There is technically still no globally accepted definition of “gifted,” but the National Association for Gifted Children offers an enlightening definition for the phenomenon of shockingly talented or able children. A gifted student, according to the association, is an individual who demonstrates an outstanding aptitude or competence in one or more domain. Gifted educational programs have become widely available across the nation, making it easier than ever to access systems of learning better suited for higher performing children. But how to find these children in the first place?
Testing Corner
Below you will find a brief crash course on gifted testing, giving you a skeleton structure on which you can build the basis for determining whether or not your child should be placed in a school or program different than the one he or she is already in.
- Why Test – Testing provides a standardized and objective process through which gifted children can be identified. It is also a way to discover potential learning difficulties or areas needing study. Tests offer a systematic way through which student performance can be seen in relation to others.
- When to Test – While experts disagree on whether or not testing young children will result in accurate scores, most agree that it is difficult to gauge accurate IQ numbers in children earlier than age six. Different tests are used for children younger than this, but students older than six can be tested at any time.
- Test Types – Achievement tests measure what students have already learned, while ability tests offer IQ statistics through either group or individual testing.
More information is readily available through online Internet resources and websites. Standardized testing as a whole offers a unique measurement implement in unearthing subtle variations or larger implications in student abilities and competencies. Whether or not you may suspect your child has gifted tendencies, it is a good idea to research various testing techniques and strategies in order to determine the best suited route for their educational path to follow.
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