A comparison between parent identification of young bright children and subsequent testing

Abstract

Eighty‐four 4‐, 5‐, and 6‐year‐olds in Saturday and summer classes offered at Towson State University for gifted children, ages 4–12, were tested using the Woodcock‐Johnson Psycho‐Educational Battery and Raven's Progressive Matrices, after being accepted only on parent recommendation. Test results confirmed the accuracy of parent recommendation, the high ability and achievement levels of the children, and their variability within achievement. Program adaptations resulting from the testing included more mathematics teaching, more individualized instruction, more parent meetings, and allowance for inadequate handwriting skills and emotional and social variability.