Kate Simkowiak

highly capable

Message from The Washington Coalition For Gifted Education – May 9th, 2012

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THE ROUNDUP
The Governor has signed the 3rd supplemental budget for this biennium and HCP funding to the districts is maintained. In the initial budget for this biennium, funding for the arts program at Centrum was cut and funding for Destination ImagiNation and Future Problem Solving was eliminated, cuts which were not restored in the 3rd supplemental. These opportunities for students have been an integral part of the Highly Capable appropriation since it began in 1985.

There was no legislation regarding Highly Capable Programs other than the budget.

GOING FORWARD
Including Highly Capable in basic education is a major reform. It follows that there are implementation issues to be followed and resolved. We are currently working on:

  • Restoration of funding for Centrum, Future Problem Solving and Destination ImagiNation.
  • An increase in HCP funding to the districts.
  • The WACs are being revised to bring them in line with HCP’s new position in basic ed. Gifted advocacy groups will be reviewing the changes and providing comment when they are made public later this year. All indications are that progress is being made to bring the WAC into line with the RCW.
  • The McCleary funding decision recognized HCP as a part of basic education so we will be following the court’s continuing jurisdiction of legislative actions to be sure adequate funding is provided. We will be watching the new Joint Select Committee which will report to the court.
  • For successful  advocacy, we need the backing of the large Coalition membership state wide. This is why we need you to plan to be in Olympia for Gifted Education Day on February 8, 2013. With the November election we will have a new Governor and new legislators to educate about the needs of gifted students and the value of highly capable programs for both our individual students and for the economy of the state. Please make plans to join us there.

BY THE WAY…
Speaking of elections, both candidates for Governor have released their education platforms for the campaign. Attached are summaries from the League of Education Voters and the Partnership 4 Learning. They are provided as information only and do not constitute an endorsement of any candidate.
You can do your part by looking carefully at the education statements of the Legislative candidates in your district and asking them specifically about their position on Highly Capable Programs in candidate forums, town meetings, etc.

AND FINALLY
BE SURE TO CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS AND SAY THANK YOU FOR THEIR EFFORTS TOWARD FULL FUNDING OF K-12 EDUCATION. THEY DON’T HEAR A THANK YOU OFTEN ENOUGH.

2012 Washington State Gubernatorial Race Candidates’ Formal Positions on Education

Governor’s Education Plans: Side-by-Side Comparison

This message has been sent to you by The Washington Coalition For Gifted Education. Comments or questions can be sent to wagifted@earthlink.net or  grevewandi@gmail.com.

Washington State PTA – Eliminate barriers to K-12 highly capable programs

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On October 14 and 15, about 275 members from across the state gathered at Washington State PTA’s 33rd Annual Legislative Assembly to learn about timely issues and debate and vote on possible additions to our legislative agenda.

When the voting concluded, delegates approved proposals addressing the achievement gaps; early learning; highly capable programs; the juvenile justice system; public charter schools; and school zone signage.

2011 PROPOSED STATEMENT: HIGHLY CAPABLE

The Washington State PTA shall initiate and/or support legislation or policies that ensure highly capable children (K-12) receive an appropriate basic education, which includes access to highly capable programs (K-12).

The Washington State PTA recommends that the legislature and Quality Education Council build on the work of the Highly Capable Program Technical Work Group. This shall include, but not be limited to:

  • Advocating for a standard definition of highly capable and working to ensure students who are both highly capable and students of color, who are poor, or who have disabilities, have equitable access to the state’s highly capable program.
  • Further, Washington State PTA supports the recommendation that districts that do not currently offer highly capable programs refer to the guidelines set forth in the report of Highly Capable Program Technical Work Group.

Summer Park Gatherings

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COME AND PLAY!

The next summer gathering is this Wednesday! All Terrace Park Challenge & BTMS Highly Capable Families (current, former & future) are invited to come have fun and make new friends. So bring a picnic lunch and any park toys you’d like to share.

Wednesday, August 10th
11 am – 1 pm
Edmonds City Park: 3rd Ave. South and Howell Way, Edmonds
Park Amenities: Picnic areas, play structures, baseball field, and trails.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for our Back-to-School BBQ!

Sunday, August 28th
We have the area reserved from 10 am – 6 pm

North Lynnwood Neighborhood Park: 18510 44th Ave. West, Lynnwood
Park Amenities: Water spray, play structures, basketball courts, picnic areas, and paved trail (perfect for small bikes, trikes, and scooters)

Lunch served: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm (or until supplies run out)
The CPA will provide grilling items, buns, condiments & paper goods.
We ask that families supplement the BBQ with the following:
Beverages: Last names A-G
Side Dishes/Chips: Last names H-O
Desserts: Last names P-Z

If you haven’t already, click here to RSVP for the BBQ so that we can get an accurate headcount.

Challenge Parents Association (CPA) board members will be attending to meet with Highly Capable families and answer questions and make introductions to other district programs families.

Brier Terrace Middle School Highly Capable Program Families:
A special invitation to you as CPA has expanded to include the BTMS Highly Capable program. With your support, we look forward to working with Hi-Cap teachers of BTMS to augment classroom materials, support special activities, extend learning beyond the classroom, provide professional development materials for our teachers, enable our teachers to do more with the children in the classroom, and provide resources for gifted parenting issues support.