Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Identification, Testing & Assessment no behavior problem, what motivates testing?

If there is no behavior problems or developmental problems, what motivates a school to do testing? If a school is not making sure the kids are challenged enough, why would they test?

I think our school is not challenging some of the kid enough. They have a gifted program 40 mins. Max. a week.

I've been working up to asking about testing for DD6, in 1st who has no behavior problems. We are in a private school. Her brother is HG and the principal asked about her during DS conference. Our converstion lead her to saying, Hmm maybe underachieving because she does not always raise her hand. DD said she give the other kids a chance to answer.

My motivation for testing: I just want a better idea of where she is. I wonder if testing ever teaches parents about talents they didn't see? I would like the teachers to look out to give her challenges when they can. If we consider another school that only accepts gifted I need to know if she qualifies. I would like to get her into DYS if she qualifies.

I do think testing in general is a good idea, there is that frequently cited "siblings are usually within 10 IQ points of each other".

Also, it is more common for older siblings to be identified as gifted. Many times the younger one just tries to find a niche that has not been already taken by an older sibling.

With a good testing experience, you also should get a handle of strengths and weaknesses.

Yup, I'm a fan of the "test one, test 'em all" school of thought. Second and later kids often don't perform the "party tricks" that first kids do, so they often don't show as GT as their older siblings, not even to the parents.

It's worth a look.

What would motivate the school usally to do the testing?

SD vary so much. Many will never even do an individual IQ test, others will do them if teacher or parent requests them. I would look at their gifted policies to begin with.

Some states mandate GT IDs, so if anyone--GT specialist, classroom teacher or parent--IDs a kid for testing, the child MUST be tested. By law.

In other places, schools have GT services and so will allow testing to be placed in those programs.

Does that answer the question you're asking? I feel like that's too basic for what you're really asking...

Our school basically already told me they don't see a need to test a child who is exceeding grade level. Umm yeah, maybe test them so you know where they are at and can accurately keep them challenged? Can I 'make' them test him? lol

I also really think we'll be going through this with DD too. She is 'sneakily smart' and just doesn't show it lots of times until she just pops out with something surprising.

I do have a baseline for DS but nothing for DD - I was SO hoping when they eval'd her for PT at 3 they would have just done the whole eval like they did with DS but no to my dismay they only eval'd for PT --- she was a 29 weeker and had physical therapy through Early Start until age 3, she didn't qualify to continue receiving from the school district

If you find out what motivates them to test I would love to know! Though I've pretty much decided we are going to have to do it on our own if we want it done so I think I'm waiting until 6 and then figuring out where to go from there -- not the place I talked to that would charge $1000 or more since we just can't afford that!

Do they have to test at a private school if state law mandates testing?

How do I get to look at gifted policies for a private perochial school?

Another thought, even though I feel like she could be put a grade ahead. This testing my help validate out need for another school and start her off on the right foot there.

For us DS6 didn't have a behavior problem at all. His K teacher knew instantly that he needed to be tested/accelerated.