Kent School District’s Highly Capable Programs are designed to meet the advanced academic and social-emotional needs of students with exceptional abilities. While many students thrive in these services, we recognize that Highly Capable services may not be appropriate for all students at all times.

If a student no longer demonstrates a need for HiCap services, the exit process may be initiated by a parent/guardian, teacher, or Highly Capable Program administrator. This process ensures that decisions are made thoughtfully, collaboratively, and in the best interest of the student.

The exit process may not be completed until the student has had a meaningful opportunity to participate in the HiCap program and receive targeted support.

• Families should first contact their student’s teacher and principal to discuss concerns regarding the student’s participation in HiCap services.

• The school will collaborate with the HiCap Department to provide targeted academic supports based on the student’s individual needs.

• The parent/guardian, student (when appropriate), teacher, principal, and HiCap Department staff will collaborate to develop a support plan that ensures the student can meaningfully access and benefit from the Highly Capable services for which they were identified.

• These supports will be implemented and monitored over time to evaluate their effectiveness before any decisions regarding program exit are made.

• If concerns persist after support strategies have been implemented and evaluated, an Exit Committee will convene. This committee may include the parent/guardian, student (if appropriate), teacher(s), principal, a HiCap Department representative, and other relevant staff.

• The team will review the student’s learning profile, support history, and any additional evidence of the student’s needs and capabilities.

• The team may decide to continue HiCap services while modifying the student’s service plan to better align with their current needs and capabilities.

• If the team determines that the student is not currently benefiting from HiCap services, they may recommend that the student be exited from the program.

• Parent/guardian consent is required to finalize the exit decision.

• The district will provide written notification of the committee’s recommendation and the final decision.

If a student exits the HiCap program, the HiCap Department will determine whether the student must go through the identification process again in order to reenter the program in the future.

If you have questions about the exit process, please contact your student’s teacher or principal, or reach out directly to the Kent School District Highly Capable Department.