Screening Process

In accordance with SB5072, RCW28A.185.020, and WAC 390-170-055, all BSD students are universally screened multiple times throughout elementary school to assess potential need of advanced learning services. To learn more about the screening process for each grade, please see below:

The Advanced Learning department is committed to ensuring that Bellevue Digital Discovery students are fully screened and given the same opportunity as students in their neighborhood/choice schools in person. As this group of students is learning remotely, we understand that their schoolwork and evidence of progress may differ and may take more time to collect. We are working in partnership with Bellevue Digital Discovery to ensure that we collect all necessary evidence needed for comprehensive screening.

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:

TRC (Text Reading Comprehension)
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 in September 2025. The deadline to apply will be in mid-October 2025.

2nd Grade Screening

Step 1 – Cognitive Abilities Testing

All 2nd grade students participate in cognitive abilities testing at their school site using the Naglieri General Abilities Test (NGAT). 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 – Data Review

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:

Star Math
Star Reading
Literacy skills for students in multi-lingual language programs
TRC (Text Reading Comprehension)

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 domain-specific or self-contained services.

Step 3 – Decision

Upon completion of the assessments, the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) convenes to review student data. The MDT objectively reviews student achievement and cognitive ability 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.

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:

Star Math
Star Reading
Smarter Balanced assessments
Literacy skills for students in multi-lingual language programs

The Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) objectively reviews student performance data of all 5^thgrade students to determine those who may be in need of specialized instruction. The results are utilized to determine if there is a need for further assessment for possible inclusion in advanced learning domain-specific or self-contained services. Appeals are not accepted for students under Step 1 – Data Review.

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 child to participate in additional testing. Results will be analyzed along with previously collected data points by the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT).

Step 2 – Further Assessment and Cognitive Abilities Testing

Students participating in further assessment will be scheduled to take the cognitive abilities test 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 ability 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 Self-Contained 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.

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. Appeals are not accepted for students under Step 1 – Data Review.

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 child to participate in further assessment (Step 2). This may include but is not limited to:

Cognitive Abilities Testing
Observational Rating Scales
Reading Data: TRC (Text Reading Comprehension)
Star Math

Step 2 – Further Assessment and Cognitive Abilities Testing

Students participating in further assessment will be scheduled to take a cognitive abilities test at their school site in March or April. Parents/Guardians will receive an email approximately one week 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. 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.