We are moving this summer and I was told by the new school district that she had to have a formal psychology test, a WISC-III, and score at least a 130. Unfortunately, she cannot do this until after school starts next fall. Should I fight to get my daughter into the program? What is the distinction between "gifted" and "talented"?
You also need to put together a portfolio on your daughter, showing all testing results, report cards, awards, perhaps writing samples, interesting things she has said or done, etc. This is not a case of deciding whether or not gifted services are needed for your daughter. Your child has blossomed in gifted education and she should be allowed to continue. I would certainly advise you to advocate on her behalf, and the portfolio will come in handy.
The difference between "gifted" and "talented" depends on what definition you read. The definition of giftedness has expanded to include exceptional talent in music, leadership, art, sports, etc. For most children, "giftedness" pertains to being intellectually exceptional, and "talented" pertains to exceptionalities in other areas.