Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Identification, Testing & Assessment Dumb Question--What is DYS

I have seen people talk about it but never really figured out what it is. It looks like it could help with advocacy (which I may need since DD is 2e)? Can someone explain what benefit I might get from applying? DD just turned 8.
Her GAI was 150, maybe higher, I think maybe extended norms should have been computed since the tester said she did the whole matrix reasoning section and only got 2 wrong--she scored a 19. Plus she got an 18 on Picture Concepts. Should I request extended norms or ask about that, or is it something that is usually automatically done? Or does it not even matter since the GAI is 150 anyway?

DYS Davidson Young Scholars: http://www.davidsongifted.org/youngscholars/

There is nothing wrong with asking for extended norms to be calculated, even though her GAI qualifies already. Do you have achievement testing, or just IQ? If you have qualifying test scores in aptitude and achievement, I would definitely apply. Even if you don't end up using the advocacy services, it will introduce you to a great group of people that "get it" (not an easy thing to find otherwise).

Do I have to get achievement testing? She just has the WISC IV and computerized math/reading tests similar to MAP that they do in school.

I agree - I took DD to a DYS meet a few weeks ago, DW came along too. It was incredibly calming to sit in a room full of people that got it, had the t-shirt, seen the movie etc. It was wonderful to see DD being able to play chess with people her own age and give her a run for a her money, chat with about stuff that they too got etc.

To chat with adults that had gifted children and compare experiences with them and just hang out and talk about things our children did that would seem like lies or bragging elsewhere.

I felt as one of the Chrysalids must have felt when they met the others from Sealand - people that didn't see them as freaks.

You need either achievement testing or a portfolio. She's in 3rd grade? If so, you can either use individually administered achievement testing (KTEA, WIAT, or WJ), or she could take the Explore test if it is offered near you.

Ok, thanks...I didn't see the sentence where it says you need to have 2 of the options. Don't know if it's worth bothering with since those tests cost money. I'll look up the Explore test and see what it is.

Is there a good 2e site out there for someone like blackcat?

There seems to be a lot of 2e on this board.

There is a 2e newsletter that is very good. Mark posted it in the 2e forum.

I've posted about her on the Twice Exceptional forum. Her processing speed was below average--34th percentile--and that was medicated. I cringe to think of what it would have been unmedicated (she has ADHD). Her full-scale IQ was brought down to 135 and I'm worried the school district will disqualify her based on that. Psych said she can report the GAI, and of course she should go to the gifted school. But I doubt they will understand what the GAI is all about. I hope she doesn't even report full-scale. I will ask.