Qualification Process FAQ's

1. How does a child qualify for the gifted program?

• A student is eligible for special programs for the gifted if he/she demonstrates the following:

  • • Superior intellectual development with an intelligence quotient of two standard deviations or more above the mean

    • A majority of characteristics of gifted children

    • A need for a special program for the gifted

2. Who can refer a child for evaluation for possible gifted placement?

• Referrals for screening and evaluations for the gifted student program can be made by the child's teacher or other staff member, the parents/guardians or in some cases by the child.

3. When can a child be referred for the gifted program?

• In Florida, children can be referred when they are of school age (at Lockmar, grades K-6.)

If your child has been recommended for screening...

What does this mean?

First, it means someone, perhaps you or your child's teacher, has recognized abilities or talents in your child which set him/her apart from other students his or her age.

Perhaps, he or she....

• Has ability to understand difficult concepts quickly or easily;

• Has an unusually large vocabulary;

• Is unusually creative in his or her responses;

• Appears to be a leader or problem solver;

• Just seems "sharper" than other children the same age;

• May or may not earn grades reflecting the abilities he or she seems to possess.

Characteristics

The truth is it may be a combination of one or more of the characteristics listed on the front page. As part of the referral process, we will ask you to complete a checklist of behaviors you may have seen your child exhibit at home. His or her teacher will also complete a checklist of behaviors the teacher may have seen in the classroom. District test scores will be included in the referral paperwork as well as his or her grades. We will take a look at all these things, as well as, give your child a "screening" type intelligence test called the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test 2 (KBIT 2). Unlike the full-scale IQ test given by the school psychologist, this screening test takes less than an hour to administer. This test adds to the information we already have about your child's abilities, and allows us to obtain an idea of where your child scores intellectually compared to others of his or her age.

When all of these items have been completed and reviewed, the decision will be made as to whether further evaluation is warranted. If so, we will ask for your consent to do a full-scale psycho-educational evaluation of your child. Once we have your consent, the necessary information will be sent to the school psychologist. He or she will then give your child a full-scale intelligence test. Understand that this testing will be completed within 9- days from the date of your consent. Please be patient! The entire referral process does take quite a bit of time. We want to be sure the end result is what is best for each child.

Intelligence Quotient

Use of the "bell" curve may help you understand the scores achieved. As you can see below, most people score between 70 - 130 (95% of the population.) Children scoring within this range are the majority of children in our schools. Generally, classroom teachers are able to meet their needs in the regular classroom, with some exceptions.

Students scoring within one to two standard deviations above the mean (a score of 115-130) can be very capable students. They are generally successful in the regular classroom. They may even excel in specific areas. Only about 2-3% of individuals score above 130 points on the full scale IQ tests. This is greater than two standard deviations above the mean. We will meet to discuss whether or not your child demonstrates a need for a different type of challenge or enrichment, such as the curriculum in the Gifted Student Program (GSP), to achieve their potential.

What if my child meets the requirements?

If the team, which includes the parent(s), has determined your child demonstrates a need for enrichment and is eligible for GSP, we will develop an Educational Plan (EP) for your child and obtain your consent for placement in the program. The EP will outline some of the goals that will be addressed over the next 3 years in the GSP program.

What if my child does not meet the requirements?

Be encouraged that your child's teacher felt strongly enough about your child's abilities that they either referred him or her, or supported your decision to have your child screened. Remember that students who score within one or two standard deviations of the mean can be excellent students. Also, students may be rescreened each year, or have the full-scale test every three years. Giftedness does not always guarantee success in school or in life. Each child's potential will best be realized when the parents and school work together to provide the best learning environment possible for each child.

If you would like more information regarding the qualification process,

please email Mrs. Lindsay Nichols at Nichols.lindsay@brevardschools.org