Battle Ground Public Schools is committed to recognizing and nurturing the unique learning needs of all students. Our mission is to provide an inclusive and supportive educational environment that fosters the intellectual growth of students with a wide range of learning styles, strengths, and abilities.

The Aspire Program offers:

• Differentiated educational support for advanced students

• Opportunities for students to learn alongside similarly-skilled and motivated peers

• Instruction that engages students in depth, complexity, and higher-order thinking

By challenging students appropriately and cultivating their academic potential, Aspire helps prepare them for future success—academically, socially, and personally.

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.

The referral window for the Aspire program opens in mid-October for testing referrals.  The deadline for referrals is December 5, 2025. Any student currently in kindergarten through 11th grade may be referred.

Parents and guardians have the right to appeal the committee’s eligibility decision.

To initiate an appeal:

1. Complete the ONLINE Aspire Program Appeal Form, or download a printable version.

2. Include a written explanation outlining the reasons for the appeal and any additional evidence that supports reconsideration.

Deadline: Appeal forms and supporting documentation must be submitted to the Aspire Office within two weeks of receiving the results letter.

The appeal will be reviewed by the Multidisciplinary Identification Committee, and families will be notified of the final decision once the review is complete.

If your child was previously identified for highly capable services or enrolled in advanced or gifted programs at another school or district, you may submit documentation for review as part of the placement process in Battle Ground Public Schools.

What to Provide:

To determine eligibility and program compatibility, please submit the following (if available):

• A copy of the eligibility or placement letter from the previous district

• Recent cognitive or academic assessment scores (e.g., CogAT, i-Ready, other district and state testing)

• Report cards or transcripts indicating advanced coursework or program participation

• Any relevant teacher recommendations or program evaluations

This information will be reviewed by the Aspire Program team to determine appropriate placement or the need for additional assessment.

Please note: Submission of documentation does not guarantee placement. Final eligibility decisions are made based on a review of all available evidence and alignment with Washington State Criteria (WAC 392-170).

Identifying students for highly capable services is a multi-step process that considers a combination of ability, achievement, and classroom-based data. The goal is to build a well-rounded understanding of each student’s learning potential and academic needs.

Grades 1–11: Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)

Students in grades 1 through 11 complete the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT), which measures verbal and quantitative skills. The CogAT is an ability assessment, designed to evaluate how students think, solve problems, and learn new tasks—particularly in the absence of direct instruction. It provides insight into a student’s potential to process and apply complex information.

Grades 1–8: Achievement Assessments

In addition to the CogAT, we also consider district and state assessment scores that measure student achievement.

These assessments provide a snapshot of current academic performance and help gauge how well students are mastering grade-level standards. Achievement data is reviewed alongside classroom performance, teacher observations, and other evidence of advanced learning.

Please note: The district does not rely on a single test score to determine eligibility for highly capable services. A body of evidence is used to ensure decisions reflect each student’s full academic profile.

Kindergarten: Early Screening

Kindergarten students who are referred for Aspire consideration take the CogAT Screener, a brief version of the full CogAT assessment. While formal identification does not occur in Kindergarten, results are shared with schools and teachers to help guide differentiated instruction in the classroom.

Students may be considered for full testing in 1st grade. If identified as highly capable, services begin in 2nd grade.

Selection, Identification, and Placement

The process for identifying students for the Aspire Program is thorough, equitable, and guided by a team of educational professionals who consider multiple sources of data to make informed decisions.

Identification and Placement

Students are reviewed by the Multidisciplinary Identification Committee, which includes administrators, teachers, and program staff trained in recognizing characteristics of highly capable learners. This committee carefully evaluates:

• Cognitive and academic assessment data

• Classroom performance

• Teacher input

• Other relevant evidence of advanced learning potential

Following the review, families receive a results letter that includes:

• An assessment report

• The student’s eligibility determination

• Placement information, if applicable

aspire@battlegroundps.org

Jennifer Marrott
Aspire Program Coordinator
360-885-5426
E-mail Jennifer Marrott

Tyce Walker
Aspire Program Secretary
Tyce 360-885-5455
E-mail Tyce Walker

• Highly Capable Family Handbook

• Student referral packet, grades 1-12 (PDF)

• русский: Student referral packet, grades 1-12 (PDF)

• Español: Student referral packet, grades 1-12 (PDF)

Permission forms

• Primary school permission form in order to participate

• Middle school permission form in order to participate

Appeal forms

• Appeal Form - English

• русский: Appeal Form

• Español: Appeal Form

• OSPI (Office of Superintendent of Public Instructions) Highly Capable Program

Click here to download the Aspire PDF