GT considerations

[Anonymous]

New to this. When do children begin GT? What is the procedure? Are they automatically tested? How are the parents notified? Does the student start GT at a particular time, or can the student begin GT in any grade? Is it better for future schooling for the student to not be in GT and (possibly) receive higher grades - or to be in GT and (possibly) receive lower grades? Thanks in advance for your thoughtful responses.

[Anonymous]

It depends upon what VA public school district you are referring to. Fairfax County handles it differently from Arlington County, which is different than City of Falls Church, which is different from City of Alexandria, etc.

[Anonymous]

Fairfax County.

[Anonymous]

I am guessing you are referring to the GT Center process. NNAT and CoGAT testing for all 2nd graders begins in the fall of 2nd grade and then those students who are deemed eligible start at their assigned GT Center in the fall of 3rd grade. More information is on the FCPS website:

http://www.fcps.edu/DIS/gt/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:New to this. When do children begin GT?

Full-time GT Center placement occurs between 3rd and 8th grade.

Anonymous wrote:What is the procedure?

Students in FCPS in 2nd grade are automatically tested (NNAT and CoGAT) in the fall. Students in private school or home-schooled can be referred by parents for consideration.

Anonymous wrote:Are they automatically tested?

FCPS 2nd grade students that are enrolled in the fall are automatically tested.

Anonymous wrote:How are the parents notified?

Families of 2nd grade pool candidates are notified by mail in January from the local school.

See the FCPS web site for more Frequently Asked Questions:
http://www.fcps.edu/DIS/gt/faqs.html

Anonymous wrote:Does the student start GT at a particular time, or can the student begin GT in any grade?

Students that are found eligible to attend a GT center can start at the center in 3rd grade or defer any time up to 8th grade.

Anonymous wrote:Is it better for future schooling for the student to not be in GT and (possibly) receive higher grades - or to be in GT and (possibly) receive lower grades?

That's a judgment call. In my opinion, truly gifted kids need to be challenged and it's really not a question of grades, but an environment that challenges them and allows them to be with a social and peer group that is much like them.