• High Ability Learners (HAL)

    Philosophy

    Bellevue's Board of Education Policy 605.03 recognizes the individual characteristics of students and strives to advance to the fullest of each student's development. The Superintendent of Schools recognizes the need for an appropriate program for students identified as gifted and talented. Proper identification and placement of gifted students into differentiated programs is generally necessary to allow these students to develop their abilities to optimum levels.

    Vision

    Our vision is to effectively meet the academic and affective needs of high-ability learners through a variety of services based on student needs.

    Operational Definitions of the High Ability Learner

    Board Policy 605.03 states, "The gifted and talented students in the Bellevue Public Schools are those students who exhibit above average abilities, have commitment to initiated tasks, and possess problem-solving and creative abilities. These traits must be exhibited to the degree they can be identified through the use of multiple criteria selection instruments. Once identified, these students should be exposed to varied processes of learning strategies for the purpose of acquiring methods and sources of learning rather than only concentrating on current, existing content."

    Goals and Objectives

    1. Support students in grades K-12 who demonstrate potential high ability.
    2. Identify and serve students in grades 3-12 who would benefit from advanced differentiation and complex content.
    3. Continuously evaluate and improve the programming and services for students.
    4. Develop differentiated instructional strategies that combine curriculum content, learning styles, and appropriate pacing.
    5. Allow students to learn and interact with other students of similar ability.
    6. Foster emotional well-being, positive social interactions, leadership for social change, and cultural understanding for success in a diverse society.
    7. Provide opportunities for students to collaborate with other peers and develop communication and critical thinking skills.
    8. Provide on-going professional development opportunities for staff to promote a better understanding of the unique needs of children of high abilities.