As educators — especially those working in special education — we often find ourselves in the delicate role of not just delivering information, but shaping how that information is received. One of the most emotionally charged conversations we have with families is about IQ scores.

To a parent hearing those numbers for the first time, an IQ score can feel like a judgment — a fixed ceiling on what their child might achieve. And yet, we know better. We see every day how success is shaped by far more than cognitive testing. We see how enthusiasm, perseverance, kindness, adaptability, and grit fuel real-world achievement just as powerfully — and often more powerfully — than test scores alone.

It’s our job to make sure families hear that message loud and clear.

What IQ Can’t Measure

IQ tests assess a narrow band of abilities: reasoning, memory, processing speed, verbal comprehension. These are useful data points — but they don’t tell the whole story. They don’t measure emotional intelligence, motivation, creativity, interpersonal skills, or determination. They don’t capture the magic of a child who inspires others, solves real-world problems, or bounces back from failure with resilience.

They also don’t reflect how a child’s environment, confidence, or personal interests can radically change their trajectory.

The Power of Our Words

In IEP meetings or parent-teacher conferences, how we frame test results matters. When we share a score, we should immediately follow with something like:

“IQ is just one piece of the puzzle. What really determines long-term success is how a child learns to handle challenges, work with others, and stay curious. And those are things we can nurture together.”

This shift doesn’t minimize the challenges a child may face — it expands the definition of success and gives families hope anchored in action.

What We Can Do as Educators

• Affirm every child’s strengths. Acknowledge not just academic skills, but relational abilities, creativity, leadership, and effort.
• Model belief in growth. Speak about intelligence and ability as dynamic, not fixed. Use phrases like, “They’re learning how to…” or “We’ve seen real growth in…”
• Encourage the skills that truly matter. Emphasize problem-solving, emotional regulation, collaboration, and perseverance in the classroom — and highlight them in communication with parents.
• Create environments where different strengths can shine. Whether through hands-on tasks, leadership roles, or peer mentoring, give students chances to thrive in ways that IQ scores never measure.

When we do this, we not only help parents see their children differently — we help students see themselves differently. And that might be the most powerful kind of learning we can offer.