Districts cannot recommend denying or granting gifted identification solely on the basis of the student's IQ. There
are other considerations, such as the student's academic achievement and the rates at which they acquire information and their
ability to retain their knowledge, among others. The information in the Gifted Written Report needs to be considered carefully
before the parent decides whether to approve or disapprove the district's recommendation.
'Tally Rubrics' : Many districts
use a rubric system that tallies points - one which awards points in categories, and tallies the total points to arrive at an overall
score. IQ scores typically play a large role in these systems. Subjective areas such as teacher recommendation
pay a role as well. Tally rubrics also tend to determine eligibility for the district's program rather than deciding the suitability
of the student's curriculum.
Full Testing?
Also, it's important to know whether your district did a full gifted evaluation which
included an IQ test or if they simply performed a gifted screening (using a group test such as a KBIT) and then stopped their
gifted identification process. (If the parent requested gifted identification in writing, the district must do a full evaluation,
including IQ test, preparing a Gifted Written Report, and holding a GIEP Team meeting.)
The district does not decide whether
your child is gifted, they make a recommendation. Parents approve or disapprove the recommendation. If you believe the
district's decision is inappropriate, please contact me directly. My number is (484) 831-5394.
