Criteria for Choosing Quality Programs (MCGT)

(In Private or Public schools)

Parents often ask whether or not they should choose a private school for their gifted & talented child. There are excellent programs offered in public schools, and excellent programs offered in private schools. There are also programs that are not of the best quality available in both public and private schools. Parents must judge for themselves and for their child which program best meets the needs of their child.

Remember to look into the alternatives: the programs available in one district, for example, may vary widely from school to school. Obtain brochures, if available, visit (more than once, if you can), talk to teachers and counselors. Talk to parents of children enrolled in the program or school. Talk to the children enrolled in the program or school--they are an overlooked resource. And remember, talk to your child. Find out what makes him or her happy, comfortable, and excited about learning, then look for that in the program you are considering.

Whatever program you choose, you should try to expose your child to both "ability peers" and, for social growth, "age peers." This helps to provide an exchange of ideas and gives the child a more realistic acceptance of self.

There are many criteria to look for in good gifted programs. The following checklist of questions to ask should help to evaluate whatever program you are considering:

Are there alternative programs offered for gifted and talented children in the district?

Are children identified for the program by more than IQ scores and achievement tests? Who does the identification?

Does the program (or programs) center on the students and their needs?

Is the program meeting the needs of those enrolled?

Does the program allow the child to go beyond the regular curriculum?

Is the variety of opportunities offered enough to meet the needs of those enrolled in the program?

Does the program develop social skills?

Does the program provide for horizontal and diagonal (a blend of acceleration and enrichment) movement in the curriculum?

Are all grade levels included in the program?

Is there continuity in the program? (from elementary to junior to senior high?)

Are resources from outside the district/school used to enrich the program?

Is the program financially realistic?

Does the staff have training in gifted and talented education?

Is inservice available in gifted and talented education for all district/school teachers?

Are all teachers allowed to have input into the program? (The sharing of ideas really helps the program become a part of a district/school.)

Does the program provide the opportunity for parents to contribute actively to the program, as well as opportunities for them to meet to share ideas?

Is there ongoing evaluation of the program?

From "You Are Your Child's Best Advocate," published by The Minnesota Gifted Awareness Program, 1987.

[Last revision 24 November 2006]

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Minnesota Council for the Gifted and Talented
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