Programs for High Ability Students

"High ability student" means a student who performs at, or shows the potential for performing at, an outstanding level of accomplishment in at least one domain when compared to other students of the same age, experience, or environment; and is characterized by exceptional gifts, talents, motivation, or interests.

The Corporation has developed and periodically updates a level of services program to provide educational opportunities to encourage high ability students to reach the highest possible level at every stage of development.

"Program" means educational services differentiated in depth and breadth designed to meet the needs of one or more high ability students through activities, such as compacting, acceleration, enrichment, problem solving, and creative thinking.

The differentiated (providing tiered levels of services for all educational needs) program for high ability students includes:

(1) A multifaceted student assessment plan, including:

(A) Performance-based assessment.
(B) Potential-based assessment.
(C) Other forms of assessment.

(2) A curriculum and instructional strategies plan.
(3) A counseling and guidance plan.
(4) A systematic program assessment plan.
(5) A professional development plan.

Educational experiences offered outside the school day may be used to supplement, but not to supplant, the levels of services provided for high ability students offered during the school day.

The Board has created a broad-based planning committee to design and monitor the continuous development and implementation of the levels of services program for high ability students.

"Broad-based planning committee" means a diverse group with representation from educators, parents, students, community members, and other stakeholders, organized for the purposes of planning and development of programs.

The program has been approved by the School Board, and the plans are available for public inspection and are on file with the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE).

Upon proper submission of the appropriate forms, the school corporation may obtain a waiver from the IDOE, for programs for high ability students, any of the following curriculum or graduation rules:

(1) 511 IAC 6-7-1(d), 511 IAC 6.1-1-2(d), and, for summer school, 511 IAC 12-2-6(a) to allow gifted and talented students to earn credit through performance assessment without completing the required amount of instructional time.
(2) 511 IAC 12-2-6(b) to allow school corporations to be reimbursed for the cost of instruction for more than two credits in summer school for high ability students.
(3) 511 IAC 6.1-6-1(a) to allow school corporations to utilize adults who have the demonstrated expertise in an area, but not the prerequisite teacher certification, to deliver nonstandard education programs for high ability students, such as:

(A) internships;
(B) mentorships; or
(C) clinical experiences.

The school corporation may appeal a denial of a waiver to the State Board of Education.

IC 20-36-1 et. seq.

West Lafayette Community School Corporation

Adopted: February 18, 2026

Revised: [date]