An epidemiologic approach to screening gifted students utilizing WISC-R subtests

Abstract

Full WISC-R evaluations of students who are referred to a gifted program, but who do not meet placement criteria, have become a drain on the resources of many school districts. A screening formula for gifted students, utilizing three WISC-R subtests (VO-BD-SI), was evaluated using traditional epidemiologic techniques. The screen was applied to the records of 200 students who had been referred for a gifted program and received complete WISC-R batteries. Screen results were compared to actual placement of the 2 0 subjects based on a WISC-R Full Scale, Verbal, or Performance IQ of 130 or more. Measures of sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of the screen were determined. The screen correctly detected the majority of gifted students and could have major implications in terms of cost effectiveness and professional time management.

Can the BRIGANCE® screens detect children who are gifted and academically talented?∗

“…Despite the diversity of detection methods, all are criticized for underdetection, particularly of minority children (Ehrlich, 1986). Many approaches are quite expensive and represent a substantial strain on limited school budgets (Fineman & Carran, 1986). One approach to addressing this problem is to administer screening tests-very brief measures that sort children who are probably gifted from those who probably are not.…”