What is one limitation of relying solely on an IQ score for assessing giftedness?

Relying solely on an IQ score for assessing giftedness has the significant limitation that the full-scale cutoff score may deprive students of appropriate services. IQ tests typically establish a threshold for identifying gifted students, often set at a specific score that can exclude individuals who may demonstrate exceptional abilities through other means or modalities. This singular reliance on a numerical cutoff can lead to overlooking students who might excel in creativity, leadership, problem-solving, or specific academic subjects but do not meet the traditional IQ score thresholds.

By focusing only on these scores, educational systems may fail to provide necessary support and enrichment for talented individuals, resulting in a lack of appropriate educational opportunities for them. It's essential to adopt a more holistic approach to identifying giftedness that includes multiple measures of a student's abilities, interests, and potential for development, ensuring that all students have access to the services they need to succeed.