As someone else said, from what I've heard, if a child hits high enough on it... I would not doubt the child is gifted. It doesn't go the other direction. I've known at least one child that was gifted (IQ test later), that did not pass CoGat at a high enough level.
My district is similar to yours. They accept CoGat and that is it. If you do not hit the cut-off you are not in the program. I've talked with one of the gifted coordinators a few times, because I was very concerned about my VERY shy daughter performing adequetely in a group test environment.
I pretty much got this sort of speil.
OTOH, I have heard from some people, that while those group tests DO leave out many gifted kids, the tests do identify those gifted kids who tend to do better in their programs":
The program isn't for everyone, and while it is a gifted program, the program is going to fit some kids better than others. For a program that is focusing on accelerated academics, they question if a child is ready for such a program if they can not sit their and focus on their test.
I understand, but personally do not agree with this.
I'm not sure if any amount of data is going to get them to change their minds in your case, if the above is their thought process.
Tammy
