HOW WE ASSESS GIFTEDNESS

At The Knox School of Santa Barbara, giftedness is assessed through a multi-faceted, qualitative as well as quantitative, holistic framework. Families can receive guidance from the Admission Team to pick the assessment that best fits their child's path. Quantitative testing is intellectual ability measured through intelligence testing.  Cognitive assessments provides information regarding the child’s cognitive ability and learning style. Qualitative testing is done through Gifted Qualitative Assessment which determines giftedness based on a child's reasoning, thinking, emotional characteristics, personality, and other factors known to correlate with advanced cognitive ability. It predicts giftedness, reveals strengths and challenges and brings forth how a child experiences their world. 

 

The Knox School aligns with the philosophy offered by The Columbus Group (1991) comprised of a group of leading experts in the gifted field who defined giftedness "as 'asynchronous development' in which advanced cognitive abilities and heightened intensity combine to create inner experiences and awareness that are qualitatively different from the norm. This asynchrony increases with higher intellectual capacity. The uniqueness of the gifted renders them particularly vulnerable and requires modifications in parenting, teaching and counseling in order for them to develop optimally".

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We individually and sensitively consider admissions for individuals matching the gifted profile, and carefully review the factors that contribute to understanding the whole child.  Our admissions process is further informed by the applicant’s work samples, portfolios, transcripts, teacher recommendations, and parent reports.  We encourage families to provide any material they feel would help us evaluate the applicant’s unique talents and needs.