I know it is very nice to live in a state with gifted mandates, but a good situation can be worked out in a state without mandates. Gifted programs in schools can often be great, especially for the more mainstream/moderate gifted population, but they aren't always enough for more highly gifted kids. One solution that can help gifted children without a gifted program is acceleration - subject or grade. And, the most important aspect to getting the right situation for a child in any state is how willing the teachers and administration are to come up with a situation that works best for your child. This is not necessarily dependent on whether you live in a state with mandates.
Is your DS more moderately gifted or more highly gifted? What kinds of ability and achievement data, if any, do you have that might be helpful in finding the right fit? How is your DS feeling about things?
Eventhough it's lousy that you're having difficulty finding a good fit for your son, I think it can only help the other students that you will be able to take your personal knowledge of the challenges of giftedness to open the minds of others.
Welcome! Glad you're here!
