I am a little frustrated after talking to the math specialist at DSs school yesterday.

Originally the plan for DS7 is to have him working on 2nd grade curriculum with the math specialist for the rest of the school year started in Feb. This is to fill in gaps that he has on common core. When he goes to 2nd grade, he would be taking 3rd grade challenged math class with the gifted 3rd graders.

However, the math specialist thinks that he still has some gaps to fill because he has not been exposed to the materials before. When he does the math packet, he had many questions because he didn't understand some of the vocabs. Once he's explained the question, he got it right away. Also they are looking for certain ways to answer the questions under common core. DS did not know those until he's been taught. His winter MAP test (grade 2-5) suggested that he was already at middle of third grade level in math. So I mentioned that to her. She said maybe he was able to figure out the answers but did not know how the answers were arrived.

She also mentioned that the challenged math for the 3rd graders are pretty rigorous. The pace is much faster than the regular curriculum and requires more work (homework almost everyday). He may be too young to handle that pressure and that's why they start the gifted program in 3rd grade. My DS9 (MG kid) is in that class this year. I don't see him study at home besides doing his homework and he's got an A in that class. If he can handle the work, I can't see my DS7 (A PG kid) not able to handle it.

The school now has a new plan. They are identifying kids who has high math abilities and will have an extension of some sort in 2nd grade to either pull these kids out of class or some other ways so they are given more challenged or accelerated work. It's still on the planning stage so nothing is set in stone yet. My DS7 will be in this program for sure. However, I am not sure if this is going to be challenged and accelerated enough for him.

I started supplement math material outside of the school a month ago with Beast Academy (starting book 3A). We are only doing this on weekends but will pick up the speed when summer comes. So I think we will be done with the 3 books before school starts in the fall.

I am seeking advice and opinions on whether I should push the school more for the 3rd grade challenged math or just be content with the new program the school is setting up.

TIA!