Screening Process
All BSD students are universally screened multiple times throughout elementary school to assess potential need of advanced learning services in accordance with SB5072, RCW28A.185.020, and WAC 390-170-055. To learn more about the screening process for each grade, please see below:
Kindergarten Screening
Step 1 – Data Review
Beginning in the fall, we work with teachers to collect data on all BSD Kindergarten students. Multiple data points are collected and analyzed to determine Advanced Learning needs. Data to be collected and analyzed for each Kindergarten student may include the following:
- i-Ready Literacy
- i-Ready Math
- Literacy Skills for students in multi-lingual language programs
- WAKids State Assessment (TS GOLD)
Parents of private/home-school kindergartners who live within the Bellevue School District service area will need to apply for screening via email to advancedlearning@bsd405.org beginning September 2, 2025, at 9:00 am. The deadline to apply will be October 10, 2025, by 4:00 pm.
The Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) objectively reviews student performance data of all Kindergarten students to determine those who may be in need of specialized advanced learning instruction. The results are utilized to determine if there is a need for further assessment for possible inclusion in advanced learning domain-specific services.
Notification and Authorization for Further Assessment
Parents of students whose data indicates consistent performance well-beyond grade level in reading and/or math will be notified via email by the end of March and asked to provide authorization for their student to participate in further assessment (Step 2). This may include but is not limited to:
- i-Ready Literacy
- i-Ready Math
- Observational Rating Scales
Appeals are not accepted for students under Step 1 – Data Review.
Step 2 – Further Assessment and Cognitive Testing
Students participating in further assessment will be scheduled to take the CogAT at their school site in the spring. Parents/Guardians will receive an email approximately two weeks before the scheduled test date with more details on testing information.
Step 3 – Decision
The Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) will analyze student achievement and cognitive abilities data and determine if the student is in need of advanced learning services beginning in 1st grade. Students demonstrating consistent academic performance well-beyond grade level expectation in literacy and/or math will be identified for Domain-Specific Services at their neighborhood or choice school. Results will be shared with parents via email by mid-June.
Appeals are accepted only at Step 3 – Decision.
2nd Grade Screening
Step 1 – Cognitive Testing
All 2nd grade students participate in cognitive testing at their school site using the CogAT Screening Form. Parents/Guardians will receive an email approximately two weeks before the scheduled test date with more details on testing information and the option to decline testing for their student, if desired.
Step 2 – Further Assessment and Cognitive Testing
We work with teachers and collect achievement data on all BSD 2nd grade students. Multiple data points are collected and analyzed to determine Advanced Learning needs. Data to be collected and analyzed for each student may include the following:
- i-Ready Literacy
- i-Ready Math
- Literacy skills for students in multi-lingual language programs
- Report Cards
Notification and Authorization for Further Assessment
Parents of students moving forward to post screening will be notified via email by early spring and asked to provide authorization for their student to participate in additional testing with the CogAT Post-Screener. Results will be analyzed along with previously collected data points by the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT).
Appeals are not accepted for students under Step 2 – Data Review.
Step 3 – Decision
The Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) objectively reviews student data of all 2nd grade students to determine those who may be in need of specialized instruction. The results are utilized to determine if there is a need for inclusion in advanced learning services.
Students performing in the range of current advanced learning students will be identified for advanced learning Domain-Specific services or Centered services. All results and identification decisions will be sent to parents/guardians via email by the end of April.
Appeals are accepted only at Step 3 – Decision.
5th Grade Screening
Step 1 – Data Review
Beginning in the fall, we work with teachers and collect data on all BSD 5th grade students. Multiple data points are collected and analyzed to determine Advanced Learning needs. Data to be collected and analyzed for each 5th grade student may include the following:
- i-Ready Literacy
- i-Ready Math
- Smarter Balanced assessments
- Literacy skills for students in multi-lingual language programs
- Report Cards
Notification and Authorization for Further Assessment
Parents of students whose data indicates consistent performance well-beyond grade level in reading and/or math will be notified via email by the end of October and asked to provide authorization for their student to participate in additional testing. Results will be analyzed along with previously collected data points by the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT).
Appeals are not accepted for students under Step 1 – Data Review.
Step 2 – Further Assessment and Cognitive Testing
Students participating in further assessment will be scheduled to take the CogAT at their school. Parents/Guardians will receive an email approximately two weeks before the scheduled test date with more details on testing information.
Step 3 – Decision
Upon completion of further assessment, the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) will convene to review student data. The MDT objectively reviews student achievement and cognitive testing results to determine those who may be in need of specialized advanced learning instruction.
Students performing in the range of current advanced learning students will be identified for advanced learning Domain-Specific Services or Centered Services. All results and identification decisions will be sent to parents/guardians via email by the end of April.
Appeals are accepted only at Step 3 – Decision.
