Hi all,
Does anyone have any experience with thier child going through the GT testing? The school my daughter (age 5) attends sent home a parent nomination form and I really thought nothing of it. (I thought that she was right where she needed to be for kindergarten.) Anyway, a few days later her teacher asked me to sign a permision slip because she was nominating her to be tested. I looked online to find any information on GT testing but I really couldn't find anything so I spoke to the person in charge at the school and he said that the test was really secretive because parents might try to "prep" thier kids for the test. He also stated that very few kids actually get placed in the program. My questions are have any of you had any expirence with these tests and if she does get placed what should I expect. Another question is since she is my first in school, what is on target for a kindergartner...what should she be acomplishing at this age. Thanks in advance!!!
Jeana
My daughter, now 13, was tested and placed in the gifted and talented program. Basically it just places them for a higher level of learning. She is put in all honors or advanced classes. It pushes them a little bit harder than the regular classes. I think it is great because otherwise she would have been bored. Hope this helps!
I had my daughter tested which was advised by her grandmother who was a teacher and counselor. You will participate by filling out a questionnaire regarding your childs habits, personality, etc. Your feedback will help determine is the child is GT.
Only the top 5% of children in the population are placed in GT classes so it is very rare. Remember, that's not top 5% in the class or school, thats across the board.
I can't recall exact skills that kids are supposed to achieve in kindergarten but when you look at her report cards, just reference the tasks/skills they are graded on. Those are where she should be or where she should be trying to achieve.
The fact that the teacher sent home the form speaks for itself.
If she gets placed, the child will remain in her regular class with regular kids but I THINK they will be giving more advanced work and as they get older I believe they are placed in advanced classes with other kids at the same level.
This way, it will keep her interested and challenged versus bored and held back.
There is a rubric used for qualifing children for GT. They will take a Norm Reference Test (like the Iowa Test of Basic Skill or the Stanford 10). That test compares them to other children across the nation to see how they measure up. Then they take a cognitive test like the Cogat. That test is a nonverbal test and requires no reading what so ever. It's basically geometic figure puzzles that is missing a pieced. She will have to figure out which piece is missing from the puzzle (they are given choices). Once they have the scores from both of these test their scores are given a value (1-5). The better they scored the more points they get. The teacher evaluation also has a point system and the parent survey as well. If they achieve a certain number of points they qualify for gifted and talented. In some school districts they are required to give one point for economically disadvantaged, minorities, special ed and homeless. This is to ensure that the GT class is inclusive all types of students. Hope this helps. Let me know if you need more information.
If you're not sure what is "expected" of a Kindergartener than go to the TEA website and download the TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) for kinder. This is the state's guideline of what the children should be learning at that level. You might be able to go from there. Maybe even check out the first and second grade TEKS to see where you're daughter might fall. I used to be an inclusion GT teacher and basically it's like everyone else said- It's just a higher level of learning so your daughter can stay challenged and not be bored with the regular education material. Most inclusion teachers (in the beginning-at that age) just use the same regular education assignment but take it one step further for the higher thinkers, or "GTers"
Hello Jeana,
I am a mother or 3 very bright boys. My oldest started testing for TAG (at least thats what it was called in my day) in kindergarten also. They are very secretive about the whole process. He did not make it into the GATE program until 3rd grade. I just continued to let them nominate him and test him because I knew he was a very bright child. The only thing I had a problem with at first was how was I going to tell my child he didn't make it in the program if he asks. Well, he really didn't ask until the 1st grade. My response was Cameron I really don't know why you didn't make it but apparently they think you're TAG material because they keep nominating and testing you. Well this year my middle son, who is in first grade, was nominated by his teacher. He didn't make it in the program. I simply told him the same thing I told his brother and I also told him it took his brother 3 times to get in GATE. I was in TAG in my school days and it is really just a program to stimulate the minds of gifted children so they don't get bored in school. I don't know how kindergarten works but my son goes to GATE out of the classroom one day a week, and he is excused from the work that is done that day in class. I wish you the best of luck and just keep praising your daughter whether she makes it or not. I don't believe it is as big of a blow to a childs ego or self-esteem as we think it is, so please allow her to get tested as many times as they nominate her. I believe it is a really good program. Take care and God Bless!!!
DeAnn
GT testing usually is an IQ test. As a psychologist, I used to do this testing with kids. There is no prep you can do, it tests general knowledge and reasoning skills. 5 is pretty young to do testing since results are not as stable as when they are older. Ask more about what kind of test they use and what skills they are measuring. They should and can tell you that. There are no secrets. They are just not going to tell you the questions, but they should be able to tell you what they are measuring with the tests.
The testing is different and harder in different school. My daughter has been tested twice. Once in 3rd grade(we lived in cy-fair i.s.d.). Sge passed and was "labeled" GT> THen we moved to Cinco Ranch in Katy I.S.D. She didn't passs their GT test. The school's GT teacher said Katy ISD's test is very hard and don't expect to pass it.
Each school district has different GT programs also.
Cy fair's is a straight GT curriculm (in elementary school )|
Katy isd's is a one day a week GT class.(they pull you from your class and you spent the wholde day doing different , harder work.)
Talk to your daughter's teacher. They are the best ones to gauge if she is GT or should be GT tested.
If you have her tested, dont' stress the importance of the test on your daughter. Just let her know that the test is to see how much she has learned in school. That way if she doesn't get into the GT program she won't be dissappointed.
Good Luck.
I used to volunteer at my children's first public school. At first, I wanted so badly for my children to be tested for gifted/talented children and one counselor told me that usually gifted/talented children are gifted/talented in one specific area. The teachers look out for certain attention/behavioral/retaining abilities. They never tested any of my children and all of them are honors. My daughter (oldest child) just got nominated for National Honor Society by her principal at Dawson High. Next year she will be a homecoming nominee. I left the public system and homeschooled my children using K12/TXVA for 6 years.
In kindergarten, they were writing their names, reciting their addresses, recognizing alphabets, colors, shapes, forming simple 3-5 letter words, sounding out, drawing actual pictures, etc. along those lines. I now homeschool some community children. In my daycare, my 2 and 3 year olds are site reading, spelling their names. My business has outgrown us, so we had to move to Pearland for a new home. Click on 'watch me read' at www.lacingexcellence.org Since we're updating the system, it may be Friday before you can view 2 and 3 year olds reading. Before summer, all toddlers will be online for wiewing.
I have a degree in clinical psychology (and had to take a class on IQ testing) and I was tested for GT WAAAAAYYY long ago. They're probably just going to administer one of the IQ tests appropriate for her age. The test administrator will take her in a room and ask her some questions and/or do some puzzles. They try to make it an unintimidating as possible (if they're a good test administrator). More along the lines of "I'm going to ask you a few questions and you give me the best answer you can" or "now you're going to do a few puzzles, some are easy and some are hard, so do the best you can". These sorts of statements would probably be a good way for you to explain the process to her.
They should also take into consideration her performance in her classes and other information that you provide. Try not to be too tough on her if they give you a questionaire about her abilities. Parents tend to downplay their children's accomplishments and abilities - we're taught to be too modest. :-)
Congratulations on having a daughter who has made an impression on her teacher(s). Even if she doesn't make it into GT classes, you at least know that her teachers see her as very bright and capable. :-)
Traci
Our daughter just finished her GT testing. We knew going in she should be in GT and probably accelerated (she's 5, reads like she's 9). She's currently splitting kindergarten and 1st grade (she's in a cluster class for 1st grade where the kids all read at or well-above grade-level, so she's in there for language arts).
GT testing should not be secretive...that's just goofy. You can't prep your kid for IQ testing. They should be doing a standard IQ test as part of their test battery, send home a questionaire, talk to the teacher(s) and observe the child.
GT kids aren't just smart or early readers or some sort of priodigy. They also think differently from their peers. They often show "more"...creativity, sensitivity, insight. Some are natural leaders. There are a lot of characteristics.
The biggest things these kids often need is to have curriculum presented more in-depth and at a faster pace, but it varies by child. Too often these kids get bored, then they act out or start to dislike school.
Since the teacher recommended your daughter for GT, set up a conference and talk to her about why she recommended her, how is she the same/different from her peers.
We have found books by Sally Yahnke Walker and Judy Galbraith to be helpful. Go to the library, do a search for "gifted and talented children" and see what they have. Good search string for Google, too.
Good luck! There is a lot of info out there, and often once you find one site, it'll lead to others. Try www.gtworld.org as a starter.
We nominated our son when he was in first grade. I am not sure how your school district does it, but if your child tests and qualifies, she will get to spend a few hours once a week in GT and get a lot of great experiences. The higher the grade the more time they get. My son started all day TAG once a week last year.
My son is now in fourth grade and he just loves it. Throughout the last four years, he has made a model bridge, eyeball and brain replica, learned powerpoint and many other things. It has been such a blessing for him as well as myself as he has had the same teacher for the last few years. I have become very active and involved with his TAG class and do everything I can to help. They also get to go on field trips.
TAG is always the highlight of my son's week.
The testing is not so bad especially since she is so youg. They will go over it with you after it is completed regardless if your child quailifies or not if you request it.
Good luck and I hope this helps.
My son is in G.T. classes. They test them just to see what level they are on and how much they know then go from there. If your child is G.T. the school will let you know. Your child will either be put in another class with the G.T. kids or she will move at a much faster pace then the rest. It's all good though. Let me know if I can answer anymore questions. Kim R.
My 3rd grader girl has been in the GT program from K. At the time she was thought to have had ADHD and had/has a very high IQ, so I thought it would be good for her to have more challenge to help busy and not bug the other kids when she got bored and finished the work quickly. She tested but we didn't do anything to prepare. Studying/prepping for a GT placement test in K seems extreme. In K they are in one program for both math and reading, but then it breaks out in the first or second great into 2 tracks. I don't know what is on the test, but I think they are being tested on reading abilities and comprehension, and then basic math concepts. The teacher is probably wanting to recommend your child because she stands out from the crowd and is reading/comprehending more than other kids or is showing other advanced skills. My kid learned to read at Montessori shortly after she was 3, but I would expect that's what the kids do in K and 1st grade. If your child already reads, in GT they'll want her to work on more advanced things, maybe to keep them challenged. I wouldn't push a K kid to prep for the GT test. I think if she gets in she'll benefit from more enriched work. I think at K if a kid can get out of bed as early as they are required and get to school in one piece without a major breakdown, they are accomplishing so much!! Good luck.
Jeana,
The GT Program is great! It means that your child is actually functioning above her level and that the teacher believes she has special talents, etc. It will be a great opportunity for your little girl. They have several different activities for the children as well. Allow her to at least test for it. Teachers nominate certain students every year, so even if she doesn't qualify this year she may end up doing so in the years following. Once she is accepted into the GT Program, she will be in it from now on.
Here is a link to where you can read up on the program itself.
http://www.insideschools.org/st/ST_gifted.php
Best of luck to your little girl!
My oldest son is in third grade and was recently tested for GT. In our school district the main thing they test for is IQ, thier IQ has to be 132 which is well above average.
I also have a kinder. he is very much average in his class. He is starting to read and is writing sentences. From what I have heard GT has become more of a program to keep the bored children busy, losts of busy work, but we are not in it so I really don't know.
Jeana,
My daughter was tested at age 5 as well. The test is relatively simple, a basic IQ test combined with the TAKS. Although her IQ was well above what is considered average, she missed one too many questions on the other part. Here's what they don't tell you...almost none of the kids will be labeled GT in kindergarten. But they do flag those kids and watch them throughout school. They also "cluster" those children together in classes. You will notice as she goes through the grades, that the same kids are always together. My daughter is now 10 and in a GT 4th grade class based upon her scores on the 3rd grade TAKS and her maturity. Another thing...they did not inform the parents of this before hand. We found out at Open House two days before school started. The Program is simply accelerated learning. They do not spend as much time per subject and delve more "in-depth" into the lesson. They also have more group projects and "research papers." Overall, I have been pleased with the Program, but it is not for the feint of heart. There is a lot of responsibility involved on both the child's and parent's side. As for what to expect for a kindergartener, if she is being singled out to test for GT then she is well above what is required of her to accomplish in kindergarten. So don't fret...she is on track. I hope this helps.
My son has been in GT classes since the 3rd grade, and I wasn't even aware of it until December of that year. He is now 12, in the 7th grade and still in GT classes. At first, I wasn't sure I wanted him in it. Didn't want him to be picked on or singled out. But, come to find out, there a quite a lot of these students in his school that are also in these classes. Some have stayed right along with him and some have gone back to regular classes. Once your child gets into middle school, if she continues to be in GT, you can choose which subjects you want her to be in w/ a GT curriculum(sp).
Don't fret. It may be that your daughter's teacher sees that she is picking up quickly and has the potential to learn a little faster than some.
I think my son was tested at an earlier grade, but wasn't ready until he was a little older.
If you have any other questions, let me know. I would be happy to share.
Jeana,
I have a doctorate in education and I taught GT for several years in Texas. Here are a few suggestions and comments about your concerns.
Before filing out all the papers to have your child in the gifted program, you might want to ask a few questions to find out more. Is it a pull out program where a GT teacher takes the kids for one hour twice a week; or will your daughter go into a special class where all the students are GT? What are the qualifications of the GT teacher? What kinds of things will they be doing in the GT class? How different will it be? And.....it most definitely should be different, not MORE!! Math should be different than the regual classroom, NOT doing 20 problems when the other kids are doing 10. Being GT should not be "rewarded" by doing more of the work they already know how to do! There should be creative, open-ended, challenging, brain building, thought provoking activities. Instead of "what did Jack trade the cow for?", there should be more reflective questions like, "Was it right for Jack to steal the giant's singing harp". Which, to be quite honest, should be asked in the regular classroom, too.
The tests your daughter will most likely take will be an IQ test and a creativity test. Neither of which can you really study for. But there probably will be comparison questions. (These are only examples and are NOT taken directly from any IQ test)1. How is a hamburger and a hotdog alike? 2. How is a bicycle like a car? 3. Socks are to feet as gloves are to_______.Also, being able to see patterns in numbers and shapes could be on the test. For instance, there may be two pictures of small triangles followed by a large one, then there may be two pictures of squares and then a large one. This whole pattern will then repeat itself on the same line, only the last large square will be missing. The child will be asked what comes next.
Playing with patterns at home is a great educational activity for all children!. Using blocks, beads, macaroni, make an abababab pattern and ask the child to complete it with 4 more blocks. then making it more challenging by giving abbabbabb or abccabccabcc patterns. Do not try to do too many different patterns at one time; take it slow, let them really understand one pattern before going to another.
I had a son who was in GT programs from 1st grade through high school and (now at age 35) says he is so thankful he had that experience. As a senior programming analyst, he sys he still does what he did in 2nd grade.....looking for patterns. :) And, my son was not a straight A student--please do not confuse the two. You can be very gifted and it not be represented in high grades.
One question you need to ask yourself is "Do I think my child is gifted? Believe it or not, studies have shown that parents are very good at making this determination.
Go with your gut feeling. You can always take a child out of a program, and this can be done without the whole idea of being a "failure". Also, is your child bored in the regular classroom? Be careful. Sometimes, parents push children into being gifted for very selfish reasons.
I hope I have answered some of your questions. Feel free to contact me if you have any other concerns that I may not have addressed.
Nancy
My 18 year old son was tested for the GT program when he was in the 2nd grade. I had asked why he hadn't been tested earlier, but in my state they aren't allowed to test until they are in 2nd. Anyway, that is neither here nor there. My son is extremely gifted and talented. The GT program challenged him in numerous ways. There are drawbacks though, we live in a small community and very few children in his school were GT. Thus being said, he was pulled from his classroom and put in the GT class daily for 2-3 hours with 4 other students (from 2nd - 5th grade). Although he was greatly challenged and loved his teacher, he lost out on some very valuable and practical social skills.
He functions on a plane I am unfamiliar with, beats to his own drum and often times drives me insane...lol! He has acquaintances, but only one true friend.
He was not a straight A student, made mostly C and some D's on his report card. If they graded only on his tests instead of including homework in jr high and high school, he would have been a straight A student. Every test he has ever taken he has either aced or missed two at the most.