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Margaret J. Kay, Ed.D.
NCSP |
Margaret J. Kay, Ed.D. Psychologist Specializing in the recognition and understanding of individual differences. |
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| What is a Gifted Child?
Typically the word "gifted" is used to refer to children who function cognitively at the very top of the intelligence continuum. In states such as Pennsylvania, gifted children are entitled to special education and receive IEP's (Individualized Educational Programs) for enrichment and acceleration. The criteria for diagnosing giftedness varies from state to state. In fact, some experts take the position that every child is "gifted" in some ways. These experts do not mean to say that all children have equal intellectual ability, however. Gifted children are frequently identified through a battery of psychoeducational tests. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-IV or the Stanford-Binet (5th Edition) are typically used to make a determination of eligibility for gifted services. Tests of achievement and/or creativity may also be used to determine if a child is gifted. Many people assume that highly intelligent children fare well in school. The truth, however, is that frequently they do not. Some gifted children, who are bored and frustrated in school, develop behavior problems and may become school drop outs. Therefore, early evaluation and diagnosis of the strengths and needs of children who are suspected of being gifted is essential to providing appropriate educational enrichment and acceleration programs. Here's what a parent had to say: "We got the report from Dr. Kay yesterday so I thought I'd send you an update... The report was very thorough and included the test results, an explanation of what each test is supposed to measure and what the result means, an analysis of my child's strengths and weaknesses based on the testing, and a summary/analysis of the parental and teacher questionnaires that we filled out ahead of time... That was the first 20 pages. Then it had eight pages of recommendations. " The thing that made me glad I chose Dr. Kay instead of Johns Hopkins is that she aligned all of the recommendations with PDE Chapter 16 regulations. She quoted from the regulation, matched Matthew's need to the regulation, and provided recommendations to meet that need. Then she went on to identify the Specially Designed Instruction and accommodations/assistance that he will need based on all of that...She determined my child to be Gifted/LD/ADHD, which is pretty much what I suspected...The next step is to get a good GIEP based on the report. She is going to help us with that by advising us and writing letters on our behalf as needed. If we wind up in Due Process, she will provide expert testimony...I definitely think Dr. Kay should have a place on your list of recommended psychologists." On-Line Resources
Suggested Reading
Letters of Recommendation
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This site was designed by Margaret J. Kay, Ed.D. Its contents are presented for informational and educational purposes only and are not to be construed as professional advice on medical, legal, technical or therapeutic matters. By using and accessing the information on this site, you agree to waive any rights to hold the site developer, or any individual and/or group associated with this site, liable for any damage that may result from the use of the information presented here. © Copyright 2007-2008 Margaret J. Kay. All rights reserved. The copyright of design, text and images on this web site is owned by Margaret J. Kay or the individual copyright owners as noted elsewhere on this site. You may download and reprint articles from this web site for non-commercial, private, educational purposes only. You may not in any way modify, or publicly distribute, any information contained within this site without specific permission form the copyright owner. Send mail to
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