Is there any point in being tested for giftedness in 8th grade?

[Anonymous]

Assume the test will not impact high school admissions or placement. Is there any point in getting that designation at this point, or it "giftedness" only a designation that opens doors in the younger grades?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Assume the test will not impact high school admissions or placement. Is there any point in getting that designation at this point, or it "giftedness" only a designation that opens doors in the younger grades?

We're not in NOVA but another VA suburban area. Considering we're already half way through the first marking period and that any such designation is meaningless in public HS, it's probably not worth your time. Specialty/magnet centers usually consider specific (sometimes even home-grown) testing results, GPA, and teacher recommendations rather than a "gifted" label.

I have no advice on private HS admissions and others may have different/better counsel.

[Anonymous]

It’s as pointless in 8th grade as it is in 1st grade or any other grade for that matter. Gifted programs are not for the truly gifted, they are more akin to tracking, and only happen occasionally. You’re better off following your child’s interest, then finding a program to stimulate it. Look for AOPS in math, CTY at John Hopkins, the local community college, places to volunteer etc.

[Anonymous]

There is no test from "giftedness". There is IQ/neuropsych testing which will give a panel of scores across multiple cognitive areas, and a meaningless average, which is good for joining Mensa (lol).

The scores are interesting because they can help identify areas of relative strength and weakness (processing speed, memory, pattern recognition, etc).