Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Identification, Testing & Assessment Whats my next step, please?

Hi,
My DD10 came home today with her 4th grade Iowa Test scores all at 99. This was her second time with these tests with identical results. She is in a private school in Southern New Jersey, that is locally known to be at a high level of education. She has been at that school since K and she has never received a grade lower than an "A" on her report card. Last year, 3rd grade, at the parent conferences I questioned the teacher about how to know if she is gifted or not. I mentioned the straight "A" thing and she said that my DD would not make it through the year in her class doing the same. Well, she did. Now, in fourth grade and through 3 marking periods, still the same grades and now, the Iowa test scores. What do I do?

You may want to look into out of level achievement testing such as Explore or SCAT. You may also get her IQ tested if that's what you want.

Her score may qualify her for local gifted programs and camps.

First step is to find out about how your school handles gifted children? Do they have a special classes or enrichment? Do you think your child would benefit from their program, if so find out whether they use achievement test or full scale IQ to place the gifted and what exactly you need to do to get the ball rolling? Your teacher should be a great source of information in regards to this matter, but also beware many teachers are not educated in spotting gifted kids, so go with your gut even if the teacher may see things differently. If you even remotely think your child may be gifted it is worth the effort to get tested. Good luck and best wishes AND Congratulations on a great score!

Is your daughter happy?
Does she have friends that she can be herself with?
Is she willing to do activities that might label her as a 'smarty'?
Is she willing to do activities that she isn't good at right away?
Does she have experiences outside of school that help her develop a good work ethic?

Does she have a hobby that she 'just loves'?

Sorry, but asking schools what they do for Gifted children isn't likely to get you very far, and in the defense of schools, each child is 'gifted' in their own way.

How did giftedness go for you and your family members, for her dad and his family members?

just things to think about...
grinity