Identification and Eligibility

Specific eligibility criteria will be available by October 6.

The Universal Screening is a complete review of current and available student educational record data matched to specific criteria and benchmarks. It is structured to provide a holistic evaluation of each student’s strengths and a pattern of high academic achievement. 

Multiple pathways for identification are used and the pathways are different to meet the characteristics of Advanced Learner and Highly Capable students who:

• Qualify for Free and Reduced-Price LunchAll students who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals receive meals More
• Receive McKinney-Vento Act services
• Qualify for Special Education services
• Are Multilingual Learners
• Qualify under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

The data sources to identify students for AL or HC services may include, but are not limited to: 

• Academic assessments from current and previous school year
• Demonstrated Performance in the classroom provided by teaching staff
• Current gradebook or report card
• Strengths, talents, and interests reported by student’s educators and parents/guardians. A questionnaire will be available in the Fall.

Additional data if applicable:

• Language acquisition assessment for students receiving multilingual services; and
• Additional assessments in a student educational record that were used as part of a SPS Special Education evaluation, which resulted in a student receiving an individualized education program (IEP)

Our youngest students benefit from spending their first full school year (kindergarten) developing a pattern of high performance in the classroom. Beginning 2023-24, SPS kindergarten students will not be part of the formal process of HC or AL identification. In their first grade year, students will participate in the Universal Screening process for HC or AL eligibility decisions. Assessments and report cards from their kindergarten year, along with fall data from first grade will be used in their first Universal Screening.

Throughout the school year, teachers will get to know each kindergarten student and implement strategies from the Neighborhood School Model that provides high quality instruction with opportunities for every child to grow in an engaging, challenging, rewarding, and identity-affirming environment.

We acknowledge the important and essential role parents/guardians have in the academic and social emotional outcomes of students. The Advanced Learning department offers parents/guardians the option to opt out their student from participating in the 2023-24 Identification and Eligibility process. The Opt-Out form will be available September 20 – October 31, 2023.

Highly Capable (HC) Services – By the end of January, parents/guardians will be notified by a letter when their student(s) are found eligible for HC services. Parents/guardians will need to provide consent for services using the Consent Form within 20 days of receiving the letter. All this information and the Consent Form will be included in the notification letter.

Advanced Learner (AL) Services – By the end of January, parents/guardians will be notified by a letter when their student(s) are found eligible for AL services. Parents/guardians can appeal the decision. Parents/guardians have 10 business day after the date marked in their notification letter to appeal. All this information will be included in the notification letter.

There are two different types of appeals, conditional and identification. A parent/guardian must select one appeal type and provide additional or needed information before the appeal deadline: within 10 school days of receiving the notice of eligibility.

The appeals form will be available during the Appeals window, January 24 – February 9, 2024.