Regarding achievement tests: they just started doing the Woodcock Reading Mastery test with her today... is that a good indicator?

Last year, the old school district called in a reading specialist who ran a battery of tests (maybe that was also the Woodcock-- I never asked) and just ended up stopping when they realized she had mastery on a 3rd grade level. They said it was pointless to test beyond that because they couldn't give her material in the beginning of kindergarten that was above 3rd grade-- they felt it would be too subject-inappropriate, so they taught her at guided reading level O. This year, she's independently reading on guided reading level U. I'm not sure what the Woodcock test is in relation to the benchmarking tests... they just sent home a paper asking my permission for them to do that test with her, so I said it was fine. I figure whatever tests they're willing to do are fine with me-- it can only help me show that she needs higher-level work.

Her teacher is doing something terrific with her right now that I'm really psyched about: They're keeping a back-and-forth journal where they write to each other about books. I'm excited to have someone who cares enough to do that with her.

For math, they gave her some kind of achievement test at the beginning of kindergarten and said she mastered 1st and 2nd grade (over 90%) and had a passing grade for 3rd grade (around 70%). Again, I don't know what kind of test it was... I never thought to ask. I knew she was way ahead in reading, but I honestly didn't know she was that far ahead in math, too, considering I never taught it to her beyond the basics. I still have no idea where she picked up so much of it. YouTube, I guess! I don't believe she's made significant strides in math in the last year, but again, I guess I won't know until they try testing her again.

Blackcat, good question about a g/t coordinator. There's a parent group for g&t students, which I just joined, but I'm not aware of a staff member who coordinates for the district... I'll ask the president of that group. I know the district really is good for gifted students from 4th grade on, but there's nothing in place before that, and I sure don't want to have her wait that long.

ConnectingTheDots and puffin, I have been thinking about contacting the former principal again... she was so good and so in-tune with us. I know she was upset to leave and she did reach out to me before the year started to make sure my daughter had a good teacher. I do still have her contact information. I think you're right... maybe I can just ask for her ideas on the current situation. The superintendent of education (or whatever his title is) hasn't responded back to me at all, though maybe he's waiting to see the Woodcock results. I know she didn't finish that test today... guess they're going to continue on Monday.

Thank you also for the advocacy link (no, haven't read it yet) and the book recommendation. I've been winging it and haven't read much about the topic yet. I will.

A good friend is also suggesting that I try for an IEP even though I read here that it's not applicable for gifted kids in NY. She seems to think that's not always true. I'll look into it.

One other question: If the district holds firm and refuses to accelerate her in reading and math, do you think it's useful if I ask for her to be sent to the resource room or library during the phonics and math lessons? That was another thing a friend suggested and I've been mulling it over. It would still mean getting her out of class during the subjects that would bore her, but wouldn't achieve my goal of helping her meet kids who are closer to her level. I'm not sure if it's a "good enough" solution.


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Indigo, this is my last response to you before I figure out the "ignore" button.

Again, I have not said anything "inconsistent." Saying that I did not want her to skip a whole grade is not inconsistent with also saying that SHE does not want to skip the grade. It's just additional information.

You were downright gross in suggesting that "some people" would not want to respond to me because of the "instability" in my personal life. What a mean thing to say about the other people on this board, who do not seem to be the types to want to shun me based on the idea that I'm a single mom. Why would you ever point that out as a cause for people not to respond?

And again, the "inconsistency" you imagined was based on a single confusing pronoun-- simple enough to ask, "What did you mean by that?" instead of pointing out a laundry list of reasons why "some people" may not want to respond to me, despite the fact that many people just had-- quite politely and decently. I have no idea why you randomly decided to stir the pot. The only anger I've felt here is toward you, the person who suggested I was lying and then attacked my personal life for no discernible reason.

I've never been outwardly shunned for being a single mom before. And yes, it upsets me to read such a low blow. There is no other way to take what you said. I'm not sure how you're taking the moral high ground here and pretending you weren't being judgmental. Saying that people may not respond because of the instability of my private life-- based solely on the fact that I said I was divorced and my child has moved around a lot-- is flat-out judgmental. My friends don't kick me down. They lift me up. That's part of what friendship is. I am lucky to have many wonderful friends.

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Again, thank you to everyone else. I'm sorry to have stepped in this as my intro to the board.