Gifted evaluations assess your child’s intellectual abilities to help determine eligibility for gifted educational programs and provide a better understanding of your child’s cognitive profile.
The Evaluation
Gifted testing is completed in one session at Dr. Elman’s Boca Raton office, with the length depending on the child’s age and pace. Dr. Elman takes time to develop rapport and help the child feel comfortable before beginning testing. She offers encouragement, monitors attention and fatigue, and provides breaks as needed.
With parental permission, Dr. Elman will contact the child’s teacher to learn about academic performance, participation, motivation, and the need for greater academic challenge. Teacher feedback provides information about how the child’s abilities are reflected in the classroom.
For prekindergarten students, Dr. Elman includes assessments of early reading and mathematics skills as part of the gifted evaluation. Though not required for gifted program eligibility, Dr. Elman administers these assessments to help parents understand their child’s academic skills and plan for the transition to kindergarten.
Results and Recommendations
Dr. Elman calls parents on the day of testing to discuss the results. Parents generally receive a written report within two business days. The report explains the child’s cognitive profile and includes educational recommendations tailored to the child’s abilities and learning needs. When the results support consideration for gifted services, Dr. Elman also guides parents on submitting the report to their child’s school.
Gifted Eligibility
Under Florida’s standard eligibility criteria, commonly called Plan A, students generally must obtain an IQ score of at least 130, demonstrate gifted characteristics on a standard scale or checklist, and show a need for gifted educational services.
In Palm Beach County, the gifted characteristics checklist must be completed by a Florida-certified elementary school teacher who has worked with the child for at least six weeks.
Students identified as English Language Learners (ELL) or who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch are eligible for consideration under Plan B, which uses different criteria to determine eligibility for gifted services.
The school team makes the final eligibility determination after reviewing the evaluation and other required information.
To discuss an evaluation or schedule an appointment, call Dr. Elman at 561-470-8660. After scheduling, please complete the Gifted Testing Forms.