Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Parenting and Advocacy question about DYS portfolio

I was under the impression that you should only include a portfolio of samples with your DYS application if your child did not have testing done, or if the test scores were below DYS threshholds.

Is this true? Our child's WISC-IV and WIAT results are above DYS threshholds, yet I read a recent thread on this forum that someone ended up having to provide work samples to "prove" that her kid was in DYS range, despite the fact that her kid had tested in DYS range. If that's a common occurrence, I'd rather submit our application WITH samples, instead of sending it in and then being told later to submit samples.

We have our official test report from the psychologist, and I'm almost done with the application. The person doing our kid's reference has already mailed it. We're applying for the 2/15 deadline, so any advice is much appreciated!

Thanks so much!
Tara

I think it just depends on the child, the scores, the stories you tell, etc. If they get the impression that our children are borderline, they might ask us for more.

Keep in mind that the tests are not designed to accurately measure the tail of the Bell curve. That means that it's possible (though not probable) for a child who's not PG, EG or even HG to have a near-perfect test day and get the scores needed for DYS, even though that child doesn't fit the PG profile that DYS is trying to serve.

I don't think being asked for more materials is the norm, though I don't think it's exactly uncommon either. It happens sometimes.

If you think your application adequately distinguishes your child as PG and not "merely" MG or even HG, then I'd say don't worry about it. If you think your app makes GTness obvious but PG not so much, then I'd say you should add more.

But I'm applying in Feb., too, so what do I know? That's just how I'm approaching my son's app!

Look at his numbers, how close they are to the cut off, if he qualifies in more areas than just one and base your decision on that.

I would probably send the application only and wait if they ask for more. That's what we did. Putting together a portfolio sounds like a lot of work and chances are he will do just fine with the scores and application only.

Just out of curiosity how did you come up with your user name?

Thanks for your feedback!

My maiden name is of Czech origin and it means "drummer."

Tara

May be that's what I should do next time I need a new user name! I tell you coming up with new user names and e-mail addresses is like pulling a tooth.

Good luck with your son's application

I don't think the request for more work samples are routine. I think we all have a tendency to 'want to be perfect' so in general I think that the direction is to 'get going and do it!'

Good luck,
Grinity