Should I let my child take the gifted and talented education test or GATE screening?
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Parent Answers to "Should I let my child take the gifted and talented education test or GATE screening?"
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I think that GATE is a very good program, even if there is more homework involved. I think your child should try it out.
I`ve had a change of heart since last time I answered this question I have seen a big change!!My daughter has been in gifted and talent since 4th grade at Northtowne .There it is only for 1 hr a day .This wasn`t much help BUT at 4th grade she was moved to the ELIPSE program at AVALON where she is in her class all day This has been the best school and program ever Lots of homework but she LOVES IT she is in 5th grade working on 7th and 8th grade work and during it great THE ALL DAY PROGRAM ARE THE BEST!!!!!!!!!
I have a 4th grader whom tested in 2nd grade did not make it.She is getting retested at my request this year.She is in enrichment math only now. I don't think she enjoys the additional homework . Other than that she is fine with it,
What would be the 'downside' of taking the test? Certainly test-taking is tedious for children and we always want to be mindful of the impact tests and test scores can have on their self-esteem.
And what would be the 'upside'? What extra services would your daughter receive if she would do well on the test?
Self-contained or full-time gifted programs are few and far between. Most gifted programs are pull-out programs meaning the children are pulled out of their regular classroom for a few hours a week and during that time are taught by another teacher. The quality of gifted programs varies greatly from district to district, school to school and teacher to teacher.
Some would say 'something is better than nothing' even if all your daughter would get would be a few hours of gifted instruction once a week. If your daughter's teachers have recommended that she take this test, they're telling you that your daughter learns in a different way - gifted children do learn in a different way - and in the better world all children would be taught in the best way for their learning.
Maybe even if it's just for a few hours a week. You can always ask around - ask other parents whose children are in the gifted program if they're pleased with it. Knowing more about the gifted program or gifted services at your daughter's school might make your decision an easier one.
And what would be the 'upside'? What extra services would your daughter receive if she would do well on the test?
Self-contained or full-time gifted programs are few and far between. Most gifted programs are pull-out programs meaning the children are pulled out of their regular classroom for a few hours a week and during that time are taught by another teacher. The quality of gifted programs varies greatly from district to district, school to school and teacher to teacher.
Some would say 'something is better than nothing' even if all your daughter would get would be a few hours of gifted instruction once a week. If your daughter's teachers have recommended that she take this test, they're telling you that your daughter learns in a different way - gifted children do learn in a different way - and in the better world all children would be taught in the best way for their learning.
Maybe even if it's just for a few hours a week. You can always ask around - ask other parents whose children are in the gifted program if they're pleased with it. Knowing more about the gifted program or gifted services at your daughter's school might make your decision an easier one.
Allowing her to take the test could open some doors for education down the road. My son (now in 7th grade) took the test in 5th grade and now has an open invitation from the John Hopkins University.
My daughter was tested in the 4th grade and entered gifted
Hi healthy11,
Thank you so much for your time and valuable advice. Really appreciate you all for the input and help.
Thank you so much for your time and valuable advice. Really appreciate you all for the input and help.
We also have an expert article that addresses this exact question: www.greatschools.net/cgi-bin/s
In most states, gifted programs do not translate into additional dollars for schools. It is nice for the schools to be able to talk about a higher percentage of their students being bright and talented students, however.
The main reason to have your daughter participate in the testing and a GATE program would be for her own enrichment and growth. I personally would think there's no harm in having her test, because even if she scores highly, the choice of her participating in a GATE program would still be up to you.
Every school's GATE program is different, and in some cases it might translate into additional homework, but many students in gifted programs are happy to be able to explore topics in greater depth, or cover more than just "basic" material in their classes.
It sounds to me like you should talk to someone (ie, the GATE teacher) and visit a class, and find out more about it. I would think if your daughter did qualify for it, and then decided it was too much work, she could drop back down to regular classes, but most bright kids are happy to be with like-minded peers, and enjoy the experience. :o)
The main reason to have your daughter participate in the testing and a GATE program would be for her own enrichment and growth. I personally would think there's no harm in having her test, because even if she scores highly, the choice of her participating in a GATE program would still be up to you.
Every school's GATE program is different, and in some cases it might translate into additional homework, but many students in gifted programs are happy to be able to explore topics in greater depth, or cover more than just "basic" material in their classes.
It sounds to me like you should talk to someone (ie, the GATE teacher) and visit a class, and find out more about it. I would think if your daughter did qualify for it, and then decided it was too much work, she could drop back down to regular classes, but most bright kids are happy to be with like-minded peers, and enjoy the experience. :o)
Actually my child's school suggests it. She is in 5th grade. She is happy with what she has been doing now. I've no idea what the test would lead her to. Does better score mean more homework or more $$ for the program?
Hi gilbert7207, and welcome to GreatSchools!
Did you request testing or did your child's school suggest the screening?
Did you request testing or did your child's school suggest the screening?
How old is your child? What are your concerns about letting your child take it?
You might want to look at some of the discussions in the Gifted Parents Group at community.greatschools.net/gro
You might want to look at some of the discussions in the Gifted Parents Group at community.greatschools.net/gro
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