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... didn't want her to take it and feel discouraged or alienated.
Exactly. Two different but interrelated thoughts on this: 1) This is why some parents encourage taking an out-of-level test on which it is not expected the student will know all the answers, and doing so early on in one's schooling: growth mindset. 2) The concept of fixed mindset vs growth mindset is nicely summarized in these youtube videos: Ashley Merryman & Po Bronson: The Myth of Praise (link- ) and Teaching a Growth Mindset (link- ) by Carol Dweck whose research was mentioned in the Bronson video clip. These links provide quick summaries, their books contain more info. One aspect or application of a fixed mindset is that gifted kids, in order to be seen as "right" or "smart", may stop taking appropriate risks, possibly shunning a challenge and preferring easy work which may represent a level of underachievement. A fixed mindset may work against them and be exhibited as a lack of resilience.