Katie McAllister’s son displayed remarkable cognitive abilities from a very young age, prompting his enrollment in Seattle Public Schools’ highly capable cohort program at Decatur Elementary. However, the district is now phasing out these specialized programs in favor of a whole-classroom model to promote equity and accommodate diverse student needs. Nonetheless, the district aims to address long-standing disparities in access to gifted programs and ensure that all students receive appropriate support through universal screening and individualized learning plans. While experts have mixed views on the effectiveness of this approach, educators like Rina Geoghagan of View Ridge Elementary remain hopeful that it will create a more inclusive and enriching learning environment for all students, albeit acknowledging the challenges ahead.
