Highly Capable Identification Process
Timeline
- September 8-23, 2025: Referral window open for LWSD district-enrolled and private school/homeschool (PS/HS) students
- Private and homeschool families: Referrals are submitted through the Accelerated Programs website form.
- Families of enrolled LWSD students (grades K–7): Referrals are submitted through Skyward, as in previous years.
- Universal Screening (Grades 2 and 5): All students will automatically be included in testing unless families choose to opt out in Skyward during this referral period.
- September 23-December 12, 2025: PS/HS families submit required portfolio documents
- Early November 2025-February 2026: Additional testing (as needed)
- Unlike prior years, Accelerated Programs will only conduct CogAT testing on an as-needed basis as determined by the Multidisciplinary Placement Committee (MPC) for all students internal and PS/HS.
- Enrolled LWSD students- Testing will take place in the child’s classroom during the school day and will be proctored by an LWSD staff member.
- For PS/HS families - testing will be coordinated and communicated directly by the district. Please note the following: PS/HS families must provide all academic data points as part of the required portfolio submission. PS/HS CogAT testing will not occur until after winter break.
- February-March 2026: Appeals window; Portfolio reviews
- Families may submit an appeal if they believe there was an error or wish to provide additional information about their child’s learning profile.