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Universal Screening

New legislation requires all school districts in Washington State to implement universal screening at two grade levels, utilizing at least two student data points. The purpose of universal screening and this legislation is to include students who traditionally are not referred to highly capable programs and services. 

With this change in mind, Rainier School District will be moving to reviewing a body of evidence for all students considered for highly capable services. This change allows the district to determine each student’s need for highly capable services.

In accordance with new Washington State Law, RSD is implementing the following changes for 2023-24 HiCap referral process:

  • Universal screening of 1st and 4th graders. No need to actively refer your student!
    • Families have the ability to opt out of universal screening by emailing RSD's highly capable coordinator at robinsonk@rainier.wednet.edu OR by notifying the front office at your students' front office.
  • Students from all other grades (K, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th) can be conveniently referred for highly capable service consideration by using traditional nomination forms found on the district's website.

Universal screening involves an analysis of various forms of data that are available to us including teacher input, assessment results, and creative thinking abilities. Students who have been universally screened and selected will then be eligible for CogAT testing with parent approval.