Gifted Screening And Assessments In Calgary

Gifted assessments are designed to measure cognitive abilities and determine if a person has exceptional talents or intellectual capabilities. Giftedness is usually assessed through intelligence tests, typically referred to as cognitive assessments. It is important to understand that gifted individuals are usually measured with an overall score of at least 130 on the Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) with a +/- 5 point buffer. Therefore, gifted assessment results can be used to identify students who have the capacity for advanced academic work beyond their peers. Gifted programs are tailored with instruction emphasizing creativity, problem-solving, complex analysis, independent research, and other activities for these talented students.

You should bring any relevant school records, such as IEPs or report cards, and any previous psychoeducational assessment reports and medical reports that are relevant. Please ensure you take any required medication and that you have slept well and eaten breakfast. Please dress comfortably as there will be extended times of sitting. If your appointment is booked for a half day, please bring snacks and water. If your appointment is booked for a full day we will break for lunch (12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.). There is a waiting area that has a microwave, coffee and water available or lunch options are available within walking distance.

If your child is being assessed we do have a waiting area where you may sit during the assessment. You may leave during the assessment time and come back at lunch. If your child is anxious about the assessment, having a parent available to see during breaks is often a comfort. Please let us know if you will be staying for the assessment. If you are unable to return at lunch or are running late, please notify us.

It depends on the individual and what is being assessed, but typically it can take anywhere between 2 and 6 hours. This includes the actual testing sessions with lots of time for breaks. The length of time can vary depending on the person. We always try our best to ensure our client’s comfort by providing breaks when necessary. When we assess children, we will have movement breaks but will also have some board games for them to play. If your child has a book, or favourite toy to engage with during breaks please feel free to bring it.

Time to report the assessment report can vary. Typically, we can let you know directly after testing if the criteria have been met. If it has, we strive to have your report and feedback available no later than four weeks after testing has been completed. If a report is needed for an application with a deadline, please let us know so that we can accommodate it.

The best age to test for giftedness depends on how you want your child tested and what kind of results you want to get back from the test. There are many different kinds of tests available today that can measure your child’s intelligence, creativity and personality traits. Some tests are designed specifically for children while others can be used with both children and adults alike.

IQ tests – These give an overall score based on how quickly a child can complete a series of tasks such as pattern completion and word problems. IQ tests can be administered at home or in schools, or mental health clinics by a psychologist.

Academic achievement tests – These measure how much your child knows about their subject area and how well they have mastered specific skills within that subject area (e.g., math facts). Standardized academic achievement tests may be administered at home, school or a mental health clinic by those who have been trained in administering these types of assessments.

Research shows that IQ scores are fairly stable over a person’s life. A child’s abilities and academic achievement are not fixed, but can be developed through appropriate stimulation, intervention and encouragement. The most important factor for developing a child’s potential is the quality of home life and school experiences where they spend most of their time.