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Family Opportunities

Pathways to Talent Development
CTD's Approach

Talent development involves the whole family.

CTD supports families throughout their child’s academic journey by offering seminars, annual family events, robust online communities, and tools that help monitor growth and celebrate milestones. These resources, which promote interactions with both experts and other families of academically talented students from around the world, provide the guidance and support necessary for children to develop their talents fully.

Events for Parents and Families

Learn from experts. Network with peers. Develop advocacy skills.

Participate in CTD's events to get the most current information about gifted education, talent development, and other important issues that affect your family.

parent and child learning together online

Gifted Education Boot Camp for Parents

CTD has developed its Boot Camp for Parents to provide the knowledge, insights, resources, and support you need to identify your child's unique interests and talents, navigate the worlds of gifted education and talent development, and create a talent development pathway.
parent on computer listening to webinar

Parent Seminars and Webinars

CTD's in-person seminars and online webinars connect parents with experts in a variety of topics.
Assessment for Talent Development

Understand your child’s academic potential and current level of achievement.

Knowing what your child knows, understands, and is ready to learn next are important first steps in the talent development process. The right assessment will provide data you can use to apply for courses that meet your child's needs and plan for the future.

young girl taking test

Young Learners and Grade-Level Benchmark Assessments

(Age 4 - Grade 9)

CTD uses child-friendly and internationally recognized standardized tests that help determine readiness for CTD's advanced enrichment classes, provide insights into emerging academic strengths, and resources that explain the test results.

Grade-Level Assessment Tools: Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement (KTEA), NWEA Measures of Academic Progress (MAP), and Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)
middle school boy writing at desk

Above-Grade-Level Assessment

(Grades 2 - 9)

Formerly Northwestern University's Midwest Academic Talent Search (NUMATS)

Through CTD's above-grade-level assessment program, students take a test designed for older students. This research-based approach to assessment helps pinpoint strengths, indicate readiness for acceleration, and guide long-term planning. When applying for CTD accelerated courses, above-grade-level assessment is a helpful tool for determining readiness.

Above-Grade-Level Assessment Tools: Iowa AssessmentTM, Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT), PSATTM 8/9, SAT®, or ACT®
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Young Scholars

Exciting Scholarship Opportunity for Students in Grade 7

The Young Scholars Program, from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, is a selective five-year pre-college scholarship for high-performing middle school students with financial need, It is the largest scholarship of its kind in the nation. Young Scholars receive individualized academic advising, financial support, and a have an opportunity to apply to the foundation’s $40,000 per year College Scholarship. 

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Need Help Getting Started? Consult with an Expert.

If you would like to work with a CTD staff member to discuss your child’s strengths, interests, or talent development pathway, consider setting up a consultation.
 

Learn More About Consulting Services

“CTD is a wonderful place to network and learn about various educational
topics.” - CTD Parent

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