Elementary Highly Capable Programs

K-2: Young Scholars is for highly capable students in kindergarten, first, and second grade. Identified students at each elementary school participate in a multi-age group for two 30-minute sessions each normal school week. The program is available in each elementary school.

The learning activities in the Young Scholars Program are designed for highly capable students. The activities extend basic skills and supplement regular classwork. In the Young Scholars Program, students study patterns in language and learn about the world around them through science topics. The activities help students develop a rich vocabulary and encourage them to think deeply. The multi-age grouping gives students a chance to work with other students who have similar learning needs.

Q: Can my kindergartner test twice for Young Scholars?
A: Yes, this is the only grade that a student can test twice in one year.

Q: Does my Kindergartner or 1st grader need to retest to stay in the program?
A: No, they will remain in program until 2nd grade; and then all HP students will be re-evaluated by the multi-disciplinary committee for proper placement

Q: How often does my child in Young Scholars receive services?
A:  Young Scholars is offered at all elementary schools twice a week, 30 minutes each session.

Highly capable students in grades 3-6 find their unique learning needs addressed in regional classrooms located at one of 7 host schools throughout the district. 

Specialized instruction and curriculum are designed to promote higher-level thinking and provide a variety of learning experiences to challenge students.  Students gain a deep understanding of content and strengthen basic skills in a full-time, highly capable environment.  Intellectual peers provide social interaction and motivation to excel.

Brouillet
Carson, Dessie F. Evans, Firgrove

Pope
Edgerton, Hunt

Woodland
Zeiger

Sunrise
Ridgecrest, Wildwood

Shaw Road
Karshner, Stewart

Spinning
Fruitland, Maplewood, Meeker, Waller Road

Northwood
Mt. View

Students in the QUEST Program have access to activities and specialists, such as music, P.E., and library, at their QUEST host school.  Participation in band is strongly encouraged for 5th and 6th graders. 

Transportation to the QUEST host school from the feeder school is provided, and transportation back to the feeder school in the afternoon is provided. Parents must arrange for their child to get to the feeder school in the morning and from the feeder school to home in the afternoon.

For students currently in grades 3-5, an application must be completed by the parent/guardian.  Once the application is received, the student’s achievement scores are screened to determine eligibility for further testing; achievement scores should fall in the range of 80 percentile and above. Students identified for further testing through the screening process are administered the Cognitive Abilities Test at the Kessler Center. Parents provide transportation for testing. No application is required for students currently in grade 2.  All second-grade students will be screened using district achievement assessments.  Students with scores at 80 percentile or above will be invited to take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT).

The assessment data is evaluated by the Multidisciplinary Selection Committee to determine placement in the QUEST Program.

This report card extension identifies each progress report standard, with noted extensions for students receiving highly capable services. The left-hand column indicates the grade level standard, and the right-hand column notes the intended extension. The advanced activities and assignments in the highly capable classroom stretch students beyond grade-level standards.
Students are expected to master skills at a faster pace, to cover topics in greater depth and complexity, and to demonstrate a sophisticated level of understanding. The scores on the progress report reflect the student’s performance in this rigorous setting.

Math

• Skills:
  • Apply and adapt a variety of appropriate strategies to solve problems that arise in mathematics and in other contexts
  • Make and investigate mathematical conjectures
  • Develop and evaluate mathematical arguments
  • Organize and consolidate mathematical thinking through communication, communicate mathematical thinking coherently
  • Analyze and evaluate the mathematical thinking and strategies of others
  • Recognize and use connections among mathematical ideas

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• 3rd/4th Grade Standard
  • Operations and Algebraic Thinking
    • 3rd: Represents and solves problems involving multiplication and division, understands properties of multiplication and the relationship between multiplication and division, multiples and divides within 100
    • 4th: Uses the four operations with whole numbers to solve problems, gains familiarity with factors and multiples, generates and analyzes patterns
       
• Highly Capable 3rd/4th Grade Extensions
  • Applies pattern strategies to solve complex problems
  • Writes and interprets numerical expressions to identify an unknown

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• 3rd/4th Grade Standard
  • Numbers and Operations in Base Ten
    • 3rd: Uses place value understanding and properties of operations to perform multi-digit arithmetic
    • 4th: Generalizes place value understanding for multi-digit whole numbers, uses place value understanding and properties of operations to perform multi-digit arithmetic
       
• Highly Capable 3rd/4th Grade Extensions
  • Analyzes number systems and can convert within them 
  • Performs operations with multi-digit whole numbers and decimals

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• 3rd/4th Grade Standard
  • Number and Operations
    • 3rd: Develops understanding of fractions as numbers
    • 4th: Extends understanding of fraction equivalence and ordering, builds fractions from unit fractions from previous understanding of operations and whole numbers, understands decimal and notation for fractions, and compares decimal fractions
       
• Highly Capable 3rd/4th Grade Extensions
  • Applies equivalent fractions as a strategy to add and subtract fractions
  • Identifies fractions as representations of division
  • Multiplies fractions with whole numbers and fractions

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• 3rd/4th Grade Standard
  • Measurement and Data
    • 3rd: Solves problems involving measurement and estimation of time intervals, liquid volumes, and mass; Tells and writes time to the nearest minute; Understands concepts of area and perimeter
    • 4th: Solves problems involving measurement and conversion of measurements; Represents and interprets data; Understands concepts of angles and measures angles
       
• Highly Capable 3rd/4th Grade Extensions
  • Understands concepts of volume and relates volume to multiplication and addition
  • Applies knowledge of area, perimeter, and angles to solve problems for unknown measurements
  • Converts and solves problems of units within a given system

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• 3rd/4th Grade Standard
  • Geometry
    • 3rd: Reasons with shapes and their attributes
    • 4th: Draws and identifies lines and angles, and classifies shapes by properties of their lines and angles
       
• Highly Capable 3rd/4th Grade Extensions
  • Graphs points on a coordinate plane to solve real-world and mathematical problems
  • Constructs a shape from a given set of properties
  • Identifies and classifies 3 dimensional shapes by properties

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• 3rd/4th Grade Standard
  • Math Facts
    • 3rd: Memorizes addition and subtraction facts to 18 and multiplication facts to 100 (10x10)
    • 4th: Fluently uses multiplication and division facts
       
• Highly Capable 3rd/4th Grade Extensions
  • With automaticity, uses multiplication and division facts through 12’s

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Reading

• 3rd/4th Grade Standard
  • Key Ideas and Details – Determines the main idea or purpose of a text, recounts the key details, and explains how they support the purpose of the main idea with textual evidence
• Highly Capable 3rd/4th Grade Extensions
  • Compares and contrasts internal and external influences on settings, characters, and events over time
  • Summarizes and encapsulates important ideas
  • Applies elements of reasoning (purpose, point of view, inferences, etc.) to comprehend complex texts
  • Understands cause and effect and its relationship to consequences and implications within a text
  • Classifies details to make generalizations within a text
  • Considers long and short-term consequences of solutions both in the text and in the real world

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• 3rd/4th Grade Standard
  • Craft and Structure – Determines the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in context
     
• Highly Capable 3rd/4th Grade Extensions
  • Uses reference materials to determine meaning, pronunciation, and origin of words and word stems
  • Self-selects various reference materials including atlases, dictionaries, and websites to find answers to questions about a topic
  • Increases number of known words

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• 3rd/4th Grade Standard
  • Integration of Knowledge and Ideas
    • 3rd: Compares and contrasts information from multiple sources to demonstrate understanding of text
    • 4th: Integrates information from multiple sources on the same theme or topic
       
• Highly Capable 3rd/4th Grade Extensions
  • Uses reading strategies such as predicting, questioning, and connecting to own experiences
  • Identifies a concept or “Big Idea” that supports interdisciplinary connections (e.g., change)
  • Employs a variety of strategies to include: determining importance, making inferences, drawing conclusions, and considering multiple perspectives in non-fiction text

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• 3rd/4th Grade Standard
  • Range of Reading and Complexity of Text – Reads and comprehends complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently
     
• Highly Capable 3rd/4th Grade Extensions
  • Reads and comprehends literary and informational texts independently and proficiently at least one year above grade level
  • Uses text features including headings, graphs, and table of contents
  • Summarizes and encapsulates important ideas
  • Understands the concept of change to analyze literature
  • Monitors reading and know what to do when not comprehending

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• 3rd/4th Grade Standard
  • Phonics and Word Recognition – Knows and applies grade level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words
     
• Highly Capable 3rd/4th Grade Extensions
  • Uses a variety of word recognition skills with increasingly complex text
  • Uses context, word parts, knowledge of stems and word origins to figure out unfamiliar words

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• 3rd/4th Grade Standard
  • Fluency – Reads with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension
     
• Highly Capable 3rd/4th Grade Extensions
  • Uses expression, rhythm, and phrasing in complex texts

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Science

• 3rd/4th Grade Standard
  • Demonstrates engineering and technology skills
  • Demonstrates knowledge and skills within the life science unit
  • Demonstrates knowledge and skills within the earth science unit
  • Demonstrates knowledge and skills within the physical science unit
• Highly Capable 3rd/4th Grade Extensions
  • Investigates & demonstrates understanding of the natural world in a systematic way like a scientist & applies these skills & knowledge to solve problems
  • Applies appropriate methodology and procedures to investigate a scientific principle
  • Creates an individual scientific project (investigation, technology, or invention)
  • Acquires significant content knowledge through the course of solving an interdisciplinary, real-world problem

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Social Studies

• 3rd/4th Grade Standard
  • 3rd: Demonstrates knowledge and skills within unit guidelines
  • 4th: Demonstrates knowledge and skills within unit guidelines: Washington State History including local tribal history
• Highly Capable 3rd/4th Grade Extensions
  • Applies abstract concepts such as systems, cause and effect, and how things change over time to understand the impact of the past on the present
  • Applies skills of historical analysis and historical interpretation to primary and secondary sources of information
  • Investigates various cultures and communities, with attention to defining features of geography, history, and traditions

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Writing

• 3rd/4th Grade Standard
  • Demonstrates the ability to use the writing process – pre-writing, drafting, revision, editing, publishing
     
• Highly Capable 3rd/4th Grade Extensions
  • Identifies and writes to specific purposes and audiences
  • Utilizes pre-writing strategies that are best matched for genre and own skill set
  • Demonstrates proficiency in the writing process to enhance their own writing and the writing of their peers
  • Uses technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing

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• 3rd/4th Grade Standard
  • Demonstrates the ability to write opinion pieces with research
     
• Highly Capable 3rd/4th Grade Extensions
  • Produces opinion pieces that are representative in development, clarity, and complexity of writing at least one grade-level above
  • Supports opinion pieces with valid reasoning and considers point of view
  • Elaborates on specific details to enhance reasoning

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• 3rd/4th Grade Standard
  • Demonstrates the ability to write informative pieces with research
     
• Highly Capable 3rd/4th Grade Extensions
  • Produces informative pieces that are representative in development, clarity, and complexity of writing at least one grade-level above
  • Conducts research by applying skills of questioning, information gathering, and synthesis
  • Utilizes text and graphics features within complex pieces
  • Creates and organizes information using charts, diagrams, and timelines as appropriate

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• 3rd/4th Grade Standard
  • Demonstrates the ability to write narrative pieces
     
• Highly Capable 3rd/4th Grade Extension
  • Produces narrative pieces that are representative in development, clarity, and complexity of writing at least one grade-level above
  • Applies the use of literary devices to elaborate details
  • Employs a variety of writing structures (folktale, poetry, fantasy, etc.)
  • Communicates character traits through appearance, behaviors, and dialogue

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• 3rd/4th Grade Standard
  • Demonstrates grade level: appropriate grammar and usage, conventions of capitalization, punctuation, and spelling
     
• Highly Capable 3rd/4th Grade Extension
  • Applies appropriate grammar and usage, conventions of capitalization, punctuation, and spelling to pieces of greater complexity

This report card extension identifies each progress report standard, with noted extensions for students receiving highly capable services. The left-hand column indicates the grade level standard, and the right-hand column notes the intended extension. The advanced activities and assignments in the highly capable classroom stretch students beyond grade-level standards.
Students are expected to master skills at a faster pace, to cover topics in greater depth and complexity, and to demonstrate a sophisticated level of understanding. The scores on the progress report reflect the student’s performance in this rigorous setting.

Math

• Skills:

  • Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.

  • Reason abstractly and quantitatively.

  • Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.

  • Model with mathematics.

  • Use appropriate tools strategically.

  • Attend to precision.

  • Look for and make use of structure.

  • Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.

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• 5th Grade Standard 
  • Operations and Algebraic Thinking - Writes and interprets numerical expressions, analyzes patterns and relationships
     
• Highly Capable 5th Grade Extensions
  • Applies properties of operations as strategies to add, subtract, factor, and expand linear expressions with rational coefficients
  • Solves real-life and mathematical problems using numerical and algebraic expressions and equations

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• 5th Grade Standard 
  • Numbers and Operations in Base Ten – Understands the place value system, performs operations with multi-digit whole numbers and with decimals to hundredths

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• 5th Grade Standard 
  • Number and Operations (Fractions)– Uses equivalent fractions as a strategy to add and subtract fractions, applies and extends previous understandings of multiplication and division to multiply and divide fractions
     
• Highly Capable 5th Grade Extensions
  • Applies and extends previous understandings of operations with fractions to add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational numbers 
  • Applies operations with rational numbers to expressions and equations 
  • Uses properties of operations to generate equivalent expressions
  • Uses equations and inequalities to solve geometry problems

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• 5th Grade Standard
  • Measurement and Data – Converts like measurement units within a given measurement system, represents and interprets data, understands concepts of volume and relates volume to multiplication and to addition
     
• Highly Capable 5th Grade Extensions
  • Students should have mastered Measurement and Data skills prior to 5th grade QUEST. While the students are expected to apply these skills, there is no grade given for this standard.

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• 5th Grade Standard
  • Geometry – Graphs points on a coordinate plane to solve real-world and mathematical problems, classifies two-dimensional figures into categories based on their properties
• Highly Capable 5th Grade Extensions
  • Applies properties of angles to find unknown angles, classify triangles based on properties
  • Uses tools such as a ruler, compass, and protractor to construct geometric shapes provided given conditions.
  • Applies formulas to determine area, surface area, and volume of 3-dimensional shapes

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• 6th Grade Standard
  • Ratios and Proportional Relationships - Understands ratio concepts and uses ratio reasoning to solve problems
• Highly Capable 6th Grade Extensions
  • Analyzes proportional relationships and uses them to solve real-world and mathematical problems

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• 6th Grade Standard
  • The Number System - Applies and expands learning of multiplication and division to divide fractions by fractions, computes multi-digit numbers, and finds common factors and multiples; applies and extends learning of numbers to the system of rational numbers
     
• Highly Capable 6th Grade Extensions
  • Applies and extends previous understandings of operations with fractions to add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational numbers
  • Applies operations with rational numbers to expressions and equations
  • Uses properties of operations to generate equivalent expressions
  • Uses equations and inequalities to solve geometry problems

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• 6th Grade Standard
  • Expressions and Equations - Applies and extends previous learning of arithmetic to algebraic expressions. Reasons about and solves one-variable equations and inequalities; represents and analyzes quantitative relationships between variables
     
• Highly Capable 6th Grade Extensions
  • Applies properties of operations as strategies to add, subtract, factor, and expand linear expressions with rational coefficients
  • Solves real-life and mathematical problems using numerical and algebraic expressions and equations

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• 6th Grade Standard
  • Geometry – Solves real-world and mathematical problems involving area, surface area, and volume
     
• Highly Capable 6th Grade Extensions
  • Applies properties of angles to find unknown angles, classify triangles based on properties
  • Uses tools such as a ruler, compass, and protractor to construct geometric shapes provided given conditions
  • Applies formulas to determine area, surface area, and volume of 3-dimensional shapes

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• 6th Grade Standard
  • Statistics and Probability – Develops understanding of statistical variability, summarizes and describes distributions
     
• Highly Capable 6th Grade Extensions
  • Uses random sampling to draw inferences about a population
  • Draws informal comparative inferences about two populations
  • Investigates chance, processes and develops use, and evaluates probability

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Reading

Key Ideas

• 5th/6th Grade Standard
  • Determines main ideas and/or the theme and explains how they are supported by key details; summarizes the text; Quotes accurately when drawing inferences from the text
     
• Highly Capable 5th/6th Grade Extensions
  • Cites textual evidence that most strongly supports analysis of what the text says explicitly, as well as inferences that can be drawn from the text
  • Determines, explains, and defends a suitable theme in literary text
  • Determines, explains, and defends relevant central ideas in informational and argumentative texts
  • Analyzes how character development, plot structure, dialogue, and events propel the action of a literary text
  • Analyzes interactions, connections, and distinctions amongst individuals, ideas, or events in informational and argumentative texts

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Craft and Structure

• 5th/6th Grade Standard
  • Determines the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in context
     
• Highly Capable 5th/6th Grade Extensions
  • Determines the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings and analyzes the impact on meaning and tone
  • Applies knowledge of Latin and Greek affixes and roots to deepen understanding of texts from multiple disciplines
  • Analyzes how the overall structure of a text, as well as specific sections, contributes to the development of its theme or key ideas
  • Analyzes how differences in the point-of-view of the characters and/or audience create literary effects
  • Determines the author’s point-of-view or purpose and analyzes how the author distinguishes his or her position from that of others and/or how he or she responds to conflicting evidence or viewpoints

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Integration of Knowledge and Ideas

• 5th/6th Grade Standard
  • Integrates information from several text on the same topic to write or speak about the subject knowledgeably
     
• Highly Capable 5th/6th Grade Extensions
  • Integrates information presented in different media or formats, and evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of each
  • Delineates and evaluates the argument and specific claims in a text, and assesses whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient to support the claims
  • Analyzes how two or more authors writing about the same topic shape their presentations of key information by emphasizing different evidence or advancing different interpretation of facts
  • Compares and contrasts a fictional portrayal of a time, place or character and a historical account of the same period as a means of how authors of fiction use or alter history

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Phonics and Fluency

• 5th/6th Grade Standard
  • Reads with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension and applies phonics and decoding skills to read fluently
     
• Highly Capable 5th Grade Extensions
  • Applies Latin and Greek affixes and roots to refine decoding skills for new words
  • Fluently reads literary and informational texts at least one year above grade level

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Science

• 5th/6th Grade Standard
  • Demonstrates engineering and technology skills
  • Demonstrates knowledge and skills within the life science unit
  • Demonstrates knowledge and skills within the earth science unit
• Highly Capable 5th/6th Grade Extensions
  • Acquires significant content knowledge, including work from experts in the field and data from multiple sources
  • Applies scientific reasoning (purpose, questions, information, inferences, concepts, assumptions, implications, and points of view) to deepen understanding of the natural world
  • Designs, performs, and reports on the results of experiments related to a given problem
  • Analyzes data and make inferences to draw conclusions
  • Demonstrates precision, objectivity, skepticism, persistence, and reflective analysis
  • Critically reviews outcomes of investigations
  • Transfers knowledge to make predictions about similar problems
  • Develops analogies and metaphors to describe a natural object or phenomenon

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• 5th Grade Standard
  • Demonstrates the knowledge and skills within physical science unit

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Social Studies

• 5th Grade Standard Rotation
  • Demonstrates knowledge and skills within unit guidelines: US History including the pre-colonial period to independence
     
• 6th Grade Standard Rotation
  • Demonstrates knowledge and skills within unit guidelines: World geography and history focusing on ancient civilizations
     
• Highly Capable 5th/6th Grade Extensions
  • Acquires significant depth of knowledge of historical periods
  • Analyzes historical, political, or economic issues using elements of reasoning (purpose, point of view, implications/consequences, evidence/data, inferences, concepts/ideas, assumptions)
  • Understands how societal values influence systems (i.e. laws, leadership, economics, and education)
  • Analyzes primary and secondary source documents to define ideas, problems, assumptions, perspectives, and expected outcomes
  • Investigates past cultures, including aspects of art, education, and government, and identifies connections across cultures and time
  • Analyzes historical events for cause-and-effect relationships and considers them from multiple perspectives
  • Evaluates the influence of geography on settlement, trade, and historical events

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Writing

• 5th/6th Grade Standard
  • Demonstrates the ability to use the writing process – pre-writing, drafting, revision, editing, and publishing
     
• Highly Capable 5th/6th Grade Extensions
  • Demonstrates proficiency in the writing process to enhance their own writing and the writing of their peers
  • Evaluates and strengthens writing by focusing on how well purpose and audience have been addressed
  • Uses technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing, cite sources, and collaborate with others

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• 5th Grade Standard 
  • Demonstrates the ability to write opinion pieces with research
     
• 6th Grade Standard
  • Demonstrates the ability to write opinion and argumentative pieces with research
     
• Highly Capable 5th/6th Grade Extensions
  • Produces argumentative pieces that are representative in development, clarity, and complexity of writing at least one grade-level above.
  • Develops an introduction that provides relevant background information, clearly defines the claim, and previews what is to follow
  • Uses sophisticated transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts
  • Supports the claim with well-chosen, clear reasons and elaborates on each in-depth using precise language and domain-specific vocabulary
  • Addresses opposing viewpoints
  • Provides a concluding section that reviews the reasons and restates and extends the claim
  • Conducts short research projects to defend a claim, drawing on accurate, credible sources

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• 5th/6th Grade Standard
  • Demonstrates the ability to write informative/explanatory pieces with research
     
• Highly Capable 5th/6th Grade Extensions
  • Produces informative pieces that are representative in development, clarity, and complexity of writing at least one grade-level above
  • Develops an introduction that provides relevant background information, clearly defines the thesis, and previews what is to follow
  • Uses sophisticated transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts
  • Supports the thesis with well-chosen, relevant facts and elaborates on each in-depth using precise language and domain-specific vocabulary
  • Provides a concluding section that reviews the main supports and restates and extends the thesis
  • Conducts short research projects to answer a question, drawing on accurate, credible sources

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• 5th Grade Standard
  • Demonstrates the ability to write narrative pieces
     
• 6th Grade Standard
  • Demonstrates the ability to write narrative pieces
     
• Highly Capable 5th/6th Grade Extensions
  • Produces narrative pieces that are representative in development, clarity, and complexity of writing at least one grade-level above
  • Engages and orients the reader and sets up the conflict in an exposition
  • Uses a variety of effective transition words, phrases, and clauses to convey sequence and signal shifts from one-time frame or setting to another.
  • Uses narrative techniques, such as dialogue and description, to develop characters, capture the action, and lead to an effective climax
  • Provides a resolution that follows from the events and resolves the conflict

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• 5th/6th Grade Standard
  • Demonstrates grade level: appropriate grammar and usage, conventions of capitalization, punctuation, and spelling
     
• Highly Capable 5th/6th Grade Extensions
  • Applies appropriate grammar and usage, conventions of capitalization, punctuation, and spelling to pieces of greater complexity

Q: What if I want my child to take a break from QUEST?

A:  Identified highly capable students may take a furlough year with the proper completion of a form and rejoin the program after one year.  If more than one year, furlough students will need additional testing.

Q: What is the difference between HP (High Performance) and QUAL (Qualified) placement?

A: Qualified Placements are for students who qualify under the criteria of most highly capable and will be placed in the program

High Performance Placement are for students who have demonstrated high performance and consistently achieve above grade level, have strong task completion and embrace challenges but for whom the cognitive assessment data does not support qualification for the HCP. These students may benefit from and contribute to the unique learning environment of a QUEST, PAGE or accelerated classroom as space is available. Such placements will be reviewed yearly by the 
Multidisciplinary Selection Committee, and high performing students are not considered selected or identified for continuing placement within the program.

Q: What if I have other children who are not in the QUEST program and I would like them to all go to the same school?

A: We strive to keep families together and you can apply for an intra-district transfer for the other children to attend the school where QUEST is offered.