Embarking on the standardized testing process often leads parents of gifted children to other questions about intelligence, tests, and assessment practices. What is intelligence? Do IQ tests measure it? Are there better ways of deciding who needs gifted programming? What can parents request by way of results and their interpretation? Should…

This phenomenological study investigates the perceptions and experiences of Turkish parents with children identified as gifted based upon IQ testing. The voices of parents with gifted children have been missing from academic literature in Turkey. The semi-structured interviews conducted with 31 parents from 23 families were designed to find out…

The author argues that intelligence testing is an invaluable and irreplaceable tool for identifying gifted children and obtaining a measure of the urgency of their special educational needs. He also offers ideas for how parents of exceptionally gifted children can create an environment in which their children's gifts can flourish. (Author/CL)

The article provides basic information to help guide parents seeking intelligence testing for their child. Topics covered include deciding to test, selecting a tester, and telling the child the results. (Author/CL)

The parents of two gifted children describe their children's experiences with IQ testing, note their reactions to the process and the benefits of the testing. (Author/CL)

Parents of gifted children are urged to understand that there are many different kinds of intelligence and ability tests; tests are designed for different purposes; all tests involve a certain amount of error; and tests only sample one aspect of a child's performance. (DB)

A school psychologist and parent looks at issues related to testing for "giftedness," including labeling and placement (or non-placement) in special programs. Factors to consider in deciding whether to have a child tested are considered, with examples given of students whose individual situations and personalities either do not qualify them for…

This newsletter issue's feature describes difficulties the special child faces in acquiring social skills, and ways in which families and teachers can help. It outlines the socialization process beginning in early infancy, with eating habits being one of the first ways an infant is socialized into his or her culture. In early childhood, the…

The purpose of the study was to determine whether particular aspects of movement control influenced the performance of 2-year-old children on a standard developmental test, and thus influenced assessments of intellectual progress based on that test. Six cerebral-palsied (CP) children were compared with six children not suffering motor system…

The increase in the number of Canadian students whose home language is different from the school language has serious implications in the areas of minority student assessment, possible bias of IQ tests, minority student English-language acquisition, and recommendations to parents regarding home language use. Research and educational considerations…

This handbook was developed to assist Oregon parents in understanding the needs of gifted children and the important role parents have in their public school education. Information presented is in response to needs identified by Oregon parents. The handbook begins with an article by Gary Eisler titled "Playing TAG with Oregon's Future,"…

Noting that the collective stories of special education have grown out of a tradition that, by its nature tends to perpetuate problems, this book examines such narratives and how they influence thinking and belief about intelligence and learning. It begins by examining how the current story of intelligence developed and illustrates some of the…

English and Spanish versions of a guide to testing reform are presented. The guide explains alternatives to standardized testing for educational assessment and shows how these new methods of evaluation will improve education. Standardized tests are used for an increasing number of purposes in the school system, but there is no proof that their use…

This set of research materials incorporates information for teachers, principals, students, lecturers, and actively involved parents. Included are leaflets and brief reports designed for private study, staff meetings, inservice courses, or small group discussion. The package contains 15 research studies: "Modified Sports: Kiwi and…

The handbook reviews approximately 150 educational tests and their uses within the total process of educational assessment for students who have academic difficulty because of mental retardation; learning disabilities; physical handicaps; emotional, sensory, and social disorders; other health impairments; and related problems. Introductory…