Screening and Referral Process

Washington state law requires all school districts to implement universal screening at two grade levels, utilizing at least two student data points. The purpose of universal screening is to include students who traditionally are not referred for highly capable programs and services. Snoqualmie Valley School District reviews a body of evidence for all students considered for highly capable services. This allows the Multidisciplinary Identification and Placement Committee (MIPC), whose function is to review multiple data points, to determine each student’s need for highly capable services. 

In accordance with Washington State Law, Snoqualmie Valley School District implements the following procedures for the HiCap referral process.

• Universal screening of all 1st and 3rd graders occurs during the school day in their classrooms.
  • Referrals will no longer be needed as a body of evidence will be reviewed for all students in 1st and 3rd grades. See the Identification Assessments for more information about a student's body of evidence. 
  • Families have the ability to opt out of universal screening through ParentSquare.
  • Students in STREAM classrooms do not participate in the Screener as they already receive highly capable services. 
  • Students in cluster groups will participate in the Screener for additional data review in the domain they do not receive highly capable services. Screener score does not impact current services. 

• The kindergarten referral process consists of reviewing a body of evidence for all students, using data we already collect, and does not include an additional assessment. It is unnecessary to refer students in kindergarten. Students whose body of evidence shows high ability in Kindergarten and in 1st grade before the screening are placed on watch, and instruction is differentiated within their classroom.