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DS8 DYS denied gifted programming. Met all IQ and achievement testing as per school, left out due to subjective decision based on in class observation of writing. Help!
Kiddo is a twin. We've been debating school switch but twins want to be together.

Must be frustrating! I am sorry I can't offer any suggestions but I am sure someone on here with more experience will be able to help. Hope everything will work out for you. Hugs!

Since he is a DYS, have you considered using Davidson's consulting service for educational advocacy? My own DYS was in a similar situation a few years ago, prior to acceptance into Davidson's program. At that time, we simply appealed the decision to the head of our public school's Special Education Department. They were far more reasonable to work with than we expected them to be. Best of luck to you.

Same thing happened with my son due to behavior issues. In our school district it is up to the principal, they have the final say. Since my son is also 2E, he displays a lot of the unwanted traits, and the staff at his school say they don't think test scores matter as much as socialization skills. We are also beyond frustrated.

You will need to figure out the school's policies regarding this and look to see whether it can be appealed.

The subjective class observation means that they can not accept anyone they don't want to accept.

My 8 year old was denied because of his handwriting not being neat enough even though he qualified by IQ scores and achievement scores. We ended up switching schools and it was a hard process for the whole family. We have survived, but it will be a while before my son "thrives". Looking back, we are glad that we changed.

Can you try to switch both kids to the same new schools? They can still be together and receive the gifted programming. Also, ask your Davidson Consultant what you can do about this situation.

You may wish to ask yourself a few questions, such as:
- What, specifically, does the gifted programming consist of?
- Is the specific offering something your child needs, or would benefit from?
- Do you believe the specific offerings would be a good fit for your child?
- Do you believe your child would be a good fit for the offerings?
- What other options exist for meeting your child's deepest educational needs?

Some resources which may be of interest:
Have you had the opportunity to read A Parent's Guide to Gifted Children? Chapter 14 discusses Finding a Good Educational Fit. Included is a Table of Questions more important than "Is my child in a gifted program?", by Dr. Donald Treffinger. His list is also found on online at the website of Center for Creative Learning (CCL), as “ Dear School People”.

This old post contains a roundup of advocacy ideas, tips, advice, and resources.

It is grossly unfair but I would suspect they don't have gifted programming. They have high achiever, well behaved programming.

My guess is puffin has it right. We got caught in that my S17 was in a program more designed for the well behaved high achiever and it really didn't suit my kid very well.

Well said! ...and made me mile for the first time today.