Confused about the HCG testing process

[Anonymous]

My son is a 4th grader at an HGC. Neither of his 2nd grade teachers thought he was anything special and aside from the Raven, which he aced, he got in the 75th percentile on the others. He BARELY made the cut off for gifted in 2nd grade. Fact is, teachers and tests don't always tell the whole story. He did well in school but put out very little effort. He is extremely smart but didn't really shine in school until this year at the Center. I don't think there is a magic formula. He did do well on the HGC test, however, in his application I didn't discuss anything about reading or math. I focused on what I consider to be his strong points: empathy and curiosity. I spent A LOT of time on that parent statement describing exactly who my child is - and it paid off. Despite average 2nd grade test scores a report card void of ESs, he got in. Yes, I am sure the test scores helped, but I am sure there were other children with comparable scores who did not get in. My advice is to work closely with your home school from classroom teacher to leadership. I let my principal know I was applying and let her know why I thought he should get in. I don't think she would have picked him as one of her best students based on teacher reports because he was not a model student and didn't love school. My advice is to put your child in the best possible light by describing what you think makes them special and work respectfully with your home school. My son is having a wonderful year and I for one and thankful that MCPS could look beyond some average second grade scores.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think the 3rd grade teacher does the HGC recommendation. I got the impression it was just a checklist.

Yes. The 3rd grade HHC teacher does the recommendation. It is just a checklist.

The 2nd grade report card is included in the file of the child who applies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Crap. DS who scored mid-90s on the second grade test (and is re-taking this week) had a really horrible 2nd grade teacher, who I had to speak to the principle about ( I am not one of those parents - it was extreme) it sucks that she writes the application. His currently teacher is awesome - Does she get input?

Don't worry. 3rd grade teacher does the recommendation. Most probably horrible 2nd grade teacher was universally horrible - to all kids.

[Anonymous]

Yes. The 3rd grade HHC teacher does the recommendation. It is just a checklist.

The 2nd grade report card is included in the file of the child who applies.

Then what's all this about a huddle with the Team! I assume this is face-to-face with the Principal in attendance?

Does the Principal get to check list and/or veto?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Consensus, unanimous, majority take all, or Principal gets final say?

Presumably different schools do it in different ways.

I agree. Parents from different schools have reported different ways.

I think do not sweat this. Do talk to the 3rd grade teacher before applying. I spoke to the 2nd grade home room teacher, 3rd grade home room teacher as well as the counselor. Mainly I wanted to make sure that in case HGC did not happen then what enrichment and acceleration was available for my kid.