My Child Was Referred for Gifted Testing—What’s Next?
Your child’s school has referred your child for gifted program testing, and you’d like to know what to expect and how to prepare your child for this important testing that may impact their educational opportunities. While you want your child to do their best, you also want to offer support without pressure.
Read on to learn more about gifted programs, testing, and the steps you can take to help your child prepare for testing and possibly enter your district’s gifted program. What are gifted and talented education programs?
Gifted and talented education programs, sometimes called GATE or GT, are a broad spectrum of enrichment programs offered to students who qualify. States and local school districts determine their programs and the criteria for entrance.
What does the term “gifted” mean in education?
The National Association for Gifted Children defines gifted students as those who “perform—or have the capacity to perform—at higher levels compared to others of the same age, experience, and environment.”
What types of testing might my child take to determine gifted eligibility?
There are many tests used that vary by state and district, but some commonly used tests include the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales, Fifth Edition (SB5); the Weschler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition (WISC-V); the Weschler Individual Achievement Test, Fourth Edition (WIAT-4); and the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT).
Many gifted tests assess similar areas, such as verbal and nonverbal reasoning. In addition, many of these tests are also used for several exceptional student education purposes where cognition and aptitude measures are needed. The question formats, however, can differ significantly between tests.
How do Best in Class Education Centers help students prepare for gifted assessments?
When you know your child is ready for an academic challenge, you want to give them every chance to gain educational enrichment, and we’re here to offer our support. Several Best in Class Education Centers provide gifted testing preparation classes. Caring and professional instructors, knowledgeable about assessments in their respective districts, teach students test-taking strategies to confidently enter this opportunity.
What can I do at home to help my child prepare for their gifted testing?
For younger children, you can:
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Tell them they’ll be playing brain games with a special teacher interested in kids like them to avoid using the word “test” if tests trigger your child’s anxiety.
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Help them build their sustained attention, which they’ll need to complete a battery of standardized testing. Start with a small and attainable time goal (10-15 minutes) to work on challenging puzzles, workbook questions, or a test prep app, and build up to 45 minutes to an hour of sustained work.
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Discuss good study and testing skills like taking time, reading thoroughly, and actively listening. Then, make a few posters with your child that outline each skill’s benefits and what happens when we don’t use our best study skills.
For older children, you can:
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Speak with them in logical terms about gifted testing and encourage them to ask questions. Even if you don’t have all the answers, you can refer to your child’s guidance counselor or school’s testing coordinator to provide the answers.
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Tap into their motivation. Talk to your child about how enrichment activities can help them towards their goals and dreams.
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Show them common testing mistakes and ask for their ideas on how they could avoid them.
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Let them know that even if they do not get into their school’s gifted program, it does not mean their talents are any less. Many extracurricular activities can support your child’s strengths.
We help students develop the skills and knowledge they need for a bright future. Contact us today to learn more about our gifted test prep classes.
