Current District-Enrolled Students

In accordance with Washington State Law, LWSD implements the following for the 2026-27 HiCap referral process for district-enrolled students:

• Screening is a two-step process. All students in universal screening grades (2 and 5), as well as those referred in other grades, will receive academic screening. Cognitive assessments, such as the CogAT, will be administered only when needed based on initial results. This means not all students will take the CogAT or need to take the CogAT to be identified for services.
  • Families have the ability to opt-out of universal screening through Skyward.
  • LWSD may determine that additional data is needed, such as an additional assessment.

• Students from all other grades (K, 1, 3, 4, 6, 7 & 8) can be referred for highly capable service consideration in Skyward.
  • Students in all grades have their existing data reviewed. 
  • LWSD may determine if additional data is needed, such as additional assessment.

• All students who are referred or are part of the universal screener will have their body of evidence reviewed unless a parent/caregiver opts them out.
• More information about a student’s body of evidence can be found on Identification Assessments.
• In line with OSPI guidance, elementary students identified for services this school year based on the current referral/universal screening cycle will receive services beginning in spring. Students identified for FTQ will receive CBS through the end of the current school year and will start self-contained services in the fall of next school year.

Please note: CogAT scores do not override academic performance data. Identification for Full-Time Quest (FTQ) and Middle School Quest (MSQ) requires a combination of academic and cognitive data, typically at the 98th–99th percentile across multiple data points. Classroom-Based Services (CBS) pathways do not require cognitive data.

Updated 8/21/26

LWSD welcomes community members, teachers and students to refer currently enrolled students for consideration of highly capable services needs. Please note, as these referrals are not recommendations, please do not ask past or present teachers to submit a referral. Students only need one referral to have their body of evidence reviewed. Students in our universal screening grades (2nd and 5th) do not need any referral; data from all students in these grades will be reviewed. Additional referrals do not increase a student's likelihood of identification or act as an unofficial recommendation.

**If you are a parent/guardian, please use the Skyward referral process for your student. Do NOT use this form.**

Highly capable referral for community members, teachers 
and students