Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Identification, Testing & Assessment Is DYS worth testing, and if so, when?

DS5 has never been through either IQ or achievement testing, and because he is in a good school placement, I don't see any immediate need for testing strictly for purposes of advocacy or placement. At the same time, however, I'm very curious about DS's level of giftedness, in general, and whether he might qualify for DYS, in particular. We can afford to get testing done on our own. My question is, is my own curiosity about my son and about DYS sufficient reason for testing, and if so, should we get it done now, or wait until he's older?

There are many here that can offer more expertise than I, but here's my thoughts.

If you think your child is up for this testing and will not upset them go for it. IQ test at a good age (I think that is 6) and find a tester with gifted expertise.

My question would be do you think the situation can change? My DD was challenged in preschool and K but when she got to 1st grade she was not.

Usally testing takes time, as does advocacy. Sometimes being underchallenged can really effect kids self esteem and socially. I saw this last year, when they were not keeping him busy enough. The school said he has AHDA behavior probally due to boredom. I think it is better to be ahead on this especially if $ is not an issue.

We are in a similar position. I have some achievement scores indicating DS might be in a position to test into DYS. But we haven't done so. We have a vibrant local GT community and we're homeschooling, so I'm not seeing any pressing need to make that leap. Especially considering what we'd have to pay to test around here. DS doesn't seem to be 2E or anything like that, so I'm not worried about what we'd find. Now that I've spent a few years reading on this subject and a year and a half homeschooling, I feel like I have a pretty good idea about him and where his strengths and weaknesses lie. I actually have a 5 year old I'm more curious about right now! But we'll wait it out on her too and see what the next couple years bring (she's also homeschooling).

I personally think curiosity is sufficient reason if you have the funds and desire though!

A lot seemed fine in school with DC18 (PG+E2) until he started first grade, at which point there was a lot of testing on top of a bad situation for everyone involved. I would lean towards testing (age 6 or 7 seems to be a good age) before things start to get bad in school, provided that he is okay with going through testing.

I think that in general, having an idea of LOG can be important in planning for school. A child might not have yet an academic kick and be very smart. Knowing his/her potential, would prepare you to expect it.

While many gifted kids do well in K, as PP said, 1st grade can be a disaster, when the schools have to focus more in academics and differentiating becomes harder for many teachers.

I would consider testing after he turns 6, to be able to use WISC, or do SB5. Testing at a relative young age (but not too young, preschool age) has advantages for the very gifted kids. Otherwise they can more easily hit ceilings on subtests, and the picture becomes murkier.

We waited until DS was almost 8 before testing and consequently being accepted as a DYS. Even as a homeschool family, it has been worthwhile to have access to resources through Davidson.

Every school year can be different with a PG child. You never know what to expect!

Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-III or WISC-IV, also read Changes from the WISC-III to the WISC-IV) ages 6-16

Seems like a good idea to wait for age 6. If money isn't an constraint, I would certainly go ahead, because you never know when the school will get a new teacher or a new principle or that 'sudden move' to a new state, etc. If you suspect that you child is DYS or near DYS then that alone is worth it, because we do find that many kids who are happy on September first of any given year are no longer challenged by February first - they can change so fast!

You may want to plan a family vacation around traveling to one of the few testers who is really experienced with PG kids.

Hopefully it will never be needed, but I'd sleep better at night.

Grinity

Having our DD tested, at 6, was a great choice for us. We knew she was above average but had no clue how far above until the scores came back.
Having the information we gained from testing made us & our school start paying attention to her needs.
I cannot speak for DYS because we have not applied, the test my DD took is not one they have their list and the portfolio route seems risky.

I will also note, that like onthego, we did not start seeing issues until 1st grade.

Good luck with what ever you decide

We found it worth enough to apply not only for our older son but also for our younger one. We homeschool and we still find it worth the money. You will most likely get lots of useful information out of the testing itself. I must say the test results of both of my children took care of my gt denial.

There is more into DYS than just school advocacy. Being part of the community and being able to connect with other hopefully local DYS families is absolutely priceless. Then there are online seminars for the parents and DYS, mentorship options, yearly gathering, local gatherings, etc.

Is it better to wait till they are older? Yes. Did we wait? No I say curiosity is a good enough reason to test

Just a note: the only risk you run is the potential waste of your time compiling the portfolio. There is no fee to apply, so there's nothing really ventured but your time. No risk. You might submit the test scores you have--even if they're not on the list--and in the portfolio that might be enough for them. The worst they'll say is "It's not enough." They always accept more material if what you send initially isn't sufficient. So it's not like you lose your one chance to get a child into DYS if you try and they say "no." <shrug>

We're homeschooling, and I got a *LOT* out of the testing for DS8 (tested when he was 5.5-6.5). I have a better grasp on how to teach him, how to address his learning needs, his strengths and weaknesses. His processing speed is very slow, and patience has never been my greatest virtue. Testing showed me that he's not just dawdling--he needs time to noodle over things. Now I yell less and plan more time for him, and things are going much more smoothly. Without testing, I'd probably still be frustrated and hurrying him along. This way is better!

I am positively champing at the bit for DS5 to turn 6 so he can take the WISC. The school is giving him some achievement testing in March, too. I don't know if DS5 is a DYS candidate, but regardless, I am really hoping that the test scores will help us know more about his needs. He's a spiky kid, and I have a terrible time figuring him out. Is he just a visual spatial learner? Does he have an LD? What is he really capable of? Sooooo many questions! I'm looking forward to getting some more info to help me.

DYS has been worth it for us for the social aspects and the insurance policy aspect of it (since we never know what we'll be doing a year ort two down the line), especially since the testing itself was so useful to us. Not everyone has that experience with testing, but we sure did!

If you can find a reasonably-priced tester and it's not going to bust your budget, I'd say do it.