So, I could use some advice on how to advocate for my DS8 (2nd grade). I am trying to get some math enrichment for him and have thus far been unsuccessful with the classroom teacher. First, let me say, I am unsure of his LoG. Private testing is not an option financially right now and our school does not do MAP testing or any out of grade level testing. The only standardized testing he has taken is the CogAT (which is the first step towards GT id), but we have not received the results yet. However, he definitely fits the gifted definitions I have found. His real strength, IMO, is logic and reasoning so he just needs to be introduced to a math concept and picks it up almost immediately. He also shows a real knack for applying what he knows to new situations/scenarios. I have no doubt that given the opportunity he could be working a couple of grade levels ahead. What limited assessments he does receive from the school show him at the top of the curve and "secure" on all concepts presented including the ones they are not expected to be secure on yet. If our school had a pull out math enrichment program, it would be a no brainer. But there isn't. GT program doesn't start until 3rd and there is also an accelerated math starting then too.
So I am left with advocating for him with the classroom teacher, which has thus far gotten me nowhere. She insists that she is already differentiating for him and it appears she feels nothing else is needed. I asked if he could just get some different worksheets for homework (which is not graded anyway). She said he is welcome to turn in additional worksheets, but he still needs to do the regular homework.(I don't want him to have MORE homework, just more challenging work. He has OT one night a week, wrestling, which helps with his SPD, two nights a week, and still fits in reading and spelling work)
When I told him about the PT conference, he asked me to ask the teacher if he could get some harder math. Now I feel like if I can't make that happen I will be letting him down.
DH thinks we should just let it go, enrich him at home more, and wait until next year. But his intensity and perfectionism often makes teaching him at home difficult for me and our schedule is already pretty full. Plus, the school's mission statement says "we will provide each child with curriculum that stimulates intellectual curiosity and leads him or her to develop into a productive and responsible citizen."
I know these mission statements are generally just words not practice, but I feel like they ought to be held to it. But I am not sure if I am ready to go over the teacher's head to the principal yet. DS had a really rough year last year with a really awful teacher and this one is a huge step up from that.
So, do I let it go? Or keep pushing? I am just not sure right now. Any ideas/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
