The Block Design score looks really low relative to the other scores, so I think I'd ask the psych who administered the test two questions:
1) Is he/she sure the scaled subtest score of 8 is correct (did the person scoring the test possibly convert the score incorrectly)?
2) If the subtest score is correct, what is the psych's impression of why the score is significantly lower? Was your dd paying good attention during that subtest? Did she show any signs of fine motor challenges getting in the way of manipulating the blocks? When was that subtest given relative to the others - was she possibly tired etc.
Note - I don't *think* this is the case with your dd, but fwiw, kids who have fine motor dysgraphia will sometimes score lower on block design and coding than on other WPSSI subtests. Your dd's coding score is still quite good, so that's why I don't suspect that fine motor dysgraphia is an issue, but both tests are timed (and the other subtests aren't - on the WISC - I don't know if it's the same on the WPSSI but I suspect it is). I'd be a little suspicious that her score is artificially lowered because she perhaps isn't used to time tests or she isn't a fast-moving kid when it comes to fine motor skills.... neither of which means she wouldn't be extremely successful in a gifted classroom.
You can also argue, er I mean, advocate to get her accepted to the program if you want her in it. Chances are there are going to be other parents with kids with even lower scores who will be squeaky wheels trying to get their kids into the program. You have two sets of good evidence to back up your dd's abilities - the SB plus... even though the score was lower on the WPPSI, it's significant to note that she missed the cutoff by *1* point in FSIQ. Her relatively slow response on the timed tests could have caused that very small difference in FSIQ. 1 point is most likely also within the potential error range for predicting IQ from the WPSSI at that FSIQ. If there are other things used to be considered for the program (teacher ratings or parent ratings or student work etc), and you have strong backup on those items, I'd turn in a written request asking that your dd be reconsidered for the program.
polarbear
