MSD Washington Township

Gifted education and high ability programming have historically been designed with the intent of supporting students who exhibit extraordinary performance capabilities in an intellectual, creative, or artistic area. Washington Township provides high-ability programming at all eight elementary schools. 

In alignment with Indiana Code 20-36-2, MSDWT is committed to taking a multi-faceted approach to ensure that students who demonstrate exceptional ability in one or more domains—verbal, quantitative, nonverbal, or academic achievement—are identified and supported through differentiated instruction. Students may access the program through an achievement pathway (based on performance on academic measures), an aptitude pathway (based on performance on cognitive ability measures), or a combination of both.  This process ensures that students who may be overlooked based on traditional measures are considered for eligibility and not passed over due to economic disadvantage, cultural background, underachievement, or disability. 

Students in Kindergarten participate in a universal CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) screening process in the spring designed to identify early indicators of advanced learning potential. The goal of early screening is to ensure that students with emerging high-ability potential are recognized and nurtured as soon as possible.

In accordance with Indiana Code (IC) 20-36-1, this identification process aligns with the state’s definition of a high ability student: a student who performs at, or shows the potential for performing at, an outstanding level of accomplishment in at least one domain when compared with peers of the same age, experience, or environment, and who is characterized by exceptional gifts, talents, motivation, or interests. 

Beginning in grade three , students who qualify for high ability programming are placed in cluster classrooms at their home school. In a cluster classroom, a small group of students with similar advanced learning needs is placed together within a general education setting.

Typically, cluster groups include 3-8 students who meet the criteria for high ability services. When a larger number of students qualify (generally more than 8–10 students), an additional cluster classroom is often formed. 

Students in cluster classrooms are taught by teachers who have received specialized training in differentiated instruction, gifted education, or both. These teachers regularly participate in professional learning focused on meeting the needs of high-ability and gifted learners. In addition, they are supported by instructional coaches at each elementary school who help ensure that instruction is appropriately challenging and responsive to students’ advanced learning needs.  

Students receive instruction at grade level and participate in additional enrichment both in and out of the classroom as needed. Additional enrichment opportunities may also be available to students via clubs and other avenues at each elementary school. 

To learn more about the Cognitive Abilities Test, the Cluster Grouping Model, or characteristics of gifted and high-ability students, visit MSDWT’s High Ability Handbook. 

For more information about how cluster grouping is implemented at your child’s home school, please contact your building principal.

5th, 6th, and 7th grade students who perform Above Proficient on ILEARN Checkpoints and maintain a C average in mathematics courses are automatically assigned an honors course placement in accordance with Indiana Code IC 20-30-18, Section C (Effective July 1, 2025).  

Parents of students who are eligible for math honors courses based on this criteria may opt their child out of automatic placement.  In MSDWT we apply the same criteria for students entering ELA honors courses.  This standard is extended to students in grades 2-5.  Additionally, the Cognitive Abilities Test provides an aptitude pathway for students who do not meet the criteria based on ILEARN Checkpoint data.  

To learn more about Middle School Honors and course offerings, please refer to the High Ability Handbook.  

North Central offers students programs that challenge them to achieve their potential. More than one third of the students are enrolled in one or more Advanced Placement (AP) classes. Dual credit courses offered through the Advanced College Project (ACP) with Indiana University and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma program (authorized in 1988) give hundreds of students the opportunity to earn advanced standing in college while they are still in high school.