Agree that there aren't enough slots or programs to accommodate but still feel all these tests are aimed at kids who think sequentially, linearly, and can sit still and pay attention. The kids who are divergent thinkers or out-of-the-box do not usually get into these programs. Fine, prep kids. What about the 2e kids with attentional or other issues? There's often nothing.
NYC Board of Ed is the second biggest government bureaucracy after the federal government. The number of hoops and hurdles parents need to go through is really daunting and insane. Many, many, many parents end up leaving NYC (me included) due to the educational system. While there are some excellent schools and programs, it's incredibly stressful to say the least.
If you think it's bad for gifted parents, try navigating the system as a special needs parent or 2e parent. That's another crazy system. Stephen Gaynor, Churchill, Gillen Brewer, Parkside are very good special needs schools, but not much in terms of giftedness. And, again the issue remains the lack of slots. Parkside takes 4 girls, 4 boys each year - that's it!
