Evaluation Process
The evaluation for gifted services requires the collection of four different types of information: ability, achievement, creativity, and motivation. There is no "one test" that determines a child's need for services. While the Cognitive Ability Test can be given in small groups with traditional pencil and paper, the achievement testing is now done online. Meanwhile, teachers rate creative characteristics as demonstrated in their classroom. An interview is also conducted giving insight into the child's motivation, pursuits, and interests. Although this process is time consuming, it provides an opportunity for a child's strength to be revealed. For some, it is verbal/language or mathematical/spatial; still others excel in non-verbal reasoning. This procedure gives every child nominated a chance to do his or her very best. Thank you for your patience.
There is no way to "study" for the evaluations. During evaluations, just encourage your child to do his or her best. Students may be more successful on any standardized test by using the following strategies and asking themselves:
*Student data is considered valid for two years; therefore, students who were tested last year will not be retested this year.
There is no way to "study" for the evaluations. During evaluations, just encourage your child to do his or her best. Students may be more successful on any standardized test by using the following strategies and asking themselves:
- consider all answer choices, "Which one makes sense?"
- look for patterns with numbers and pictures, "What do they have in common?"
- pay attention to changes, "How did this change?"
- think about relationships, "How do these things go together?"
*Student data is considered valid for two years; therefore, students who were tested last year will not be retested this year.