PEP Questions Frequently Asked by Parents   What is the timeline for the third grade PEP core group selection process? Third grade students take a standardized abilities test in the fall.  The resulting score as well as appraisals from the prior year’s teacher and the current teacher, determine which students qualify for an individual I.Q. test.  Students must have at least two qualifying criteria.   The time frame for I.Q. testing is based upon the number of students eligible to be tested and the availability of psychologists.  When all testing is completed, parents will be notified of the results.   Why do you use standardized test scores as criteria for the PEP core group?                                                                    Standardized tests, administered to all students, keep the screening process as invisible as possible and help reduce the stress which may be caused by taking an additional test for PEP. How long are standardized test scores used as criteria? The scores are kept until a later test is administered and new scores are received by the district. Must my child have an I.Q. score of 130? Yes, in any of three I.Q. components.  A student eligible for testing with three or four initial qualifying criteria needs one I.Q. component of 130, while a student with two qualifying criteria must receive 130 on two I.Q. components.  A total of four qualifying criteria are required to qualify for the core group, at least one of which must be an I.Q. score of 130. What if my child’s I.Q. score is close? If a child’s score is 125 or greater s/he can retake the I.Q. test in a subsequent elementary or middle school grade as long as standardized test and appraisal criteria continue to be met.   Note:  Students in this category may only retake an I.Q. once. Can you accept outside IQ testing? No.  In order to maintain consistency, all testing is done in-district. How do I get my child prepared for IQ testing? There is no special preparation for this test, although children should be healthy and well rested. What if my child has the I.Q. score and no other criteria? I.Q. score/s will be kept on record.  This score can be used at a later date if the child should meet the additional criteria needed. My child’s teacher told me s/he was recommending him/her for the PEP core group.  Why wasn’t my child accepted? When a teacher fills out an appraisal on a child, it is based upon his/her observations of characteristics of giftedness that student demonstrates in the classroom. It is not a recommendation for the program. Do you use all of the appraisals from year to year? The prior grade teacher’s appraisal and current grade teacher’s appraisal are those that are used to determine participation in the Pep Core Group. Can I ask the teacher to fill out another appraisal for my child? No.  Classroom teachers in second, third and fourth grades appraise all their students.  Fifth grade teachers may complete appraisals on individual students in whom they have observed characteristics of giftedness. Is there a limit to the number of students who can participate in the core group? No. Every student who meets the criteria is admitted to the program. Once my child is admitted to the PEP core group, must s/he qualify each year? No.  Students do not need to requalify each year. If my child doesn’t qualify in third grade, can s/he qualify at another time? Admission is ongoing; students may enter the program as soon as they meet the criteria.  Students qualifying for the program in elementary school are automatically eligible to receive PEP core group services at Weber Middle School. If my child doesn’t make the core group, what other enrichment opportunities will s/he have? School wide enrichment is available for all students in grades K-5.  PEP teachers, working with classroom teachers, provide school wide enrichment activities in all the classes. Students in grades 3 and 4 may participate in PEP challenge workshops.  After school clubs/activities are available in many areas of student interest. My child’s report card/conference form indicates excellent work.  Why isn’t my child in the core group? Classroom performance is not the only consideration in the selection process.  A variety of components, designed to identify students with a potential for remarkably high levels of achievement when compared to other children of their age and experience, comprise the selection criteria. If my child has a particular gift, talent or area of strength, what can I do to help develop it? When a particular interest, talent or gift emerges, it is important to encourage its development by providing your child with many opportunities to experience that area of interest.  School is only one place to look for enrichment activities. (revised 2/07)