what can a parent do to make a strong referral application for GT?

[Anonymous]

Can someone speak to what a parent should put in a file if referring? My DS was just shy of the 130 cutoff on one CogAT, although cum CogAT was 121 and NNAT was lower. Is it smart to have more IQ testing done if you think these scores are low? His grades are excellent and the GBRS by the teacher should be strong, which I know will help, but I am new to this and want to make as strong a file as I can for him. What kinds of work samples are helpful to submit? Are reference letters important? Who is best to write a reference letter and what qualities should be highlighted? Overall, what can a parent do to improve a child's chances?

[Anonymous]

Well first, be sure that you really want it. Are your child's needs not being met in the traditional classroom? Are they bored, wanting more, wanting the pace of the material to be faster, etc? There are downsides to the GT placement: often larger classes than gen ed (could especially be an issue next year) and the homework load is often higher, etc.

If you don't feel your child's ability was properly reflected in their CoGAT and NNAT scores, then WISC testing is a good idea. You may or may not want to submit with the original application, although in your case I probably would.

We provided several work samples, things she had done for fun that indicated unusual level ability for a child her age. Our DD wrote and illustrated a book about the water cycle when she was 6. We scanned and submitted that. "They" say not to submit school work. Photos of art projects, Lego projects, are typical submissions.

Cetificates for classes/events they attend. We submitted one from an acitvity she participarted in at the Zoo. We also submitted some Girl Scout stuff. People have submitted music awrds, etc.

We got a letter of recommendation from a music teacher (not FCPS). The letter should indicate the student's ability to learn quickly and at a high level.

In general, they are looking for kids who learn at a high level, learn quickly and need something more than is offered in the traditional class.

FWIW, most of this info came from a friend of mine who paid a consultant to help her put togther a package for her kid.

[Anonymous]

PP, thank you, this is really helpful (I am the original poster). My son's teacher says she believes he belongs in AAP and will advocate for him, and we agree that he wants and needs more challenge. We are having WISC testing done in late Jan but have gotten conflicting advice about whether tp submit it now or save it if necessary.

A more general question since I'm new at this - should I meet privately with our school AAP coordinator (she has a group meeting coming up in a few weeks)? Is her job to help us create the file? I didn't want to be "one of those" parents bugging her, especially if she made the decisions, but from what I'm learning it seems like her job might be to help us make as good an application as possible.

[Anonymous]

The general rule of thumb seems to be to hold back the WISC for an appeal if you need it. If you have a strong packet and a strong GBRS, then I would hold it back.

The AAP coordinator is unlikely to help you set up the file. I would talk to her for her input however. See what she has to say about your son and his chances. I wouldn't worry about being once of those parents, they get a lot of questions from a lot of parents this time of year about the process. She may have suggestions for you for the packet.