(Un)identified
Study into predictive factors in the identification process of (presumably) gifted learners and/or children with a developmental advantage by school and parents.
Roughly two out of every one hundred children have an IQ above 130: they are gifted. In order to make education more suitable for these children, it is important to know which children are involved, but identifying giftedness is not always easy.
SCALIQ, with the involvement of the Gelijke Kansen Alliantie (Equal Opportunities Alliance) of the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, has conducted research into the current state of identification of cognitively strong primary school pupils by teachers and/or parents, and which variables influence this.
An accessible summary of the research design and the most striking results can be found on this page.
Are you curious about the state of identification of gifted students in your country? We are happy to talk to you about the possibilities to replicate this study.
Your Breakthrough
SCALIQ brings specialized expertise in psychometrics and gifted assessment to YOUR BREAKTHROUGH (YBT), an Erasmus+ project improving how schools identify and support high-ability learners. Across Europe, too many cognitively strong students remain unseen or underserved due to inconsistent diagnostic practices, limited tools, and a lack of concrete, evidence-based guidance for teachers and schools. YBT responds directly to this gap.
The project brings together partners from Spain, Italy, Cyprus and the Netherlands to develop a comprehensive suite of digital and training resources. Key outputs include a self-assessment tool for schools to evaluate their provision quality, a systematic detection app, enrichment resources, professional training modules, and awareness-raising materials for students and families. Together, these tools aim to reduce under-identification, strengthen inclusive school cultures, and prevent talent loss through disengagement and early school leaving.
SCALIQ’s role is to ensure the project’s tools are scientifically sound and practically usable. From researching to validating self-assessment tools and translating complex research into clear guidance for schools—we safeguard the quality and fairness of the products YBT delivers. Our contribution includes advising on psychometric design, supporting rigorous data analysis, and making sure the instruments work reliably across different educational systems and contexts.
This is SCALIQ’s first Erasmus+ project, and it aligns perfectly with our mission: enabling more students with high abilities to be recognized in time and receive an education that matches their potential. Through YBT, we’re helping build a Europe-wide approach to gifted education—one that ensures talented students get the support they deserve, no matter where they go to school.
Want to know more about YBT or SCALIQ’s work in gifted education? Get in touch with us!
Contact information
SCALIQ is located at Horstlaan 2 in Driebergen-Rijsenburg (Utrecht, the Netherlands). If you would like more information about one of our products or research projects, feel free to contact us at info@scaliq.com.
