How to Prepare

Parents have asked how they should prepare their children for these exams. In general, we recommend that the child have a good night’s sleep before the test and that the normal family routine, including breakfast, be followed the morning of the test. In explaining the purpose of the tests, we suggest saying something like, “You are going to take some tests in which you will be asked to answer different kinds of problems. These tests can help you qualify for the Gifted and Talented program in school. Some of the problems will be easy and some will be hard, just do your best and don’t give up.” You may want to say that the testing will involve answering questions and figuring out different kinds of puzzles. So again, be sure that your child has a good night’s sleep the night before and provide further explanation as necessary to ensure that you child does his or her best!

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I submit an application for my child to enroll in FCPS GT center program?
A : Your most important source of information is staff at the Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), and you may ask your school’s gifted specialist, counselor, or principal for guidance. You should read the Parent Information Packet at http://www.fcps.edu/DIS/gt/pdfs/ParentInfoPacket.pdf . You may also telephone the Elementary School FCPS GT Programs Office at (703) 846-8670 or the Middle School FCPS GT Programs Office at (703) 846-8674.

Q: What INDIVIDUAL test(s) is my child required to take?
A : The results from at least one ability test from the FCPS list of approved tests are required in order for a student to be screened for FCPS GT center placement. GMU offers the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children (WISC-IV), the Stanford-Binet (SB5), and the Cognitive Assessment System (CAS). The WISC-IV and SB5 are industry standards, while the CAS is an innovative newcomer that addresses some limitations of traditional intelligence tests. You may request one of these tests if you wish, but it is the psychologist’s decision as to which is appropriate for your child. Under some unique circumstances, the supervising psychologist may determine that use of these tests is inappropriate and another test may be administered.

Q: How much does the INDIVIDUAL assessment cost?
A : Fees are $375 for cognitive assessment and $650 for cognitive and achievement assessment payable to GMU by cash or check only. Students with documented eligibility for a free or reduced price lunch from any public school system are awarded scholarships covering all testing costs. Fees must be paid in full at the time of the initial appointment. Bounced checks will be pursued according to usual GMU policies and procedures and may include a service charge.

Q: How often may I have my child tested?
A : Your child may not take the same test more than once a year, unless there are compelling and documented reasons to question the accuracy or validity of a prior test score.

Q: Who are the test examiners, and how are they trained?
A : Our INDIVIDUAL intelligence test examiners are graduate students in GMU programs in clinical or school psychology. All examiners have received formal training and supervision in psychological testing. A licensed psychologist supervises every case.

Q: How do I schedule an appointment for my child to be INDIVIDUALLY tested?
A : Appointments for INDIVIDUAL assessments must be made by telephone by calling (703) 993-4200 and press 1. Our office staff accepts telephone inquiries from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. , Monday through Friday (except for Holidays). If you leave us a telephone message with your name and phone number, our staff will return your call by the next business day.

Q: What days and times are available for INDIVIDUAL appointments?
A : Our office is available for testing from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. , Monday through Thursday, and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. , Friday through Sunday. Our building security locks the doors after 6:00 p.m. on weekdays, after 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays, and all day on Sundays. Your examiner will admit you at your scheduled appointment time on those occasions.

Q: What is your appointment cancellation policy?
A : Twenty-four (24) hours is requested for cancellation or change of appointment, or a full fee will be charged and paid prior to re-scheduling another appointment. If you need to reschedule your appointment for any reason we request that you notify our office as soon as possible and send in payment before we will be able to hold a second appointment. This check will not be cashed until after the appointment.

Q: Do I need to have my child tested at GMU?
A : No. FCPS recommends GMU as a provider of assessments for students seeking admission to their gifted and talented centers and programs, but you can chose other qualified providers.

Q: What is an interpretive feedback session?
A : An interpretive feedback session is a meeting with your examiner in which you can receive information on the results of your child’s assessment and again an understanding of their meaning in context.

Q: When will I receive the psychological report and interpretive feedback session?
A : A psychological report detailing your child’s performance will be given to you during the interpretive feedback session no more than 30 days from the date that testing is completed. During the appeals phase of FCPS GT center placement, we complete the entire evaluation process in no more than 14 days.

Q: What quality assurance is offered in the GMU Cognitive Assessment Program?
A : We double-check each test protocol for accuracy and conduct a multi-point quality assurance review. When the psychological report is completed, we conduct another quality assurance review. Only after a thorough review is completed will the report be made available to the parent or guardian at a meeting to be arranged at a mutually convenient time for all parties.

Q: What are the cut-off scores on the tests that my child needs to get to be eligible for the FCPS GT program?
A : There are no specific cut-off scores for any of the tests that determine eligibility for GT center placement. The test scores are just one of several components that will be taken into consideration for the program. The FCPS central GT selection committee makes placement decisions after taking a holistic look at the child’s educational history, reviewing progress reports, test data, and observations of the student’s classroom behaviors.

Q: What influence does GMU have in determining my child’s eligibility for the FCPS GT program?
A : None. GMU conducts the testing, but we do not make any eligibility or placement decisions. The FCPS GT central selection committee makes all decisions.