Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Identification, Testing & Assessment Application portfolio question

For anyone who's successfully used a portfolio in combination with test scores for Davidson Young Scholars admittance:

I am not really sure what to put in the portfolio! My homeschooled DS10 / "5th grade" hit the ceiling (scores of 24-25) on the EXPLORE test this year but I can't say he has any other specific "proof" of being PG that can be submitted. (We are hoping to avoid WISC testing for cost reasons.) He is a Romaphile and chose over the last year to read every juv. book and some adult ones in the library network about ancient Rome, but I don't have anything concrete to submit about that. He's finishing algebra now, but can I just submit some of his regular schoolwork? He is a competent writer but not a creative writer; can I submit a 4-page biography of Romulus he wrote (which is good, maybe great for his age, but nothing spectacular)? He's participated in a local science academy but doesn't have anything concrete to show for it other than a DVD of a group presentation. He is obnoxiously good at abstract strategy games and has many half-finished games he's made up -- but again, I'm not sure there's much to show. In short, my son is PG but is still awfully good at just being a somewhat distractible and energetic 10yo boy, and homeschooling doesn't give us the same kind of paper trail that "regular" school would.

Can anyone describe what they've submitted? (Alternatively, can anyone suggest a low-cost WISC administrator in the Grand Rapids, MI area?)

Thanks for any ideas!

You ceilinged on a test - do you really want another one? I know I kept asking here like someone could have the answer. But it really comes down to knowing your child. We are all so used to downplaying. But for a moment - think about those things you mentioned... how you could video a conversation about history or of an instructional tutorial :-) of one of his self designed games. TRUST me I am certain homeschooling hasn't put you at any disadvantage... there isn't a thing we did "in" school this year that would make our kids look any more than "bright". It is the things at home - that they cherish - it is catching it that is the trick. Also my kids are little by comparison - but I wonder at his age if he could help you?