Academically Gifted Testing

Academically gifted children excel in one or more key subjects in school. These students often find themselves ahead of their classmates, regardless of the school that they attend in the UK. While most parents would like to believe that they have an academically gifted child, the truth of the matter is that it is hard to tell without the proper testing. There are many methods used to test kids to determine whether or not they fall into this category. These methods are used in both the UK and the U.S. Testing involves checking kids for higher ability levels on social cognitive, and academic levels.

One of the was that children are tested for gifted abilities, is through a check list. Once a teacher has spent enough time with a student, they are able to determine key academic strengths and weaknesses. Schools in the U.S. conduct the process a little bit differently than those found in the UK. They usually employ an AG, or AIG coordinator, to handle all of the testing materials. These materials are then transferred to teachers who instruct students within this category. Some states require teachers to go through AG certification courses before they work with this kids.

Social interaction is a major factor when determining academically gifted status for children. Children often demonstrate advanced abilities during the early years. Simple observations, such as the ways in which a child connects with others, are essential. The ability to understand, and to feel empathy, is an important aspect of higher social interaction. Problem solving skills are explored through social interactions as well. This is observed during the middle school years. During this age, kids are still trying to find out where they belong on the social ladder. This makes it a primary time for finding out the ways in which kids interact on higher levels.

Academic ability is measured through informal and formal assessments. Informal assessments are observations. For example, this type of assessment might require a teacher to observe organisational skills within the classroom. Formal assessments include lesson and unit tests. These tests feature right or wrong answers, and they play an integral part in the gifted testing process. Critical thinking questions are administered to determine if children can make connections between what they learn, and themselves. The ability to apply what is learned in the classroom to real life situations is a major key to determining elevated skills.

So, why is it important to find out if a child is gifted? In order for them to truly learn new skills, they need to be challenged in school. Additionally, gifted children need to be grouped with other kids within their ability level. This allows them to challenge one another while learning from one another. Some parents prefer to enrol their kids into specialty schools for kids in the UK who have extraordinary talents. School guidance personnel, nurses, teachers, and parents, all play a part in helping to determine how gifted a child is. Personal education plans are implemented to teach high-level children new skills.