Parents of children who tested for 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade seats in district and citywide gifted and talented programs this year have faced frustration and confusion as they await news of test scores -- and, for parents at one Upper West Side school in Manhattan, for evidence that their children actually took the critical tests.

Department of Education spokesman Andy Jacob confirms that "several parents at PS 9... have not received a score report even though their children took the admissions test." He continues, "We are working with the school and the test company to locate the tests," and adds, "We'll obviously make sure that none of these students who took the test are at a disadvantage in the application process." What he doesn't detail is precisely how the students whose tests are AWOL will be evaluated; some parents have suggested using last year's scores, others protest that using old tests will skew this year's outcome (see below). To date, the DOE is silent on how it means to address any potential "disadvantage."

We've also heard from many parents of children who were permitted to apply for citywide G&T programs based on last year's scores -- which contradicts what Jacob told us last week. In an email, he writes to correct "incomplete information" for students in the Bronx, Staten Island, and Queens -- boroughs that, for the most part, did not have kindergarten-entry G&T programs last year. "The hardship of traveling to Manhattan may have dissuaded some families from applying," says Jacob, which is why the DOE will permit eligible children to apply for citywide G&T programs based on last year's scores. (Never mind that none of the new citywides will open in the Bronx or Staten Island.) So the bottom line seems to be, some students may apply for citywides on last year's scores -- provided they don't live in Brooklyn or Manhattan.

The situation with PS 122in Queens continues to evolve:<!--more-->

Insideschools contributor Laura Zingmond contacted the principal last week, and reported that "starting with the 2009-10 school year, the entry grade for G&T will be kindergarten (one G&T class per grade). FOR ONE YEAR ONLY, the 2009-10 school year, the school will also accept a class of 1st graders to the G&T program. Going forward, students will no longer be able to enter the G&T program in 2nd grade." Yesterday, Jacob added, "there is no guarantee of a G&T placement in grade 2, even at programs where this has been the entry grade in the past." (Qualifying 1st graders are guaranteed seats.) Jacob adds that seats are open at two other District 30 schools,PS 85and PS 150, and that "PS 122 does not have any available G&T seats in grade 2 at the moment." PS 85 will also house Queens' new citywide G&T program.

Logistically speaking, sending children to new schools for G&T programs will surely challenge families in their morning commute, and as they organize after-school or daycare coverage for their children, making us think we haven't heard the last word on G&T at PS 122.

Parents of rising 2nd and 3rd graders who say they haven't yet received test reports, you're right -- they've yet to go out from the DOE, according to Jacob, but "will be mailed this week." (We have asked him how parents can gain access to open houses and school tours without paperwork in hand and hope for a prompt response.)