WPPSI test results

[Anonymous]

We just had our DS tested, not because we were seriously thinking of private schools but to get an idea of whether he would be a good fit for the GT program in Mont. Co. schools, if he might do better in smaller classes, etc. He scored in the 99.9% on the test and we are unsure what to do next. We researched the magnet program in Takoma Park but it only goes to 2nd grade and it seems the child is left in limbo until they can test into the GT prgram in 4th grade. We also can't afford $25,000/year for private school. What does this score mean and would it be enough to get into the better private schools? Do the GT programs in Mont. Co. compare to the education in the private schools?

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't put too much weight on this score unless your child clearly excels in other ways. Our child also scored above the 99th percentile but is basically a normal, happy kid who doesn't read yet, who doesn't have any exceptional math ability, who sings offkey, etc. I think she might be a bit lost if we put her a program with other children who had exceptional skills.

And no, this score is probably not good enough to get you into one of the better private schools--at least not in the sense that acceptance would be a lock. Our child was waitlisted at four of the five schools we applied to. Many many children in this area have very high scores, and there are very few spaces at these schools for non-priority applicants.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't put too much weight on this score unless your child clearly excels in other ways. Our child also scored above the 99th percentile but is basically a normal, happy kid who doesn't read yet, who doesn't have any exceptional math ability, who sings offkey, etc. I think she might be a bit lost if we put her a program with other children who had exceptional skills.

And no, this score is probably not good enough to get you into one of the better private schools--at least not in the sense that acceptance would be a lock. Our child was waitlisted at four of the five schools we applied to. Many many children in this area have very high scores, and there are very few spaces at these schools for non-priority applicants.

I really disagree with this poster and believe they are likely seriously underestimating their dd.

Here are a couple of good resources:

http://www.iqcomparisonsite.com/IQtable.aspx

http://www.educationaloptions.com/levels_giftedness.htm

Did your tester give you a scaled score (it would be one hundred and something)?

[Anonymous]

Yes, 140

[Anonymous]

13:41 here.

I may be underestimating my child, but FWIW, I also speak from experience as someone who tested at around 140 at a similar age. Sure, I was smart, and I excelled easily throughout most of my years in school. But I was just an all-around smart kid. I did not have the kind of "spikey" giftedness that I think the truly gifted have. And I realized this at a fairly young age (in elementary or middle school). So, I am a strong believer in watching and understanding your child and not relying too much on standardized scores.

I do admit that I don't know what local GT programs are like. If they are geared more toward kids who are just smart, as opposed to truly exceptional, then my comment about possibly being lost would not apply.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:13:41 here.

I may be underestimating my child, but FWIW, I also speak from experience as someone who tested at around 140 at a similar age. Sure, I was smart, and I excelled easily throughout most of my years in school. But I was just an all-around smart kid. I did not have the kind of "spikey" giftedness that I think the truly gifted have. And I realized this at a fairly young age (in elementary or middle school). So, I am a strong believer in watching and understanding your child and not relying too much on standardized scores.

I do admit that I don't know what local GT programs are like. If they are geared more toward kids who are just smart, as opposed to truly exceptional, then my comment about possibly being lost would not apply.

I am the or of the "underestimating" post.

With a 140, the G&T programs are likely a good fit. And I agree with the pp who said the score would be high enough to be helpful with admissions to a private, but not to guarantee a lock-in acceptance.

Very smart child who will likely feel under-stimulated by a general ed program but right at home in a typical public G&T program (which lean toward the very smart rather than the profoundly gifted).

Can be seen as kind of the perfect amount of "smartness", if you will. Enough to be able to achieve what they want in life, but no so much that they will feel other-than all the time.

[Anonymous]

My DS also scored similarly but I do not detect anything particularly gifted about him. He is not exceptionally advanced in anything in particular so far nor have his teachers pointed out any area of excellence. He is just an all round bright boy.

[Anonymous]

Thank you both for your advice!

Does anyone have experience with the GT programs in Mont. County?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:With a 140, the G&T programs are likely a good fit. And I agree with the pp who said the score would be high enough to be helpful with admissions to a private, but not to guarantee a lock-in acceptance.

Very smart child who will likely feel under-stimulated by a general ed program but right at home in a typical public G&T program (which lean toward the very smart rather than the profoundly gifted).

13:41 again: Well, I'm glad to have learned that about GT programs! I thought they were more for the kid who started building robots when she was four. In that case, I would add that OP's child (and probably mine) would definitely benefit from being around other smart kids. Smart kids need to get beyond identifying themselves as smart kids, and a great way to do that is to expose them to kids who are equally smart or even smarter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:With a 140, the G&T programs are likely a good fit. And I agree with the pp who said the score would be high enough to be helpful with admissions to a private, but not to guarantee a lock-in acceptance.

Very smart child who will likely feel under-stimulated by a general ed program but right at home in a typical public G&T program (which lean toward the very smart rather than the profoundly gifted).

13:41 again: Well, I'm glad to have learned that about GT programs! I thought they were more for the kid who started building robots when she was four. In that case, I would add that OP's child (and probably mine) would definitely benefit from being around other smart kids. Smart kids need to get beyond identifying themselves as smart kids, and a great way to do that is to expose them to kids who are equally smart or even smarter.

LOL.

"Underestimating" responder here again and I totally agree!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thank you both for your advice!

Does anyone have experience with the GT programs in Mont. County?

I don't, but I think you'll have better results if you start another thread with that as the subject line.

Best of luck to you and your ds!

[Anonymous]

A really useful resource is the Gifted and Talented Association of Montgomery County's online group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GTAletters/

Even if you don't join, you can read past messages and search for information about schools, etc.

Hoagies gifted education page is really a great resource for all questions about giftedness: http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/

In my opinion, a score in the 99.9% would suggest that you're wise to think about schools, since it is way up there. If your child hit a "ceiling" on any parts of the test, the final score might be an underestimate. (And this doesn't necessarily mean getting every question right--if I remember correctly, that might mean 17 out of 20 on the WPSSI.)

We're also going to try out the Montgomery County schools and see how it goes. I've often heard that private schools are NOT the best for highly gifted kids, because all parents are paying so much that the school does not necessarily want treat children differently. At least with the public schools, they are supposed to provide accommodations, though that doesn't necessarily happen without effort.