Students with high ability have learning needs that go beyond what is usually offered in a regular classroom. In order to maximize their potential, these students may require differentiated curriculum, instructional delivery, and multiple assessments in order to reach their potential. Rising Sun Schools are dedicated to providing these learning experiences to high ability students.

Rising Sun Schools offer a continuum of services to those with high ability that provides opportunities to engage in complex subject matter and helps prepare them for more challenging and rigorous classes as they advance in grade level.

General Intellectual services include instruction above grade level in cluster groups at the elementary level and in advanced classes in the middle school and high school. Individual Learning Plans are developed for students who score two standard deviations above the mean on a standardized measure of intelligence.

Subject Specific services include instruction above grade level in specific subjects. Honors’ classes are offered at the secondary level.

General Enrichment opportunities are offered at the classroom level and in summer programs to high ability students.

Guidance and Counseling services including college and career guidance as well as social and emotional guidance are provided for high ability students.

Identification

All students are screened with standardized ability tests in kindergarten and first grade. Additional rating scales are completed for those scoring in the 90^th percentile or higher.

All students are considered annually for receiving high ability services. Information from the classroom teacher and school assessments are used in the consideration of adding students to high ability groups and classes. These assessments include but may not be limited to: grades, ISTEP+, Accelerated Reader, Star Reader, Star Math, Academy of Reading, Academy of Math, DIBELS, Early Literacy.

Parents, teachers, and students may appeal placement decisions. The appeal must be in writing and delivered to the High Ability Coordinator or Building Principal within 30 days of the decision notice.