Aspire Program for Highly Capable Learners
Some students thrive in an especially rigorous, challenging and advanced educational environment.
The Aspire Highly Capable program through Battle Ground Public Schools is designed for K-12 students who perform or show the potential for performing at significantly advanced academic levels as demonstrated by one or more multiple criteria specified by the state (WAC 392-170-035).
It is the mission and responsibility of Battle Ground Public Schools to meet the educational needs and foster the intellectual growth of students who come to us with an array of learning styles and abilities. The Aspire program offers educational supports to high-achieving students and the opportunity to be grouped with similarly-skilled and motivated peers.
Overview of Program Services
Aspire provides a continuum of services to eligible students in grades K-12. Aspire services are different at various grades; the continuum of services is fluid and responsive to student needs as well as district capacity. Options for service may include: accelerated learning opportunities and advanced grade placement, academic grouping arrangements that provide intellectual and interest peer group interactions, self-contained classrooms, honors classes, Advanced Placement classes, and Running Start classes.
Procedures for referral into the Aspire program
The Aspire program is accepting testing referrals Oct. 11 – Dec. 1, 2023. Any student currently in kindergarten through 11th grade may be referred.
Student referral packet, grades 1-12 (PDF)
How do I sign up my child for Aspire?
A student must be referred using the referral packet to be considered for the Aspire Program.
My child was already enrolled in advanced placement at another school. What do I need?
Transfer students who were previously enrolled in a highly capable or gifted program must submit documentation for review to determine compatibility.
Where do I find the referral packet?
The referral packet can be downloaded from this webpage or can be picked up from any school office. Completed, parent or guardian permission to test signed packets should be returned to their school office.
When are the referral packets due?
Referral packets are accepted from mid-October through the first Friday in December each year.
We missed the referral window. Can I still submit a referral packet?
Yes you may submit the referral packet at any time throughout the school year. Referrals received after the Friday in December deadline for an upcoming testing window are held until the next school year.
How does testing work?
Testing occurs in January. Parents who submit the student referral packet on time will be notified of the date, time, and location the student will test.
When does my child start the Aspire program?
Identified students will receive Aspire services the following school year.
Who can recommend a student for Aspire?
Referrals are accepted from teachers, staff members, parents, students and members of the community!
Assessment Process
Students in grades 1-11 complete an ability test named the Cognitive Abilities Test, or CogAT. This test assesses how student’s solve problems using verbal and non-verbal reasoning skills. Ability tests are considered a representation of the ability to learn new tasks, reason and solve problems, especially in the absence of direct instruction. Students in grades 1-8 also complete an achievement test named the iReady Assessment for reading and math. Achievement tests measure what students have learned so far in their educational journey.
Kindergarteners are given the CogAT, but the assessment process is adapted to be developmentally-appropriate. Kindergarteners scoring at the 90th percentile rank and above qualify for further testing using iReady or the CogAT post screener.
Selection, Placement and Appeal
Students are selected for the Aspire Program by a team of administrators, teachers, and program staff professionals called the Multidisciplinary Selection Committee. They consider each assessed student and their needs as indicated by the collected data and eligibility. After testing, parents will receive a results letter with an assessment report regarding the student’s testing, their eligibility and placement, all determined by the committee.
Parents have the right to appeal the eligibility decision. To appeal the committee’s decision, complete the appeal form and provide the reasons for your appeal and evidence to support reconsideration.
Appeal forms must be submitted to the Aspire office with all paperwork within two weeks of receiving the results letter.
Program Service Options
Kindergarten – Grade 2: Students demonstrating high academic achievement will be clustered together in the general education classrooms in their neighborhood schools. Students will receive differentiated instruction focused on social-emotional learning and creative and critical thinking.
Grades 3 – 8: Students identified as highly capable in grades 3- 8 are currently served through two program service options. In both options, students received differentiated instruction designed to enhance and enrich learning experiences.
Grades 9 – 12: Highly capable students at the high school level can participate in advanced coursework that earn high school credit and the potential for college credits. A variety of Honors level and Advanced Placement courses are available in all grades and all high schools in the district.
Option 1: Cluster Program
In this option, a group of highly capable students are clustered together at their neighborhood school to receive differentiated instruction in the general education classroom. This option allows students to receive instruction designed to meet their needs while participating with other students within their neighborhood and community. Any student identified as highly capable in reading, math, or both areas is eligible to participate in this program.
Option 2: Magnet Program
Students are grouped together in their own classroom and receive differentiated instruction at Captain Strong Primary (grades 3-4) or Chief Umtuch Middle (grades 5-8). Instruction is differentiated for increased depth and complexity and is often accelerated. Students desiring a magnet placement are ranked using their ability test (CogAT) and current achievement test (i-Ready) scores. The magnet option is available on a space available basis.
Advanced Placement
Advanced Placement (AP) courses provide an opportunity for students to take college-level courses and earn college credit and/or placement. The courses are taught at Prairie High School, Battle Ground High School, and CAM Academy by teachers certified to teach specific Advanced Placement courses. Each AP course covers information, skills, and assignments found in the corresponding college course. In order to earn college credit or placement, the student must pass (score of 3 or higher) the corresponding AP Exam in May. These classes will help prepare the student for the rigor of university academics.
Prairie High School (360) 885-5000
Battle Ground High School (360) 885-6500
Contact
(360) 885-5426
aspire@battlegroundps.org
Jennifer Marrott
Aspire Program Coordinator
marrott.jennifer@battlegroundps.org
Tyce Walker
Aspire Program Secretary
Lynnell Murray
Director of Federal Programs and Instructional Support Services
murray.lynnell@battlegroundps.org
Transportation
The district assists students with bus transportation between neighborhood schools and our magnet schools.
11104 N.E. 149th Street,
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 200 
360-885-5300