Is My Child Gifted?

The beginning of the school year brings new challenges for every student. Most will make new friends, ride the school bus for the first time or push themselves to make straight A's.

A small percentage of those overachieving students could then find themsevles being tested for what educators have termed the gifted program.

The U.S. Department of Education defines gifted learners as "children and youth with outstanding talent who show the potential for performing at remarkably high levels of accomplishment when compared with others of their age, experience, or environment."

Cherokee outlines its gifted program in the Advanced Academic Programs/Gifted Education Administrative Manual in the hope of answering questions parents might have.

This week's Moms Talk Q&A focuses on one of the most common questions: How do I know if my child is gifted?

A: Both of my children have always soaked up information like a sponge. So when they were grasping math concepts and reading at an earlier age, I wondered if they were gifted or simply advanced.

I read a lot about the characteristics of a gifted child and felt that they would qualify for testing. Based on my experience, behavioral and social traits are accurate indicators for identifying gifted children.

My daughter tested into the AIM gifted program in kindergarten, and my son will probably be tested later this school year or early next year. I am glad for the designation because it gives them an IEP (Individualized Education Program) in school, which will help them more in later grades than it does in elementary school.

Melissa Holder, mother of two

A: I knew my oldest daughter was smart but didn't know anything about the gifted program in Cherokee County until she came home with a letter in the first grade asking for permission to test her. I said, "Sure."

The test results weren't what her teacher expected. We found out later she suffers from anxiety, especially during testing. She was tested again in the fourth grade, evaluated, then admitted into the AIM program. She is now in high school, taking Advanced Placement classes.

Leslie Olejnik, mother of two

A: I have been contemplating testing my twins for the gifted program. One has all of the traits of a gifted child. If either of them qualifies, we can start taking advantage of the wonderful gifted program that is offered at their elementary school.

Melissa Frasure, mother of two