Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Parenting and Advocacy Letter to school re DS and math - response!

Hi!

It's been awhile since I posted. The last time I had just had a P/T conference and the principal had gotten involved. At this point he is in a pullout GT program for about 20 mins every two weeks. It is not a very defined program, they really don't know what to do with DS5, but is more than I believe they have done in the past so I am rolling with it for now. This seems to focused on the Language Arts side of things.

The problem is math. They are just now getting around to doing anything on the math side. They tested all the Kindergarteners for end of year math and decided that they have a large group of kids who would benefit from a more challenging program. They are going to start, on Monday, a combo K/1 math class for this group. However DS5 should probably be in 2nd or 3rd grade math. I've tried to be OK with this program but I'm just not. DS never comes home excited about something they did in school except when his teacher gave him a little extra challenge in math. It is always easy for him but he is excited that he got to do anything extra.

I've thought about this and have decided that I need to see if something more can't be done. I would love any feedback you could give on the email I am thinking of sending to his teacher, the principal, the GT teacher, and the math specialist.


Hi,

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! I know it didn't seem like two weeks to me.

I've been doing a lot of thinking since our last meeting. I am still really concerned about math. I know we discussed the combo K/1 class which is about to begin and I said that I would wait and see how that worked out. The problem is that if I wait and don't say something now I fear it will be too late later.

DS5 is excited about math. He loves working a problem. Mr. Teacher gave him some multiplication the other day and he was delighted. I think he would benefit, his attitude about school would benefit so much, by working at a higher math level. After looking at the math curriculum I believe that he would do very well on the end of year 1st grade assessment and not badly, or even well, on the 2nd grade assessment. Can we have him assessed further than the end of Kindergarten and then see what other options there may be? I really want him to come home from school excited/proud about something. If it happens to turn out that I am wrong about where he would place then at least I know that I've done everything I can for him.

I appreciate all the help that you have given me so far and look forward to continuing to work together. I am very grateful for the concern that you show towards DS5.


Can you think of something else that should be mentioned or a better way to phrase something? I am really trying to keep a good working relationship with the school.

Thanks!!!