I am part of the second wave of gifted parents trying to make change. All but one of the first wave has left the school. We have 2 out of 15 gifted supporters on the board. When our group of parents last addressed the board, the first board response began with, "Tell the little geniuses..."
YIKES! In one ear and out the other. Easier said than done, but time to try to recruit some new school board candidates.
This particular aide is middle aged, holds a master's degree, making a career change and has some teaching experience... probably just knew the buzzwords about gifted education.
This may be quite common. They may even *think* they know, but that knowledge may be based on a limited number of case studies or composite profiles which do not map perfectly to the kids they encounter. They may believe they are done learning about gifted, rather than excited about each child as a unique new puzzle.
doesn't have to spend so much time in the classroom being stifled by the poor environment.
Reminds me the starfish story... rescuing beached starfish by returning them to the water one at a time, making a difference.
This provides a very clear picture of what you are up against.
