I will preface this with the fact that I am a teacher in my son's school district. He does, however, attend Kindergarten at a school different from the one where I teach. This was our choice based on his needs and one that we've been very comfortable with so far. Being a teacher, I feel like I might be worried more about all sides of this "issue" than I need to be, however that is my reality and we all know how hard it can be to "turn off" worries . . . right?!
My son is 6 and 11 days away from finishing Kindergarten. He entered Kindergarten a strong reader (had been for quite some time) and has always been called "mature" . . . "smart" . . . "a quick learner". My husband and I always felt like these things were true, but we really had no idea where he was in terms of our district Kinder curriculum, etc.
He took the NWEA MAP tests last week and today. His scores are above the 99% for both reading and math. (both reading and math RIT scores were 193)
I'm suddenly feeling presented with a huge responsibility. I know it was there before, however I feel like now that we have more knowledge of his skills and abilities, I need to move to ensure that his needs are met next year. This year has wasn't particularly challenged. He has read different "take home" books than his peers, had a self-created spelling list, etc., however no true accelerated or even more challenging curriculum of any sort. This is a short-coming in our district and I feel it as a teacher . . . now I am feeling it as a parent as well. I know how hard *I* work to differentiate appropriately for all of my students, including my more accelerated learners, and I also know that not all teachers do that . . . unfortunately.
So I guess I'm looking for suggestions about where to go from here. I really want to have a conversation with his school principal about our expectations for next year (differentiation, etc.), but I guess I'm looking for suggestions about what to ask, how to guide that conversation, and even what to expect as a parent. I know intermediate levels well, primary grades are a different world in a lot of ways!
He reads chapter books that my fourth graders read. He is constantly thinking and talking, asking questions, never settling for an easy answer. He is very well behaved, especially in school, and I fear that he'll sit back and do what he is told, while never really pushing himself or asking to be pushed. Obviously then, especially at this age, it is my responsibility as his parent to help make sure that happens. We also challenge him at home, but I work hard to find a balance between "fun and being a kid" and "challenging him to grow" in every way too.
I'm rambling. Really I just need someone to help me think this through, figure out what to ask for from his principal / first grade teacher, and maybe even tell me whether I need to 'worry' or 'push' with this scores or just relax and see what happens when they take the NWEA test in the fall. I just really don't want his time in school to be a waste.
Help?! Many, many thanks if you got this far!
