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Highly Capable Assessment Information

Tahoma School District is committed to ensuring fair and equitable assessments. As part of our Strong Academic Programs goals in expanding and refining our academic programming, we’re updating our highly capable universal screening tool. Starting this year, we will be using the Naglieri General Ability Tests for all students in the initial stage of screening.

Here’s why we’re updating our screening tool:

  • The Naglieri focuses on reasoning (patterns, shapes, spatial problem-solving) without the use of language. This reduces the impact of language and cultural differences, making it a fairer measure for all students, including English learners and students from diverse backgrounds.
  • By using a language-free screener, we give every child an equal opportunity to show their reasoning and problem-solving strengths—even if they are still developing reading or verbal skills.
  • Research shows that nonverbal screeners help schools better identify students who might otherwise be overlooked, such as students from historically underrepresented groups, in gifted programs.

Consistency With Best Practices

  • Many districts in Washington and nationwide are moving toward nonverbal ability screeners as a first step in HiCap identification.
  • This approach allows us to cast a wide net to identify potential, and then follow up with more comprehensive testing and data collection on each student

For questions please reach out to Chris Everett, Highly Capable Coordinator at ceverett@tahomasd.us or Summer Welch, Highly Capable Program Support at swelch@tahomasd.us.