Dear Judy,

I have several questions about the G&T testing process. First, the DOE lost the test taken by one of my twins and it took a long time to find it. I checked with the school where it was administered and finally got the information that led to the test being located.  Second, I thought that the results of the test were off because one twin did well and the other (who took the test later in the day) missed the cutoff by just a few points. I wonder what I can do to deal with that? I heard from other parents that the accent of the tester may have adversely affected my child's performance. Is there a remedy for that?  I know it is late in the process since applications were due on May 10.

G&T  parent

Dear G&T parent:,

It is late in the gifted and talented testing process so, while it is possible that last minute appeals will be attended to, I wouldn't count on it. In any case, here is some information for you that may also help summer applicants and future test-takers.

If the test is lost and you don't get your results, you can get in touch directly with the school where it was administered. The school should have a record of the test and test-taker and should contact the central office at the Department of Education with that information. You may also call  the Division of Academic Support and Performance service desk at 212-374-6646. Note that G&T is not one of the options given when you reach that number; instead you must stay on the line or press zero. There are prompts for ARIS, periodic assessments, New York State Standardized tests, researchers, and school staff.  You can also e-mail Giftedandtalented@schools.nyc.gov

As for the few points difference in the test results, and the problematic accent of the test-giver: If there were conditions that you believed were not fair or conducive to an accurate test result, you were supposed to report the problem within 48 hours of the test administration. See the Gifted & Talented  Handbook for more information on that.

According to the Department of Education office in charge of G&T testing:  "When a parent appeals the test administration due to a perceived problem with the administrator’s accent, the Office of Assessment investigates the complaint, and, if warranted, retests the student."  Even though it is late in the game, it can’t hurt to call the service desk about the problem. I hear that they are swamped with calls so be  persistent but patient.

We're wondering whether other families encountered such issues during the administration of the BSRA or OLSAT, and how they were resolved.  Please comment below. And we wish all students a happy experience in September.

Judy