High Ability

The Delaware Community School Corporation provides services designed to meet the needs of our students identified as High Ability.

The term “high ability” has been defined in various ways.  Effective July 1, 2007, Indiana schools shall identify students with high ability in the general intellectual and specific academic domains and provide them with appropriately differentiated curriculum and instruction in core content areas, K-12 (refer to IC- 20-36-2-2).

The Indiana Code defines a student with high abilities as one who:

  • Performs at, or shows the potential for performing at, an outstanding level of accomplishment in at least one domain when compared to other students of the same age, experience, or environment; and:

  • Is characterized by exceptional gifts, talents, motivation, or interests (IC 20-36-1-3).

Delaware Community School Corporation offers a High Ability program for qualifying students in Kindergarten through twelfth grades.  Students who are significantly above their peers in regard to scholarship, ability, and motivation are considered for participation in the High Ability Program.

The High Ability Program (K-5) is housed at each elementary school in Delaware Community Schools.  Students  are pulled out of the regular classroom at least two times per week, 30 minutes to 45 minutes daily, to receive additional instruction by licensed high ability teachers.  Mrs. Harman teaches K-5 at Royerton Elementary, and Mrs. Neal provides services at both Eaton and Albany elementary schools.  

The program at the elementary level provides differentiated curriculum and an array of learning activities emphasizing the two core content areas of Reading and Mathematics. Additionally, students' unique social and emotional needs will be addressed as needed throughout the year. 

Highlights of the Challenge Curriculum:

  • Curriculum Compacting:  More material is covered in less time.
  • Acceleration:  Advancing material where appropriate.  (Ex. Reading and Math materials are advanced by one grade level.)
  • Research Skills are developed through a variety of projects.
  • Technology resources are integrated on a regular basis.
  • Problem Solving is incorporated daily.
  • Inquiry-based learning is designed to help students work through many skills while solving larger problems.
  • Creativity is encouraged through open-ended activities and projects.
  • Hands-on learning activities promote deeper understanding of concepts.
  • Self-directed study and independence are encouraged through a variety of projects and learning activities.

If you are interested in more information regarding the Delaware Community High Ability Program, click the link below or contact us for additional questions.

Program Manual and Identification Procedures