MCPS Gifted & Talented Screening

[Anonymous]

We are new to MCPS and got a letter from school asking whether we want our third grader to be "screened for gifted and talented services." We are not applying to the HGC so I'm wondering what the purpose of the screening is and what "services" even exist outside of the HGC. I'd appreciate any insights.

[Anonymous]

This identifies a child as gifted so that, supposedly, the child is exposed to a more enriched curriculum in his home school even if he doesn't go to an HGC. Exposure to Junior Great Books, William and Mary. etc.

[Anonymous]

Yes, you want your third grader to be screened, because it can't hurt and might be good.

[Anonymous]

This is different than the HGC. I am not sure exactly what it gets your kid, but this is standard. My kid was identified but isn't getting anything more than he was getting before. I think is just another data point.

It is a test called Inview.

[Anonymous]

I would ask the school what "services" you child will get if she/he tests as gifted.

[Anonymous]

Have them tested..40% of the county is labeled gifted..your kids might as well have it on their file if appropriate. It will not likely change anything though. MCPS is only obligated to test kids. They are not obligated to provide any services.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have them tested..40% of the county is labeled gifted..your kids might as well have it on their file if appropriate. It will not likely change anything though. MCPS is only obligated to test kids. They are not obligated to provide any services.

+1 well put

[Anonymous]

This is what we got in our email from our Principal regarding this topic -

Every year, MCPS evaluates second graders and students new to MCPS (grades 3-5) for gifted and talented identification. The assessments cannot be “studied” for. The students will problem solve using pictures and puzzles. Students who were identified as “re-screen” in a previous year will also be tested. This will occur the week of December 2nd-6th.

So, what does this mean for an elementary student to be identified as gifted and talented? Students are not placed in a pull out class or program. This is another data point to allow teachers to make informed decisions regarding teaching and learning. At the elementary level, we do have William and Mary, Jacobs Ladder, and Junior Great books which are approved for teaching students at the gifted and talented level. These programs are used with students who demonstrate the ability to think critically and who read above grade level (not just for those who are identified as gifted and talented).