Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Identification, Testing & Assessment explore question

It appears that I can still sign up for the Feb. 20th testing in my area if I do it online. But I have to do it quickly if so, hence my questions about making a decision....

Yes, you can test annually, and it costs in the $40 range, so it's reasonable to do so.

Talent searches offer summer camps and programs, so those might become an option if your child qualifies. I'm not sure about other resources though. It is handy to have that above-level testing, just on its own merits.

In case anyone else is in my position, I wanted to post that I was incorrect. The deadline for testing in February appears to have been in January for most of the programs. I believe there is one in Iowa that has a later testing date this spring though.

I guess that makes my decision for me since travelling to Iowa is not going to work for me! We'll wait until next year.

DD got her packet today. :-)

Congrats!!! Good Luck to DD on he test.

Ps. Love that kitty picture.

Do you share the EXPLORE test results with your children? Is there a reason to show or not show? My DS9 did the EXPLORE for the first time.

I am interested in this too! When my twins (10 yo, 4th grade) finished their state testing this fall, they asked whether we get their scores (we had *not* shared their 3rd grade scores, 99th percentile across the board for dd and 98th across the board for ds). When I told the we *will* get their 4th grade scores in about 6 months, they started speculating where they might stand. (They never asked for the 3rd grade scores.) Dd got big eyes and said "maybe 95th percentile," followed by "just kidding" as though it was brazen of her even to suggest it. Ds responded that he thought they were closer to the 60th percentile - solidly above average in his mind....

We did Explore in Jan., and one consideration for us is that there may be some spread between the two kids - ds came out looking a bit shell-shocked while dd was breezy casual, having finished all but one of the 4 tests with time to spare.

I know we'll want to share some info. with them at some point, just not sure how much and how soon....

Interesting question, Amylou. It sounds like your kids are going to demand the scores this time. To avoid sibling issues, you could share each child's scores with that child ALONE. If they choose to share the scores with each other, they would be free to do so.

And really, is it any of one child's business how another child scores (on this or any test)?

You may have other reasons for not wanting to tell them the scores--don't want them to get complacent or boastful, etc... But that's a somewhat different issue.

Omigoodness! If I were to not share the scores with DD, armageddon would rain down. DD knows her score on every state test, achievement test, and every other test that she has ever taken. She's a very precocious 10 year old in 5th grade. :-)

My DS9 has said, "they never showed me how I did" for IOWA, Achievement and IQ. He never really pushed to find out more. I thought I would not say anything and just see if there is a reason to tell him.

It amazes me that he didn't react to the fact he was taking a test for 8th Graders. I felt like I had to tell him ahead of time because otherwise he might think he was in the wrong place. Once I say his lack of reaction, I knew he was not concerned. He's a little fearless in someways. That reminds me of his Dad.

Did your kids react to the idea of taking a 8th Grade test?