Another CTY question

[Anonymous]

I've had my eye on the CTY programs for my third grader. She's clearly very bright and could use more stimulation than she's getting in school (DCPS), but what do I tell her about the testing process? I understand that the scores required for CTY participation are high enough that only 50% of the "clearly very bright" kids tested are accepted. What do I tell her to avoid a self-esteem crisis if she's not accepted? DH is pushing really hard without thinking this through, I think.

[Anonymous]

What about telling her the test (with younger kids you could say games) will help you all understand how she learns? I wouldn't connect it to the CTY programs at all, personally, thereby avoiding the self esteem blow if she doesn't get in.

[Anonymous]

Are you sure that you have to have her tested? I think that there's a way for parents of younger children to simply state on the form that they think the child would benefit from participation. This is not the case, I believe, for the programs for middle- and high-school aged kids.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, PPs. It is my understanding that while I can nominate her for the talent search (for $35, natch) and sign up for family programs, summer and online classes require the testing.

I showed DD the six sample questions for her grade listed on CTY's website. She had no problem with those, at least, seemed charmed by the idea of analogies, and offered that she'd be interested in taking the test. Not a lot of probing as to why we'd ask her to do this in the first place, so I guess we're in the clear for the moment.

I may have to admit to DH that he could have been right, after all.

[Anonymous]

2nd graders and above require SCAT testing to qualify. Go to the website, all the info is there...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What do I tell her to avoid a self-esteem crisis if she's not accepted?

Don't connect it with the possibility of doing programs. That may be why YOU the parents are interested in doing the testing right now, but "finding out how she learns" is a much better type of explanation for your child.

[Anonymous]

We were in same boat (DCPS, neeeded more challenge) and told DC the same "find out how you learn" line and have done so for all similar test (WPPSI, other entrance exams). DC was fine, not stressed. DC didn't know about program opportunities until after the test, and I never connected the two (tests & opportunities) even after DC enrolled.

DC loved CTY class at Sandy Springs and it really changed DC's attitude about herself and school.