Parents can refer students, but systems here screen. They look at aptitude (a screener only), characteristics, and three areas of achievement. All points are entered in a matrix. A score of 17/20 points results in automatic eligibility. Students with 14-16 points (in our system) are given an individual IQ test to determine eligibility. Our system uses the NNAT for screening, which I believe penalizes my highly verbal child who is not strong on visual-spatial tasks. They will look at OLSAT scores, too. All 3rd graders take the OLSAT in the spring.
That's great that parents can request full testing in PA! I wish we could do that. We could pay to have private testing, but the school is not obligated to accept the results.
