What is a Gifted Evaluation?
When you suspect that your child is not being challenged enough in his or her regular school curriculum, a Gifted Evaluation is your gateway to opening new educational doors. This assessment is specifically tailored to determine your child’s eligibility for advanced gifted programs as outlined by the State of Florida.
Florida’s Eligibility Criteria for Gifted Programming
To qualify, your child needs to meet the following criteria:
- Special Program Requirement: A demonstrated need for advanced or special educational programming.
- Intellectual Development: Superior cognitive abilities evidenced by an IQ two or more standard deviations above the mean.
- Gifted Characteristics: Scoring predominantly in gifted characteristics on a standard scale or checklist.
- Plan B Eligibility: For low socioeconomic students and English Language Learners (ELL), additional considerations may apply.
Schools have an obligation to identify and provide services for gifted students from kindergarten through Grade 12. In Broward County, each public school must develop and implement a comprehensive plan to meet the needs of its gifted students, as outlined in the Broward County Public Schools Procedural Guide for Gifted Education. Each county outlines its plan in its respective guide.
Our Abbreviated Evaluation Process
We offer a streamlined yet comprehensive assessment that includes:
- Abbreviated Parent Interview: To get an initial understanding of your child’s needs and behaviors.
- Standardized Intelligence Test: To quantify intellectual abilities.
- Brief Behavior Rating Scale: Examines both clinical risks and adaptive strengths.
- Written Report: Details all assessment findings.
- Feedback Session: Discuss the results and the next steps with experts.
Remember, the Educational Plan (EP) Team in your child’s school will review these results to determine eligibility for gifted programming. Intellectual functioning is just one of many variables considered.
Why This Evaluation Matters
For Your Child
- Unleash Untapped Potential: Help your child gain access to more challenging educational opportunities.
- Boost Confidence: A gifted program can nurture their talents and increase their self-esteem.
For You
- Clarity and Direction: This evaluation will give you a clear roadmap for your child’s educational journey.
- Peace of Mind: Know you’re doing all you can to provide the best education tailored to your child’s needs.