4 Things You Should Know About Gifted Testing In Chicago

Monday, 30 November 2020 17:13 Written by

The city of Chicago serves nearly half a million students. With public, private, and gifted options, you want to find the right fit for your child, because when it comes to your child’s education, the stakes are high. With a less than stellar public perception, the public school system in Chicago is often something that parents are apprehensive to jump into feet first. The price tag on our private school offerings also have many families shying away and some of them moving away. The selective enrollment programs within CPS, however, have a lot of merits that make them a highly attractive option for parents whose children are eligible for them. This is where gifted testing in Chicago comes into play.

Let’s talk about a few things you should know about the gifted testing process before you get started with your child.

1. Why You Should Consider Giftedness Testing

Every child is gifted in one way or another. Being gifted academically—especially as a student in a system that doesn’t have the resources to provide the ongoing stimulation and challenge—can be a very isolating and frustrating experience for a child. If you believe that your child is gifted, formal testing from a licensed Chicago psychologist can not only help you cut through the red tape of the selective enrollment programs in the area but also help you and the educational professionals who work with your child better understand and accommodate their needs no matter where they go to school.

In some cases, a child is gifted in a specific domain. In others, giftedness runs the gamut. Gifted assessment helps you identify the academic strengths and weaknesses of your child so you can better support them throughout their educational journey.

2. The Right Time For Gifted Testing

While completing gifted testing early in a child’s education can be highly beneficial, the National Association for Gifted Children recommends waiting until the child is at least 6 years old. This developmental milestone is important for the accuracy of any gifted tests performed. There are many factors that go into developing a child’s mind and their ability to comprehend and perform various actions. That’s why timing is important, as well as the credibility of the organization you call upon for gifted testing in Chicago. 

3. How To Find A Credible Source For Gifted Testing In Chicago

As we mentioned, it’s essential to have a credible source who can help you and your child navigate the gifted testing process. Especially for young kids who are undergoing a gifted assessment, the experience and credibility of the professional facilitating the exams and explaining the findings can make or break the results. When you’re looking for an organization who can successfully perform gifted testing in Chicago with merit that’s recognized by the selective enrollment programs in the area, be sure to look at an organization who will offer both:

  • IQ Tests - These tests measure ability and are scored on a scale from 85 to 160+.
  • Achievement Tests - These tests look at the knowledge a child already has acquired.

Additionally, you’ll want to find a testing organization that will look at a portfolio of your child’s work or even observes them in the classroom to identify signs of giftedness.

4. Things To Ask Beforehand

Testing your child for giftedness is a highly personal decision for any family. In the Chicagoland area, there are many benefits that come from documenting a child’s propensity for academics, including access to the more exclusive educational opportunities in the city. When you’re considering gifted testing in Chicago, be sure to speak with school personnel, counselors, and even the gifted testers themselves to find out:

  • Whether or not it makes sense for your child to be tested
  • If the timing is right for your child
  • What the testing process actually looks like
  • The cost and other minutiae of testing
  • The advantages and disadvantages of gifted testing
  • What the options are based on the results of a giftedness test

Prior to embarking on a journey of gifted testing, you and your family will want to have an idea of what you plan to do with the results and to really understand the motivation behind seeking out this process. Entering the process of gifted testing with your child with the right mindset is essential for facilitating a positive experience and meaningful outcome for all. 

Your Source For Gifted Testing In Chicago

At Wellington Counseling Group, we pride ourselves on taking a holistic approach to our clients’ needs. This means that our counseling services are supporting a robust diagnostic assessment department to ensure that individuals and families have all the resources they need, regardless of what brings them to our doors. When it comes to gifted testing, our team of psychologists can support both the student and their family leading up to the assessment and after it’s been completed. Our experts can help parents better support their gifted child, help a gifted child cope with potential changes, like switching schools, and so much more. 

If you’re considering gifted testing in Chicago, contact us today to set up a consultation.