We just had the testing done a few months ago for DS7. We had a pretty good idea that he might be gifted based on how early he knew letters and numbers (counted to ten at 14 months, was able to spell simple words with moveable letters at 2 years, etc.). He was also super-advanced with puzzles, blocks and games.
We had a few teachers and the head of his prior school, which was a Montessori school, comment on how off-the-charts bright he was and how he kept them on their toes. We also had the mother of a PG son tell us she thought our DS was very gifted and that we should consider testing, but last year's issues with a new school had us second-guessing ourselves.
Testing has helped us understand his abilities and achievement so far, which truly has made a difference in advocating for him at a new school. Granted, they were much more ready to do differentiation from the start, but knowing how far ahead he truly is made us more comfortable in asking for more.
Prior to testing, I read the Five Levels of Gifted, (which I know many don't agree with, for various reasons). It was very accurate for our DS, and the first indication that he might be HG or PG. He tested as PG. Before reading the book, I had no idea there were differences in levels other than just being gifted vs. NT (whatever that truly is...).
Last edited by ConnectingDots; 10/05/13 05:57 PM. Reason: add'l info
