Through mid-November, families of gifted elementary and middle school children can sign up the Talent Search, sponsored by Johns Hopkins University’s Institute for the Academic Advancement of Youth. Local schools distribute Talent Search applications.
Hopkins’ Institute offers assessments for children in grades 2 through 10. The testing is composed of either pencil-and-paper or computerized versions and is administered in communities throughout the country - often within 20 miles of a child’s home and sometimes even closer.
Talent Searches originated from the research of Hopkins professor Julian Stanley, who showed that middle school students performing well on the SAT could also handle advanced academic course work. The Institute has found this approach effective with children as young as 2nd grade.
What student benefits from Talent Search participation? "Students who have scored at the 97th percentile on any part of their standardized tests taken routinely in school are good candidates for the Talent Search," says Linda Barnett, director of the program. "If a child’s school does not test, parents can nominate their child if they feel he or she would perform well on above-grade-level testing."
The purpose of the tests are to provide students and families with a better understanding of a child’s true academic potential. All students receive certificates and educational guidance materials. High-scoring students receive public recognition at Institute-sponsored awards ceremonies and also may qualify for the Institute’s fast-paced academic courses offered in the summer or year-round via computer.
Students in 7th and 8th grades take the college SAT. Students in 5th and 6th grades take the PLUS, a test designed for Institute use. Students in grades 2-4 take a form of the School and College Ability Test (SCAT).
The Institute celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Over 500,000 Students have enrolled in the Talent Search from 1980 to present. Over 90,000 students - from 19 states and 36 foreign countries - enrolled in 1999.
Applications for the Institute’s Talent Search may be obtained through the child’s school, or by calling 410-516-0277. Deadlines are November 16 for 5th and 6th graders, November 19 for 7th and 8th graders, and March 30, 2000 for 2nd through 4th graders. For more information about the Institute, visit its web site at www.jhu.edu/gifted.
