Gifted Testing Evaluations

Within the context of a gifted assessment, “giftedness” refers to a brain-based difference that enables a person to comprehend the world in complex ways that differ significantly from their peers. Contrary to popular belief, the gifted child may not be the “top of the class.” This can be difficult for a gifted student because they may not be identified, which means that they may not be provided with the enriched or accelerated academic programming that may be better suited to them.

Like most people, highly capable students are unique individuals with multifaceted interests and abilities. Some have strengths across the board while others have areas of special talent. A gifted evaluation is specifically designed to assess a child’s intellectual abilities as well as their areas of particular giftedness via structured cognitive testing. The purpose of this type of assessment is typically to determine whether a child meets certain criteria for academic placement.

Common characteristics of Gifted Children:

• Strong sense of curiosity
• Enthusiastic about unique interests or subjects
• Ability to comprehend material several grade levels above their peers.
• Absorbs information quickly
• Creative problem solving
• Exceptionally “adult” moral reasoning
• Socially-aware and concerned about global issues
• Surprising emotional depth at a young age
• Quirky or complex sense of humor
• Boredom or underachievement when not challenged

The results of gifted testing can be used to support a case for enrollment in accelerated academic programs (e.g., GATE).

Most importantly, the knowledge that comes with confirmation of your child’s giftedness can be used to guide you, as you parent your unique human through to adulthood.