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Columbus Public Schools

ENGAGING ALL LEARNERS TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS

High Ability Learner (HAL)

Columbus Public Schools - High Ability Learner Program

Revised, September 2024

District Contact: Mrs. Brooke Kavan, Director of Teaching and Learning

 

Nebraska, Rule 3 Definition

“Learner with High Ability means a student who gives evidence of high performance capability in such areas as intellectual, creative, or artistic capacity or in specific academic fields and who requires accelerated or differentiated curriculum programs in order to develop those capabilities fully.”

 

K-12 Philosophy

Columbus Public Schools recognizes that each student is unique. We strive to provide high-quality instruction to all students and also take into account their individual needs. 

 

The purpose of the High Ability Learner program is to provide students the opportunity to develop talents in their domain of strength while focusing on the specific needs of gifted and talented students.

 

The High Ability Learner program is designed to identify students in grades 4-12 who exhibit high performance capabilities and foster talent in students who display potential.  Appropriate services shall be provided to these students.

 

Definition of High Ability Learner

Columbus Public Schools uses an inclusive definition of “High Ability Learner” in an attempt to include as many students as possible, and it is based on the Case for Excellence (1993) and ESEA (2001). The definition is as follows:

 

Talented and gifted students are those who have been identified as having high performance capability in such areas as intellectual, creative, or artistic capacity or in specific fields and who require accelerated or differentiated curriculum programs in order to develop those capabilities fully.

 

HAL Program Goals & Objectives

The goal of the HAL Program is to provide a differentiated program that will meet the needs of our districts’ high ability learners.  The program will strive to:

  • Identify students who demonstrate abilities of high performance in recognized areas of giftedness.
  • Provide advanced learning opportunities for all students.
  • Provide educational services that meet the needs of all high-ability learners.
  • Provide professional development opportunities to staff in order to promote a better understanding of the needs of high ability learners, and the services available to meet those needs.
  • Follow the identification procedures as outlined in the district identification plan for high ability learners.
  • To meet a wide range of students' needs:
    • Within the regular classroom, a variety of instructional techniques, including but not limited to compacting, alternative assignments, advanced placement, and differentiated curriculum will be used as necessary.
    • Within the regular classroom, flexible grouping, including but not limited to ability, achievement, cross-age grouping will be provided as necessary.
    • Enrichment programs will include, but are not limited to within-class enrichment, whole class enrichment, after-school enrichment, field trips, learning centers, extracurricular programs, and pull-out services.
    • The middle school and high school counselors will be available to assist teachers and students in meeting individual needs.

 

HAL Identification Procedures

To qualify for HAL a student needs two NSCAS percentile scores of 95 or higher or two NSCAS percentile scores of 93 or higher with two teacher recommendations.  Students who transfer into Columbus Public Schools and have previously been identified as a HAL student will automatically qualify for the program.

 

Additional Program Services, Options, and Strategies (including but not limited to)

  • Content acceleration
  • Honors classes
  • Dual Enrollment
  • Advanced Placement classes
  • Advanced class in a core curricular area
  • Advanced exploratory or elective classes
  • Advanced skill development class
  • Leadership programming
  • After-school programs
  • Summer enrichment programs
  • Destination Imagination
  • Robotics
  • Math Count
  • Quiz Bowl
  • Mentorships
  • Skills USA

 

Program Evaluation Process

Currently, Columbus Public Schools is working to develop a process for evaluating the HAL Program. We plan to compile survey data and academic data.

 

Future Planning

The focus on future planning at this time is on adding additional career pathways at the high school level. The DI Coordinator has a goal of increasing the amount of students who participate in Destination Imagination.

 

Staff Development Training and Support

Each year, the middle school HAL teacher attends the Nebraska Association for the Gifted (NAG) Conference. 

 

Program Management Outline

  • Columbus Public Schools utilizes a K-12 Destination Imagination (DI) Coordinator and a middle school HAL teacher.
  • Parents receive a letter when a child has qualified as a HAL student.  The letter outlines the various opportunities available for the students to participate in the HAL Program.
  • Each year, the Columbus Public Schools’ finance director allocates money for the HAL Program to ensure base and match funds.