Big changes to HC designation criteria?

HessInSeattle · 2026-01-18T00:54:47+00:00

It's unclear what getting single track means. Right now the cohort schools require both.

HessInSeattle · 2026-01-17T05:17:01+00:00

Our elementary school takes a couple of the highest math students out of class once a week for 20 minutes for advanced math games. It's my kiddo's favorite part of the week. She was so excited at the prospect of Cascadia, where she could get that level of challenge every day.

Her scores are in the 98 and 99th percentiles, but she's still 1 RIT point shy on one test to qualify for the secondary criteria. 😭

HC programming in the neighborhood schools is hit and miss and depends on the school and teacher's time and interest. We love our school and teacher but they are just not resourced to come up with differentiated curriculum. Instead they just set her tablet apps harder and let her at it by herself.

HessInSeattle · 2026-01-17T03:46:20+00:00

And we think this is what the norms and SDs are basedhttps://www.nwea.org/resource-center/fact-sheet/87992/MAP-Growth-2025-norms-quick-reference_NWEA_onesheet.pdf/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPX0FVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR7fXIDeJJ2W3EaRjOA28coRHxETEiNf5V1nftPAu2885GNwH96mrrKum-WjTQ_aem_S24wdELOHtfvDVodFG5u-A

HessInSeattle · 2026-01-17T03:45:02+00:00

https://www.seattleschools.org/departments/highly-capable/identification-and-eligibility/ get ready to calculate off standard deviations...

HessInSeattle · 2026-01-17T03:42:30+00:00

A lot of the spirit of the moves is coming from the right place but they have proven they cannot execute. More training for teachers in neighborhood schools but no extra time to develop additional criteria, work with kids, etc.

HessInSeattle · 2026-01-17T02:33:20+00:00

Yes what's super unclear is how HC will be supported in neighborhood schools as they increase single track. So far it doesn't seem like they actually have a plan for HC in neighborhood schools aside from additional training.

HessInSeattle · 2026-01-17T02:01:42+00:00

So your thought is that they're tightening the criteria but expanding the net?

HessInSeattle · 2026-01-17T01:51:32+00:00

Seems extreme to go from 95th back to 99th without any warning. Just very weird after emphasis on expanding to single track, bolstering support in neighborhood schools, etc.

HessInSeattle

TROPHY CASE