FAQs

When will the testing results be available? 

Once testing is completed for all referred elementary, middle, and high school students, the tests are scored by an external agency. The scored tests, along with other data points such as state and district assessments included in the portfolio of qualifications, are reviewed by a multidisciplinary selection team as required by law. Final decisions about qualification will be sent to families after the multidisciplinary team meets and reviews portfolios.  If you would like to receive a copy of your student's portfolio, please email HCL Liaison Rayna Brandon.   

How do I refer a student for highly capable services? 

To refer a student for assessment, please visit the referral section of our website and complete the online student information/referral form. 

Do I need to refer my second or sixth grader? 

No. All second and six graders in Bellingham Public Schools will be screened annually. 

My student was referred in the past and was not eligible for highly capable services, can I refer them again? 

Students who have not been previously identified for HCL services in Bellingham Public Schools may be referred once every two school years. 

My student qualified in one area. May I refer them to be tested again for another area? 

Students may be referred for testing in domains previously not qualified two years after the initial identification.   

My student was referred by a teacher or community member; do I need to do anything else? 

The school district must have parent or guardian permission before a student can be assessed for Highly Capable services (WAC 392-170-047). To give permission, complete the form for your student granting permission for the district to assess your student and compile a portfolio of qualifications. You may also choose to decline to have your student assessed. 

Does my student need to retest every year? 

No. Once identified, a student remains identified as Highly Capable at each grade level unless they leave the school district. 

My student received HCL services, left the school district and is now returning. Do we need further assessment or referral? 

No. Please let us know if you are returning to the district and we will reenroll your student in the areas previously qualified. 

Can students be exited from Highly Capable?      

Yes. A student may be exited from Highly Capable at any time by parent or guardian request. 

I am transferring into Bellingham Public Schools next year; can I refer my student for testing now? 

We can only assess students who are currently attending Bellingham Public Schools. Transfer students may be referred when they begin attending and will be assessed during the next available testing window.  If your child is currently receiving Highly Capable/Gifted services and they transfer to Bellingham Public Schools, please let Rayna Brandon know when you register your child. 

My student attends a local private school; may I refer them for Highly Capable assessment in Bellingham Public Schools? 

We can only assess students who are currently attending Bellingham Public Schools. 

If I would like to speak to someone about my child’s specific needs as a student identified Highly Capable, who do I contact? 

For questions pertaining to the identification process, qualifying conditions and the district approach to Highly Capable, you are always welcome to contact district Liaison Rayna Brandon with questions. If the questions are specific to your child’s experience, you will first want to collaborate with your child’s teacher(s). If speaking to the teacher doesn’t appear to meet the needs of your child, please request a meeting with both the teacher and the principal. If, at that point, you feel additional collaboration is necessary, you may contact the District Office.