Most people will agree that the best time to test is when you need information about your child. Information to get them into a school or program. Information about the best educational path to take. Information about learning strenghts, weaknesses and potential 2E concerns.
We tested DS6 young at 4 years 9 months because I needed information to justify moving him from a bad preschool situation. Granted I could have just moved him without the testing but the program I might have chosen might have still had more of the same issues. Based on the information I received from the testing we ended up moving DS6 to a much more expensive Montessori program where he could learn at a more accelarated pace.
From what I have been told and read testing before the age of 6 can be hard since the children are much more squirrely. DS6 loved the testing experience. He was able too sit for the whole time (~2 hours). He didn't give silly answers just to be silly. We also had a tester who had worked with and raised her own gifted children. We had an ideal testing situation.
If you are looking for acceleration or special accomodations in K you may want to test now to obtain information that can be used to get accomodations. This depends a lot on your ditrict and school. Some may not even look out outside testing. Some may want a specific test done.
I would start by contacting the Principal of the school where your child will attend K as well as reading up on the school board policies.
Last edited by crisc; 02/25/09 11:17 AM.
