Gifted & Talented Questionnaire

Why Use a Questionnaire?

• Systematic data collection: Standardized questions ensure that every child is evaluated using the same criteria.
• Multiple perspectives: Input from teachers, parents, and the students themselves gives a fuller picture of ability.
• Early identification: Timely detection allows schools to provide enrichment, acceleration, or differentiated instruction before a childs potential is missed.
• Documentation: Completed questionnaires become part of the students record, supporting decisions made by school committees or district panels.

Core Sections of an Effective Form

1. Personal Information

Collect basic detailsname, date of birth, grade, and contact information. This ensures the questionnaire can be matched to the correct student profile while complying with privacy regulations.

2. Academic Performance

Questions explore grades, test scores, and areas where the student consistently exceeds gradelevel expectations. Sample items may ask for recent standardized test results, class rank, or teacher remarks about advanced work.

3. Cognitive Abilities

Items probe memory, problemsolving, reasoning, and speed of learning. Typical prompts include:

• Learns new concepts quickly and with minimal repetition.
• Shows exceptional ability to understand abstract ideas.
• Demonstrates strong logical reasoning in mathematics or science.

4. Creative & Artistic Talent

Giftedness is not limited to academics. Questions should cover drawing, music, drama, writing, and improvisation. Examples:

• Creates original stories or poems that display sophisticated language.
• Plays an instrument at an advanced level for their age.
• Shows innovative problemsolving in art projects.

5. Motivation & Personality

Highly able students often exhibit intense curiosity, perseverance, and a preference for complex tasks. Include statements such as:

• Seeks out challenging material even when not required.
• Shows a deep desire to explore subjects beyond the classroom.
• Demonstrates selfdirection and can work independently for extended periods.

6. SocialEmotional Considerations

Gifted children may experience asynchronous development, feeling out of sync with peers. Questions should address:

• Feels bored or disengaged in regular classroom activities.
• Has difficulty relating to sameage peers.
• Experiences perfectionism or fear of failure.

7. Teacher & Parent Observations

Openended fields let adults share specific anecdotes that illustrate the childs strengths, providing qualitative evidence that complements rating scales.

Sample Gifted & Talented Questionnaire

Next Steps After Completion

1. Review: A qualified G&T coordinator or school psychologist reviews the questionnaire together with academic records.
2. Additional Assessment: If needed, the student may be invited to take a standardized ability test (e.g., WISCV, StanfordBinet) or a performancebased assessment.
3. Decision Meeting: A committee evaluates all data and decides whether the student qualifies for enrichment, acceleration, or a specialized program.
4. Feedback: Parents and the student receive a written summary of the findings and recommended services.

Tips for Effective Use

• Distribute the questionnaire early in the school year to allow ample time for followup.
• Ensure all respondents understand the purpose and the confidentiality of their answers.
• Combine the questionnaire with classroom observations for a more robust picture.
• Review and update the form periodically to reflect current research and district guidelines.