Howler, I agree completely with that ability should speak for itself rather than focusing on a number, but our experience has been that the numbers are necessary in advocating for our kids at public school. Even if we hadn't tested, the school would require their own testing for any type of gifted designation and services. OTOH, private school and non-traditional public (non b&m) have been much easier to work with. I think that's more where your dd is at, isn't it? Something not traditional public?
The other thing that I've seen (but my kids aren't *quite* there yet) is that once kids have the credits, they can take AP etc courses in our area's public schools... but to get the prerequisites *through* our public schools you have to advocate like crazy to prove your child is capable of working ahead (and that requires scores here... ability and achievement).
polarbear
Yes, to this. We will need a number for dd to have access to services, and potentially some form of acceleration. If we were homeschooling, or if she were in a multi-age Montessori classroom, or some place other than traditional public school, I might not be considering testing. But I also identify a lot with smart girls hiding their abilities to fit in and maybe it is because I lack imagination, but I do think it is valuable to have some idea of LOG--I had seriously underestimated dd12 prior to testing. I appreciate having this place though to remind me to take a breather! I think we are ok for the next year or so and then can re-evaluate.
