Highly capable students are students in grades K-12 who demonstrate readiness and/or potential to benefit from advanced grade level curriculum in one or more subject areas and require accelerated learning and enhanced instruction beyond the general education curriculum to achieve academic growth. Highly capable students may have advanced learning abilities in general intellectual aptitude, in all academic subjects, or in one academic subject area such as reading or mathematics. Highly capable students are not uncommon. Districts should not limit access for students who show readiness for accelerated learning and enhanced instruction.

Highly capable students are found in all demographic groups; however, not all students have had equitable access to the accelerated learning and enhanced instruction needed to develop their academic skills. Multilingual learners, highly mobile students, students receiving foster care, and students who receive McKinney-Vento services are often underserved and require careful collection of data about academic strengths. Attention should be paid to students with disabilities who also need accelerated learning and enhanced instruction in their domain(s) of strength, and are known as twice exceptional (2e) students. Highly capable students are present within all protected classes according to chapters 28A.640 and 28A.642 RCW.

[Statutory Authority: 2023 c 265, RCW 28A.185.010, and 28A.185.030. WSR 26-10-094, s 392-170-035, filed 5/6/26, effective 6/6/26. Statutory Authority: Chapter 28A.185 RCW. WSR 13-07-020, § 392-170-035, filed 3/12/13, effective 4/12/13; WSR 98-12-002 (Order 98-07), § 392-170-035, filed 5/20/98, effective 6/20/98. Statutory Authority: Chapter 28A.16 RCW. WSR 84-14-037 (Order 84-20), § 392-170-035, filed 6/28/84.]