High Ability Program Plan
The mission and goal of Rush County Schools is to serve all K-12 students and the community by developing the academic skills, social, and psychological needs of all students that will enable them to lead productive and fulfilling lives. The School Board follows the mission statements and State Law when we (1) identify high-ability students through ongoing multifaceted assessments; (2) recognize that students in our schools may perform at or show potential for performing at an outstanding level of accomplishment in at least one of the following domains; general intellectual, general creative, math, language arts, technical and practical arts, visual and performing arts, and leadership ability and posses or are capable of developing exceptional gifts, talents, task commitment, or interest; (3) actively pursue an integrated, differentiated, and accelerated curriculum in the regular classroom and during specialized instruction to develop talent in all learners; (4) provide professional development for staff on topics concerning students with exceptional learning styles; and (5) implement research-based practices to reach all students.
High Ability Program Appeal Process
Appeals: Any family may appeal the Identification Committee’s decision by completing a requested appeal form from the school principal. The Appeals Committee, made up of RCS personnel that might include teachers, counselors, instructional coaches, and/or administrators, will re-evaluate the student’s portfolio.
Change of identification will either be granted, denied, or an interview will be scheduled to gather more information. Parents will be notified of the determination of the appeal within 30 school days.
High Ability Program - Funding Information
The K-12 High Ability Program Grant is designed to support eligible entities in establishing or maintaining high-ability programs in accordance with IC 20-36-2-2, to provide the following:
Identification measures;
Differentiated curriculum and instruction;
Professional development;
Affective curriculum; and
Program development.
Funded through appropriations by the Indiana General Assembly, this grant aligns with the mission of Indiana’s dedication to providing students in public and charter schools identified as high ability with engaging, accelerated learning experiences that prepare them for emerging careers and educational opportunities. Eligible entities must present evidence within the grant application in which high-ability programming options are provided for all K-12 students.