Gifted and Talented Programs?

It has been recommended that I look into a Gifted program for my DD. Has anyone participated in the program at CW Post? Or the LI School for the Gifted in Huntington Station? Any feedback? TIA!

Message edited 6/27/2012 11:12:58 AM.

Gifted and Talented Programs?

No feedback from me on those programs. DD goes to G&T (which is called Investigate) but it's through her school district. She took a test & they sent home a notice for me to sign her up.

Message edited 6/27/2012 12:06:44 PM.

Re: Gifted and Talented Programs?

one of my coworkes sends his kids to the LI school for the gifted.

it is expensive - it is private

He really likes the program and that it is almost the best of both worlds home schooling and a school

the only problem is that they are pretty much done with high school by 9th grade. So they can either go back to a public school or private school and take ap classes for a year or so or they need to enroll in a local college

they are not letting their daughter go away until she is 18, so for what would be a typical junior and senior year she is going to stonybrook

Re: Gifted and Talented Programs?

LI School for the Gifted was too expensive for us - even with financial aid offered.

Any gifted program will involve getting a WISC-IV assessment to make certain the child has the appropriate score. I believe it should be over 130 for LI Gifted.

If you don't have the money or desire to put your child in a strictly gifted program, be aware that most districts have some form of advanced level study for kids that show a certain level of distinction in their abilities. Our district has a 'challenge' program and a 'SEED' program - SEED is for kids who have exceptional WISC-IV assessments and Challenge is for kids who are smart/talented, but don't have the right score for SEED. Check with your district to see if they offer this or something similar. Generally speaking they will only elect to have your child tested if scores and classroom performance indicate a strong chance that they will score into the gifted range and generally it is only a handful of kids who are chosen.

In the interim, there are a TON of forums and books and activities for gifted kids. If you tell me how old your DD is, I might be able to recommend some resources!

Gifted and Talented Programs?

forgot to mention that you should DEFINITELY look into the Johns Hopkins CTY program. You have to pay for a SCAT test and go to a testing center.. but the fee is nominal. It is pricey but they have great scholarship and financial aid help available.
JHU CTY

Message edited 6/27/2012 6:49:00 PM.

Re: Gifted and Talented Programs?

Ds scored over the 130 needed@ 3 yo. We were told to look into the LI school, but it's pricey and I don't want him skipping grades. Each district has a g&t program , you can look into your district as well. Good luck!

Has your dd been assessed?

Message edited 6/27/2012 11:56:01 PM.

Re: Gifted and Talented Programs?

Thank you all for the info. Her score was 139, so I am told that is plenty high enough for her to be considered - and that she should do something "extra" I guess.

The school in Huntington is way too $$$, and I do want her to have a well-rounded education and life experience. I don't want her going to college at 16. I just want her to be happy and not get bored. And maybe she doesn't need anything extra but I figure it can't hurt to look. The LIU program looks like an appropriate option.

I will check out the district and the Johns Hopkins program - my sister went there!!

Re: Gifted and Talented Programs?

139 is a good solid score! Way to go!!

I mentioned to someone else today that you should look at the assessment areas and subcategory scores so you can know how to help guide her at home - even WITH a gifted program we have found it's important to continue to challenge them at home. It might be different with girls, but I have found that boredom makes my kids REALLY difficult to deal with.. having games and puzzles and stuff to keep their minds focused REALLY helps!

Congratulations again!

Re: Gifted and Talented Programs?

Sorry to crash but, can I ask those of you who have children that have taken the assessment test - did you pay privately to have it done or did their school administer the test? Also, what is the ideal age to have the child tested.

I've been told by a number of people to have DS IQ tested and to pay privately and have it done - I thought this sounded a bit extreme for a 4.5 yr old but, it seems many have done it so now I am curious!

Re: Gifted and Talented Programs?

Our school district sends out a letter regarding their G&T program. If you feel your child would qualify, you need to fill out a questionaire & send it in. They will test them & send a letter that they've qualified.

For my DD, I didn't send in a letter. She was being tested for a learning disability & her scores came back, which qualified her for G&T.

Re: Gifted and Talented Programs?

Same as Barb here. My DD was being evaluated for speech issues (venal fronting) and they did an IQ test as part of the protocol. Otherwise it would have never even occurred to me.

Then this past weekend we had a visit from some friends from DC and their DD is participating in a Magnet school there and a study at Georgetown. So it just got me thinking, I have had her test scores since March and never thought twice about them until now.

Re: Gifted and Talented Programs?

In our district children are invited to take an abbreviated WISC-IV assessment based on classroom performance and standardized testing scores. Very few kids are actually chosen to test and only children who score above 130 are given admission to the full program.

Your district should be able to identify your child as a candidate for their program and should pay for any tests administered to confirm their choice. If your child is not picked for testing, you can petition them to allow for the test anyway. I know more than a few kids who likely have superior intelligence that were not chosen to be tested.

If you want admission into one of the gifted schools, they will give you instruction on where to get tested for their program.

I personally do not feel there is any need to have a child's intelligence 'measured' privately unless it is a means to get them into a particular program. Even without the tests, as a parent you will likely be able to suss out your kids strengths and work with them.

Good luck!!