Skip To Main Content

Highly Capable - Nominations & Identification Process

Auburn School District - Highly Capable Program Guidance  

Each year, the Auburn School District opens a referral window for screening and nominating potential students for highly capable program selection. Once a student is identified as highly capable, he/she is entitled to Highly Capable program services from the date of eligibility through graduation; annual testing is not required. The identification process for Highly Capable programs is as follows:

  1. Universal screener - September - December 20, 2025 Students scoring (90th percentile) automatically sent parent permission to test - January 6, 2026

  2. Open referral/nomination window - January 5th, 2026 - February 13, 2026

  3. Permission to Test & Characteristic/Creativity Rating Scale Collected - January 5, 2026- February 13, 2026

  4. CogAT Assessment - February 23, 2026 - March 27, 2026

  5. CogAT assessment Scored & Identification Work March 30, 2026 - April 3, 2026

  6. Highly Capable Identification Meeting - April 16, 2026

  7. Notification of selection - April 20-April 24, 2026

  8. Parent Permission to Place collected - April 20, – May 15, 2026

  9. Appeals due to the district office May 15, 2026. Appeals Determinations completed May 19, 2026

Screening considers nominees who are currently enrolled in grades kindergarten through eleven. The nomination & identification process reflects state guidelines for identifying intellectually gifted students. If you feel your child should participate in the identification process but doesn't meet screening criteria, you may nominate your child.

Anyone may refer a child to the program, including teachers, other staff, parents, students, and members of the community. Referral forms are available online and in all elementary counseling offices. If you wish to refer your child, you may download the form from our website, pick one up at the school counseling office, or contact your school to request a form be sent home to recommend your child for consideration to the program. 

Families interested in submitting an appeal must first meet with the school counselor to review placement data and criteria.

If you have questions about Highly Capable Programs, contact your child's counselor or Adam Ladage at ALadage@auburn.wednet.edu or (253) 931-4950.