Future BESTS®
Future BESTS allows 2nd and 3rd graders an opportunity to join BESTS without having to test. It is expected that students will test
starting in 4th grade. Future BESTS participants will receive Belin-Blank Center publications, have access to special programs, and
will be offered special testing opportunities through the Assessment and Counseling Clinic. The Future BESTS Optional Test Day usually
takes place in late winter or early spring.
Selection of those 2nd/3rd graders whose educators and parents feel would benefit from participating in Future BESTS will be based
upon either of the following criteria:
- One score in the 95th percentile or above on a standardized grade level test, such as the Iowa Test of Basic Skills.
- In some instances there may not be standardized testing information available for students as young as 2nd/3rd grade. In such
cases, teacher nominations based on classroom observation and performance will be accepted.
A student in Future BESTS will be expected to take an above-level test in 4th grade. This experience is not for everyone. Students
in Future BESTS should have the potential to enjoy and benefit from such an experience, and NOT be overly frustrated. Future BESTS
membership is designed for 2nd and 3rd graders only. Students who wish to continue their talent search membership will be required to
register under the Belin-Blank Exceptional Student Search (BESTS) while they are in grades 4-6.