It often comes as a shock to parents that the process of gifted testing can involve a great length of time and multiple components. This is especially common in public school systems where there may be pressure to only accept as many students into the gifted program as the budget will allow. While the process can be frustrating, it is important for parents to know that ensuring their child is in the right program to fit their needs is critical for their success. As you initiate the process of gifted testing, here is what you should know about what to expect and how to proceed if you have concerns along the way.
Identification Methods
The first step in the testing process is to identify students that may be gifted. Unusually high grades are often one of the first things parents and educators notice. However, you may also recognize other traits in your child. These include the following:
- Mastering new concepts faster than their peers.
- Social and emotional challenges.
- Boredom with classroom assignments.
- Sense of justice beyond their years.
- Large vocabulary.
- Extreme focus on one area of learning or interest.
- Vivid imagination.
Types of Intelligence Tests
Once a child has been identified, they will qualify for testing. It is important to know that there are several different types of intelligence tests that may be administered. While the majority of them are accurate, parents should make sure the one that is used for their child is accepted by the gifted and talented program they prefer. The following is a list of the most commonly used tests today:
- Stanford Binet
- Woodcock Johnson
- OLSAT
- Wescher Intelligence Scale for Children
- Hemmon-Nelson
It is important to note that the accuracy of any test can vary with children due to changes in their performance that may fluctuate due to their environment or personal feelings that day. Therefore, parents should view these scores as a snapshot of what their child potentially could do at any given moment. Yet, they could score higher or lower on the same test in the future.
Gifted Testing for Very Young Children
The professional opinions available today regarding testing children under the age of six can vary. For this reason, quality gifted learner programs will often waive testing for this age group and use other methods for assessing their potential to benefit from additional support. If your child is not yet in the first grade, then their teacher may use observations and portfolio reviews to identify giftedness.
Assessing Creative Talents
Sometimes, a child is gifted in an area that does not fit into being assessed using a standardized test. This is common with children who have an extreme aptitude for sports, music or the arts. For example, a flautist may be able to perform far above the level of their peers, yet they may struggle academically. These children can still benefit from a gifted learning program that gives them the flexibility they need to hone their talents. Gifted testing for these children involves assessing recorded or live performances and portfolios that demonstrate their high level of abilities.
Once the testing process is complete, you will be ready to take the next step as a parent by surrounding your child with support. A quality private school program is ideal since it allows your child to work at their own pace under the guidance of an educator who is trained in meeting the needs of gifted learners. Since every gifted child is unique, give your child the best start possible by nurturing their talents while proving support for their emerging skills.