Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Learning Environments laurel springs high school gifted and talented

DS8 was in a k12.com free public virtual charter academy. It was easy to go quickly (self paced) through the material, and he got about 5 years ahead in math. But one problem is the course material is aimed at regular average students, not a gifted audience. Another problem was you could only use their materials. We've switched to homeschool to that we can have both self pacing and gifted level course materials.

My dd13 is in the G&T program. She is one of 6 kids who have all signed up for the program this fall. The other students are in the traditional Laurel Springs program. I can't tell the difference. I am trying to see where the extra tuition costs are worthwhile. The other 8th graders are also taking HS credit courses and have identical assignments.
I have been assured that there is customization but I haven't seen it as of yet. My dd has dyslexia and loves math. With the heavy emphasis on writing everything out, she is frustrated. I think she would be happy to show her work but a typical assignment involves taking an algebraic word problem, solving it and then making up a scenario in which the formula and solution would be used. Meanwhile, she solved the problem in her head in 2 seconds and will spend 10 minutes formulating the "essay" in the response.
I also don't seem to get a detailed answer beyond its customized from the Coordinator. If anyone has insight, I would appreciate their input.

Hi, Jennemmy,

In our experience, customization comes through the teacher, and you definitely have to ask for it and it helps to go in with ideas. The key, we've found, as HK anticipates, is to make sure you're asking for harder (or as-hard) assignments. E.g., could your dd make up extra problems but express them in math not in sentences? (The writing thing is apparently a Common Core pathology. It drives us nuts too, but I gather this is widespread in all CC institutions, not just LSS. LSS is accredited in CA, so I'm guessing this is a CA and CC-driven curriculum.)

Hope this helps. We have found them VERY responsive to thoughtful requests for customization. We have even used different textbooks that are less wordy and more mathy. But, again, it was up to me to do the research and come up with a proposal for a higher-level program.

Teachers do vary. Some have a "stable" of alternative assignments that they may offer you, but you do have to ask.