Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Identification, Testing & Assessment Interpreting Scores

My DS age 11 and 5th grade was just tested. I'm confused by the results we received. He took the intermediate SCAT. He scored a 37 on verbal and 39 on quantitative. We also recieved his results on the WISC IV. He scored a 152 on verbal comprehension and 119 on perceptual reasoning. His GAI was 143. Any help figuring these numbers out would be greatly appreciated! Would he qualify for DYS based on these scores?

Davidson does not accept the SCAT as part of the qualification criteria. The score of 152 on verbal comprehension DOES qualify your son for the program, however. The 119 doesn't, but only one section has to be 145+. The 37 verbal and 39 quantitative probably refers to percentile, about 445 verbal and 461 math. The Scat compares the student to both other gifted children as well as to the children who are above grade level. The problem with your child is that the verbal comprehension scores are well within the gifted range, but not the others. It may be a matter of instruction? It looks like your child is quite capable, but if he's not exposed to advanced material or given difficult work to challenge him, he may not be as advanced as he has the capacity to be. I advise you to apply to DSY, hopefully he's accepted, if he is, they may be able to help him find a way to work at his capacity. Good luck!

jlmom, I would encourage you to apply. If they need more information (such as a portfolio or achievement scores) they'll let you know.