Advanced Learning Eligibility Decision 2022-23 Update 

Advanced Learning team is working to complete the eligibility decisions for all Seattle Public Schools kindergarten through eighth grade students.   

Our team has completed the majority of decisions, but some students will not have their decision until next week.  

Seattle Public Schools is committed to ensuring every student has access to the learning services that help them thrive. This includes changing how we are making Advanced Learning services eligibility decisions and when we share eligibility information with families. 

This year we used many sources of information to determine eligibility. These included a family/guardian survey, teacher input, grades, language acquisition, special education profiles and standardized test scores. 

Advanced Learning services being considered for each student

Highly Capable (HC): Students are working well above the grade level.  

Advanced Learner (AL): Students are working above grade level. These students show a need for extended learning opportunities within their current school. 

Continuing Advanced Learner (CAL): Students were Advanced Learners last year and will continue as AL next year. 

Not Eligible (NE) in this Review: Students either did not have enough data or their data did not currently show them in need of HC or AL services.  

How families can appeal the decision 

Every family has 10 days to submit an appeal. Appeal information will be included in your eligibility letter. You can get more information on the Advanced Learning appeals webpage. 

Questions and Answers

What if I received an email on Tuesday, May 17 reminding me to submit my appeal but had already done this?

We apologize for any confusion this email caused. It was sent to all families as a reminder that the deadline to appeal advanced learning eligibility decisions is Tuesday, May 24.

If you’ve already submitted an appeal, we have your information and you will receive a final decision by Friday, May 27 by 5 p.m.

How was this eligibility decision made?  

Eligibility decisions were made using a variety of data points. The following data points were considered for students in grades K-8:  

Academic Data   

Kindergarten 

• Available standardized performance data from the 2021-2022 school year. 
• Academic data – MAP Reading & MAP Math 
• Reading Level (Assessed with F & P or Dibels showing a reading level well above typical grade level)  *For students in K-2, a reading fluency level must be provided because the MAP reading does not measure reading fluency, essential to thrive in the cohort program. 
• Demonstrated Performance Data (provided by teachers and other school staff) 
  • Indicators of class performance in Reading/Math at level 4  
  • Indicators of the need for acceleration over content (Elementary Cohort)  
  • Indicators of the need for differentiated instruction in  grade level classrooms in neighborhood school. 
• Parent Survey  
  • Description of strengths and talents of student outside of school. 

Grades 1-3  

• Available Historical MAP Test Data  
• Reading Level (Assessed with F & P or Dibels showing a reading level well above typical grade level) *For students in K-2, a reading fluency level must be provided because the MAP reading does not measure reading fluency, essential to thrive in the cohort program. 
• Demonstrated Performance Data (provided by teachers and other school staff) 
  • Indicators of class performance in Reading/Math at level 4  
  • Indicators of the need for acceleration over content (Elementary Cohort)  
  • Indicators of the need for differentiated instruction in grade level classrooms in neighborhood school. 
• Parent Survey  
  • Description of strengths and talents of student outside of school. 

Grades 4-8  

• Fall Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) – Reading and Math  
• Historical Map and SBA Test Data 
• Demonstrated Performance Data (provided by teachers and other school staff)  
  • Indicators of class performance in Reading/Math at level 4  
  • Indicators of the need for acceleration over content (Elementary Cohort)  
  • Indicators of the need for differentiated instruction in grade level classrooms in neighborhood school. 
• Parent Survey  
  • Description of strengths and talents of student outside of school.  

Other Data  

• Demonstrated Performance – Comments that reflect observations of above grade level performance and or unique learning strengths  
• Language Acquisition – Students acquired proficiency in language much faster than typical   
• Special Education – Data within the IEP process that illustrates potential or high performance in a one – on – one assessment 

Can Advanced Learning reconsider the eligibility decision we received on May 5, 2022?  

We thank you for your advocacy on behalf of your student. You are encouraged to complete an appeal if you believe your student’s eligibility decision does not reflect their need for Advanced Learning services and you’d like to provide additional data for consideration.

My student was found Not Eligible at this time. What does this mean?  

Students with high scores sometimes received a Not Eligible (NE) at this time because they were missing necessary data points. (Example: A first grade student with MAP scores in Reading and Math at 97%ile but did not have the required 3 data points in Reading or a second data point in Math.) 

Our updated eligibility process takes place on a rolling basis. Every school year, beginning in the Fall, student data will be collected for an eligibility decision. If you believe that you have more supporting data for this school year’s consideration, please consider submitting an appeal. In addition, you are welcome to send us additional information by email advlearn2@seattleschools.org 

Why was my student found eligible for Advanced Learning, but not Highly Capable?  

Advanced Learning (AL) Eligibility  

Students may receive an AL eligibility in either Math, Reading, or Both- This will be clarified on your student’s eligibility letter.  Students must have at least two data points for Math or Reading in the range of 87%ile in order to receive the AL eligibility.  

For students in K-2, an additional reading level must be provided because the MAP reading does not measure reading fluency. Other data is fully considered and helps us see the whole child but does not replace the need for Reading and Math proficiency.   

Highly Capable (HC) Eligibility  

Students must have at least two data points for Reading and two data points for Math in the range of 95%ile or higher in order to thrive in accelerating over content. 

For students in K-2, an additional reading level must be provided because the MAP reading does not measure reading fluency. Other data is fully considered and helps us see the whole child but does not replace the need for Reading and Math proficiency. 

How will I know that my student is receiving Advanced Learning services?   

1. Each school will share their differentiation strategies for their school in the fall of 2022.  Services could look like flexible small groups within classrooms based on need or interest. They will not look like different classes or different curriculums.   
2. Over the next few years, a new model of differentiated services at every school will be implemented.  
3. The new Neighborhood School model is designed to serve the whole child. New types of instruction will be flexible enough to provide advanced lessons where appropriate and, at the same time, address that same student’s need for grade level help in other areas, if needed. 
4. Up to 10 schools will pilot the new model for grades K-2 in the 2022-23 school year. 
5. All K-2 classrooms will implement the new model in 2023-24, while grades 3-5 pilot the new strategies. 
6. Middle and High School classes will be provided with Professional Development in Talent Development and differentiation strategies for blended classrooms.