Public school gifted programs are widespread across the United States, specifically tailored to meet the educational needs of gifted students. These programs are crafted to offer enriched learning experiences that prioritize fairness and inclusivity, presenting economical alternatives to private schooling. In this article, we will debunk misconceptions surrounding giftedness, which encompasses a broad spectrum of abilities beyond traditional academic achievements. Additionally, we’ll explore the distinctive features of gifted programs across different states, focusing on elementary schools.
3 Common Educational Choices for Academically Advanced Children
When it comes to early education for kids with advanced academic progress, parents face several choices. Here’s an overview of the 3 common options, focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Educational Choice
Pros
Cons
Private Schools with Higher Academic Standards
Advanced curriculum, favorable student-teacher ratio
High tuition fees
Public School Early Entry
Accelerated curriculum, low tuition costs
Significant social challenges, limited availability by state policies
Public School Gifted Programs
Emphasis on equity and diverse needs, low tuition costs
Possible lack of academic depth, quality depends on funding and administration
Public school gifted programs emerge as a compelling choice for many families. These programs prioritize equity and cater to diverse educational needs, offering specialized instruction without the high tuition fees associated with private schools. They are more widely accessible across various regions, providing an accelerated curriculum tailored to gifted students.
Defining Giftedness
The National Association for Gifted Children defines gifted individuals as “Students with gifts and talents perform—or have the capability to perform—at higher levels compared to others of the same age, experience, and environment in one or more domains. They require modification(s) to their educational experience(s) to learn and realize their potential. “
In essence, giftedness is characterized by two key aspects: Aptitude and Competence
Aspect
Description
Assessment Methods
Aptitude
The potential for reasoning and learning
Cognitive Ability Tests: CogAT, NNAT, OLASAT
Competence
Demonstrated performance in one or more fields
Achievement Tests: MAP, ITBS
Debunking 3 Misconceptions About Giftedness
Understanding what it means to be gifted often comes with misconceptions that can limit our perception of these exceptional individuals. Here, we explore and dispel three common misunderstandings:
One of the most common misconceptions about giftedness is that it exclusively emphasizes academic success. While academic excellence is important, giftedness encompasses a much broader spectrum of abilities. Traits such as affective processing, global awareness, effective communication, and executive functioning are equally crucial in identifying gifted individuals and nurturing their potential across various domains.
Misconception 2: Giftedness Equals High IQ
Another misconception equates giftedness with high IQ. However, cognitive ability tests used to assess giftedness, such as CogAT, are distinct from traditional IQ tests. These tests aim to evaluate specific cognitive abilities, learning potential, and learning styles rather than measuring overall intelligence comprehensively.
Misconception 3: Public School Gifted Programs Focus Only on Academic Achievement
Public school gifted programs offer more than just academic challenges. They provide access to specialized resources and foster environments that encourage creativity. For example, in Texas, there are gifted and talented programs with excellent artistic resources. Moreover, public school gifted programs are inclusive, offering opportunities to students who may not conform to traditional expectations. Some schools even have special education programs designed for Twice-Exceptional (2e) kids, who exhibit both exceptional ability and disability. These programs aim to support their unique needs and talents comprehensively.
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Comprehensive Review of Public School Gifted Programs in the US
New York G&T
Admission: Teacher Recommendation (Requires interview for private-to-public transfer)
Entry Grade: Kindergarten
Emphasis: Competence
Criteria
Description
Curiosity and Initiative
Proficient at questioning, expressive, detail-oriented
Philosophy: Gifted & Talented programs offer accelerated instruction to eligible elementary school students in New York City. All NY students first entering school are screened for, among other things, possible giftedness.
Parent Insights (2023-2024 School Year):
Despite a slight decrease in student quality and a slower pace, gifted students remain 1-2 years ahead compared to their peers in public schools at higher grades.
Teachers continue to be of high quality, ensuring that academic content in reading and mathematics meets expected standards.
New Jersey G&T
Admission: Teacher Recommendation
Entry Grade: Kindergarten (Rolling Admission)
Emphasis: Aptitude
It does not specify which tests to use, but multiple tests are required.
Teacher Recommendation
Talent Portfolios
IQ Tests
Cognitive Ability Tests
Achievement Tests
Report Card Recommendation Letter
Competition Results
WISC-V
CogAT OLSAT Woodcock Johnson Tests InView Test
NWEA MAP
Philosophy: The purpose of identification is to provide programming and services in which students’ specific learning needs and potential are appropriately addressed and met.
Parent Insights (2023-2024 Academic Year):
The coursework is rigorous, even more challenging than some private schools. (Millburn)
Teachers maintain high expectations due to personalized instruction, boosting students’ confidence in academic progression.
The school values diversity and emphasizes balance within its G&T programs.
Washington HiCap
Admission: Application Tests
Entry Grade: Kindergarten
Emphasis: Aptitude and Competence
Cognitive Ability Tests
Achievement Tests
Bellevue
CogAT
Iowa Assessments and ITBS Test
Lake Washington
CogAT
Iowa Assessments and ITBS Test
King (Issaquah)
CogAT/TTCT
Iowa Assessments and ITBS Test
Northshore
NNAT
Iowa Assessments and ITBS Test
Seattle
CogAT/NNAT
NWEA MAP
Philosophy: School districts provide instruction, activities, and services that accelerate learning for young learners identified as Highly Capable. Districts must define an educational program for Highly Capable students, and comply with specific program-related provisions that, integrated as a whole across the K–12 continuum, will deliver a comprehensive and equitable education for Highly Capable students.
Yearly Funding:
2023: $33,887,000
2022: $32,213,000
2021: $31,551,000
2020: $30,490,000
Parent Insights (2023-2024 Academic Year):
Academic requirements are rigorous and beneficial for college admissions.
The infrastructure is excellent.
The campus may overly emphasize diversity. (Bellevue)
Philosophy: Demonstrate self-directed learning, thinking, research, and communication skills. Develop innovative products and sophisticated performances that reflect individuality and creativity and are targeted to an audience outside the classroom.
Parent Insights (2023-2024 Academic Year):
The school will specially cater to seed players with opportunities to enter four-year Ivy League programs (Austin).
One iPad per student for life, but lacking practical technology education content (Eanes).
Illinois G&T
Admission: Application Tests
Entry Grade: Kindergarten
Emphasis: Aptitude and Competence
Program
Cognitive Ability Tests
Achievement Tests
Chicago Public Schools (SEES)
Regional Gifted Center
CogAT
–
Chicago Public Schools (SEES)
Classical Schools
–
NWEA MAP
Naperville 203
G&T is only available for higher grades.
CogAT
NWEA MAP/Iowa Assessments and ITBS Test
Philosophy (SEES as an example):
Classical School
Regional Gifted Center
– Emphasis on academic abilities and achievement in liberal arts – Students begin approximately one to one and a half years ahead from enrollment (SN: Kindergarten students start directly with first-grade coursework)
– Focus on critical thinking, reasoning, creativity, and problem-solving skills – Accelerated pace starting later, potentially advancing nearly two years
Parent Insights (2023-2024 Academic Year):
The teachers are highly professional, with low turnover; many are experienced.
The G&T program is meticulously designed, with strong consistency and continuity (Grove).
Gifted programs in California public schools vary significantly by school district, each with its own unique emphasis and educational philosophy. These programs are tailored to meet the diverse needs and talents of gifted students, offering specialized curriculum and enrichment opportunities that reflect the district’s educational priorities.
Summary
Aptitude
Competence
New York G&T
✅
New Jersey G&T
✅
Washington HiCap
✅
✅
Texas G/T
✅
Illinois G&T
✅ Regional Gifted Center
✅ Classical Schools
Florida Gifted
✅
California GATE
Varies by School District
Varies by School District
To discover more about the timeline for applying to gifted programs and nurturing your child’s abilities early on, please contact Think Academy’s top teacher Zoe via WeChat at ThinkVIP94 or email her at zoe.xu@thethinkacademy.com.
Key Aspects Assessed in Each Test
Understanding the nuances of these tests equips parents with the tools to support students effectively, ensuring they receive appropriate educational opportunities and enrichment.
IQ Tests
Test
Test Content
Test Results
WISC-V
Verbal Comprehension, Visual-Spatial Processing, Fluid Reasoning, Working Memory, Processing Speed
Provides Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) and scores for five primary indices
Stanford-Binet
Fluid Reasoning, Knowledge, Quantitative Reasoning, Visual-Spatial Processing, Working Memory
Provides Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) and scores for five factors
Standard Scores, Percentile Ranks, Age/Grade Equivalent Scores
The Williams Scale
Creativity
Cognitive Dimensions: Includes curiosity, imagination, adventurous spirit, complexity, and independence; Emotional Dimensions: Evaluates emotional aspects of creativity, such as emotional expression, emotional sensitivity, and emotional complexity
Standard Scores, Percentile Ranks
TTCT
Creativity
Fluency: Generates a large number of ideas; Flexibility: Generates diverse and different category ideas; Originality: Generates unique and novel ideas; Elaboration: Refines and extends ideas
Standard Scores, Percentile Ranks
Woodcock Johnson Tests
Cognitive Function
Comprehensive Cognitive Abilities: Oral Language, Visual Matching; Long-Term Memory: Story Recall, Visual-Auditory Learning; Short-Term Memory: Number Sequences, Memory Span; Auditory Processing: Auditory Attention, Phonological Awareness; Visual Processing: Spatial Relations, Figure Ground; Processing Speed: Number Symbol Matching, Symbol Search
Comprehensive Cognitive Function Score + Individual Cognitive Function Scores
DAS
Cognitive Function
Verbal Ability: Vocabulary and Comprehension; Nonverbal Reasoning: Matrix Analogies and Figure Recognition; Spatial Ability: Block Design and Figure Construction; Working Memory: Digit Span and Memory Span; Processing Speed: Symbol Search and Coding
Total Score + Core Cluster Scores
Achievement Tests
Test
Test Content
Features
NWEA MAP
Reading, Mathematics, Language Usage, Science
Adaptive, can be taken every semester
Iowa Assessments and ITBS Test
Reading, Language Usage, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Vocabulary
Standardized testing, national percentile rankings, comprehensive assessment
TerraNova
Reading, Language Usage, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Vocabulary
