First, have your student take the ACT, PSAT, or SAT exam. The Midwest Talent Search, at www.ctd. northwestern.edu, often offers these tests as early as 7th and 8th grades.
Second, ask the school system for a complete copy of your student’s transcript. In almost all cases where the child has undergone standardized testing, you will find that in the school’s file is a small number labeled CSI: this stands for the Cognitive Skills Index. It is a general IQ score. A gifted child will consistently have scores over 130.
Third, even if your child isn’t gifted but they are above average, work very hard, are ready for more of a challenge and have qualifying ACT, PSAT or SAT scores, he/she is invited to apply.
Next, you need to thoroughly assess your child’s strengths and needs, discuss with them their desire for a greater challenge such as SPAN, and then visit the IUPUI campus. Sometimes even a day of “shadowing,” following a student through a day of classes, can be arranged. If you are still interested, we recommend you contact Dr. Johnny Russell, the SPAN Coordinator, at 317-274-0382 or email him at jrrussel@iupui.edu to gather the necessary materials and apply to SPAN.
About IUPUI SPAN Program- How to Apply to Span
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