How can I find out if my child qualifies for gifted services?
A conversation with your child’s teacher can be a good place to start. Ultimately, you should submit your written request for testing to the guidance counselor with a copy to the building principal. You should receive a written response from the district within 10 calendar days (excluding summer vacation).
See our Sample Request for Evaluation Letter
It is important to note that, while a preliminary “gifted screening” may be recommended, State Regulation Chapter 16 provides that reasonable parent requests should result in a full Gifted Multidisciplinary Evaluation, conducted by a team which includes the parent and a certified school psychologist.
Additionally, it is also important to note that Chapter 16 requires that no single measure be used as the sole factor in evaluation for giftedness. Multiple critera should be collected and considered when making this determination.
Additional information can be found in the PA Gifted Guidelines, a supplement to Chapter 16.
Where can I learn more?
Bensalem Township School District, Gifted Services – http://bensalemsd.edlioschool.com/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1237228&type=d&pREC_ID=1449580
PAGE (Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education) – http://www.giftedpage.org
NAGC (National Association for Gifted Education) – http://www.nagc.org – Publication – Gifted 101
Institute for Educational Advancement – https://educationaladvancement.org
Hoagies’ Gifted – The “all things gifted” page – http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/
Office of Dispute Resolution – http://www.odr-pa.org
PA Department of Education Gifted FAQ – http://www.education.pa.gov
The Davidson Institute for Talent Development – https://www.davidsongifted.org/About-Us – Publication – Twice Exceptionality: A Resource Guide for Parents
Additional Resources
Mental Health – National Alliance on Mental Illness – https://namibuckspa.org/ – NAMI Bucks County – Call 1-866-399-NAMI (6264) – daily, 9AM – 9PM with 24/7 message service, or Crisis Text – Text “NAMI” to 741741 (24/7 Availability)
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