necessary to participate in the achievement portion of the district testing cycle, you would need to provide (a) cognitive ability information AND (b) reading and mathematics achievement information in order for the appeal to be considered complete. Check the chart below to see which tests are necessary for your child's grade level.

Appeals should be in writing, should include your child's name and ID number, and include additional compelling information about your student that would establish your child's eligibility. This additional information may include, but is not limited to:

Additional test results. Testing completed by a qualified, licensed professional may be submitted for consideration. For families qualified for the free/reduced lunch program, Seattle Public Schools will provide in-house testing for appeals. To be successful, additional test results would need to provide information in ALL areas in which your child did not meet thresholds through the district testing process and all areas that are REQUIRED to determine student eligibility. List of private providers.

Written teacher comments that describe how this student's performance is comparable to peers. Teacher comments can be very compelling when they provide data and specific information about your child's performance. Knowing that your child is highly motivated and does well in the classroom is important information but more compelling information would be the inclusion of specific skill levels in reading and math and the results of any recent classroom assessments.

Evidence of classroom work that demonstrates exceptional achievement. Writing samples, lists of books read, and examples of problem solving in math can all be compelling information for the Committee to review.

Mail appeals to: Advanced Learning, MS 32-936, PO Box 34165, Seattle, WA 98124-1165. We do not accept faxed or e-mailed appeals. Appeals are due February 13 (or February 6 if your child qualifies for free/reduced lunch.)

A multidisciplinary Appeals Committee reviews this documentation to determine your child's eligibility.

There are three common reasons for appeals not being successful.

Reason 1: The additional testing information submitted did NOT demonstrate performance levels in ALL areas needed for program qualification.

Reason 2: The evidence that was provided was insufficient to support a decision change.

Reason 3: No evidence was provided beyond a cover letter asking to appeal the original decision, resulting in insufficient information to support a decision change.

Specific information concerning the appeal process, timelines, and materials needed are included in the eligibility letters. These letters will be mailed on or around January 31, 2008.

Click here for answers to frequently asked questions concerning appeals.

The table below details the information needed at each grade level.

Eligibility Category	Information Needed for an Appeal Decision
Eligibility Category	Grades Tested	Cognitive Ability Testing*	Cognitive Ability Testing Criteria	Reading & Math Achievement Testing**	Reading & Math Achievement Testing Criteria
Academically Highly Gifted	K-7	Full scale, verbal, and performance standard scores on a nationally-normed intelligence test	Threshold at the 98/99th percentile	Broad reading and math standard scores on a nationally-normed achievement test	Threshold at the 95th percentile
Academically Gifted	K-1	Full scale, verbal, and performance standard scores on a nationally-normed intelligence test	Threshold at the 90th percentile	Not needed
Academically Gifted	2-4	Full scale, verbal, and performance standard scores on a nationally-normed intelligence test	Threshold of the 87th percentile	Broad reading and math standard scores on a nationally-normed achievement test	Threshold of the 87th percentile
Academically Gifted	5-7	Full scale, verbal, and performance standard scores on a nationally-normed intelligence test	Threshold of the 87th percentile	Broad reading and math standard scores on a nationally-normed achievement test	Threshold of the 87th percentile

*Approved Intelligence tests include the DAS, the WISC-IV, or the Stanford-Binet V. The Appeals Committee will consider results from privately administered intelligence tests that have been completed within the last three years. For this year's testing cycle, results from cognitive test administered starting in January 2005 will be considered.

**Approved standardized achievement tests include the Woodcock-Johnson III Achievement, Form B, the WIAT-II, and the KTEA-II. Only achievements tests that have been completed no earlier than April 2007 will be considered.

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Updated 01/22/2008