I'm not sure what is even normal or typical in terms of differentiation (esp. for math) and what I should be looking for.
Unfortunately what you have described is normal, forums are filled with experiences like this. Damage to kids, after several years of this type of school experience are also frequent topics of conversation. Welcome to the club.
What to look for? Examples of what others have said worked, and opportunities to present those suggestions at your school for the benefit of ALL children. Be solution focused. Volunteering may be part of the overall game plan as parent volunteers seem to be readily accepted at your school. Your greatest asset and allies may be the other parents who are volunteering; bond with these people.
Many families afterschool their kids, others homeschool. Keep nurturing your child's strengths, create a portfolio. Some have found the book and materials by Karen Rogers to be helpful (link-
http://www.greatpotentialpress.com/authors/karen-b-rogers-ph-d)
Know that you are not alone. You may wish to become knowledgeable about differentiation by reading the collection of articles on the Davidson Database (
http://www.davidsongifted.org), search for differentiation shows 140 resources.
If you consider other schools, you may wish to bring things like test scores, portfolio, and completed interest inventory forms (available at link above). You may wish to
- ask about their philosophy regarding gifted pupils,
- plan to meet the person responsible for coordinating/overseeing the education of gifted pupils,
- learn about the gifted coordinator's background and experience as well as their credentials,
- read any policy and practice statements,
- observe their "gifted program",
- ask if there are regularly scheduled meetings for parents of gifted pupils,
- learn what the school's volunteer policy is,
- inquire as to what books they recommend for parents of gifted children,
- see whether you can meet other parents of gifted children who might be willing to share their experiences,
- attend a school board meeting and read about issues facing the educational institution,
- receive a written plan which documents what your child/ren will receive & goals of these experiences.
Before exploring other schools, as practice, you may wish to ensure you have taken similar steps at your present school.
