Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Parenting and Advocacy Got our letter

We got our response from the DYSP. They did not accept dd. The letter said that they wanted more test information. I feel pretty frustrated that I misread an important part of the application. I did not include any achievements tests in her application. For some reason I glossed over it saying that it was required. I'm hitting my head against the wall about it though...for as long as it took me to complete the portfolio portion I'm mad at myself for misreading the requirement sheet for tests. She's never had an achievement test done, though. The only formal testing I had was the WISC IV and it looks like her scores were not high enough to qualify on that alone. They suggested reapplying in 6mos with more testing information.

The only thing that makes me not feel as disappointed about it is that her school is actually doing quite a bit for dd now. They listen when I have concerns and seem to be doing all that they can to accommodate her. I still wish she had gotten in but I guess we'll see if we can reapply at a later date.

And speaking of the achievement tests, is it the schools that perform those? Or would I have to get private testing done?

Hi Tammy,
(((Hugs)))
When I think about the shape of the bell curve, I figure there are about 3 kids who don't qualify for YSP for evey kid who 'just made it.' And how much difference is there between your child and mine? Not much. So for as long as that is the case, I hope to be here typinging away encouragement for you to get the two things you really need -
1) a bunch of parents you can share with without worrying that you are 'bragging.'
2) encouragement for advocating with schools to get a "good enough" fit. Which you have! ((Pat Pat))

Some schools will do achievement test, for our school it was to look for a gap between IQ and Achievement to say "yes or no" to a learning disability, as our state doesn't mandate anything for GT. Some universities will do the Woodc*ck Johnson Achievment for not a lot of money. Just don't put it off for so long that your IQ scores get out of date, ok?

((hugs))
Trinity

That sounds like a "need more" not a "no" to me. And I'd bet they kept the application on file if they gave you a "need more." I doubt you'd have to resubmit EVERYTHING again!

May I ask: what did you include in your portfolio? I'm trying to figure the application process out myself, and I'd appreciate comparing notes with you, if you wouldn't mind.

As for the achievement testing, our school administered the WJ as part of their ID for giftedness. It was the nicest thing they've done for us! Is your DD already IDd by the school as gifted? If so, you might have a tougher campaign to get her the test. If not, you could ask to have her tested and you might have luck.

Hang in there!

I�m sorry for your disappointment Tammy, although it sounds as if they may just need the rest of the information.

The more pressing issue, IMO, is school accommodation. I�m really pleased that your daughter�s needs are recognized and addressed there. I truly believe that is what is most important.

Tammy-

I'm sorry to hear this. My advice is to be persistent- if you feel that your daughter is qualified, all you need to do is get the hard data that the program requires. I'd recommend that you look into private testing for the achievement scores, unless paying out of pocket is out of the question. You never know who or what you'll get if you use the person the school assigns.

Also-

I have heard of parents just walking away after receiving this type of letter. If you call The Davidson Institute, the folks there are very pleasant and will be happy to tell you exactly what information (and this is for anyone who gets such a letter) they require for admission. It may be a single test score, or maybe more representations of the student's current work. Maybe the references are not specific enough, or maybe they didn't get them at all! Please seek more information if you get an initial rejection, and your child may be reaping the benefits of YS membership sooner rather than later.

I really didn't have a ton of documentation showing what dd has been doing over the years that demonstrates her abilities. I included detailed answers to the questions on the app, school assessments, recommendations, book lists, and writing and math samples.



Yes, she was IDd this school year. She was given a screening (abbreviated WISC) and the full test, of which she easily exceeded the required IQ score of 129. She has been in the GT program at school for nearly a month.

Tammiane,

I saw the topic and I said out loud "that's great" with a big smile on my face. I was so surprised and disappointed to read that your daughter did not get in (this time, anyway). At least she is well taken care of in school, and it seems based on all you've written about her that the achievement test scores are there, just not tested. So sorry, but then again, you are so lucky to have such a fabulous daughter!

Questions

I'd say ask the school if they can give her the test. If not, then you have to decide if it's worth the cost to you. We're going through the same debate here, if that gives you some moral support...I guess it just depends on your needs. If you have a good educational solution for now, then it's harder to plunk down the cash, I think. At least, it is for us now that we're happy with home schooling.

I just videotaped DS6 doing a math lesson. I don't know if it's persuasive, but it's better for the portfolio than the mostly nothing that I've got... I'm hoping that seeing this young HG+ kid in action will be worth more than all the mute worksheets there are.

He and I have also discussed his writing one of his "books" (usually about Transformers or an "I Spy" book) for the committee. We'll see how that goes.

<shrug>

Ha! Could we bill them as siamese twins and get them in together? A two-fer?