I think there are some great resources on this board for math talented kids...I'm jotting them down for my son. I saw an article on posted on one of the other boards I thought would be interesting, especially for Ania, since I remember your son scored very high on the SATs (I'm referencing the article and excerpting the section I found important):
Author(s): VanTassel-Baska, J.
Source: National Association for Gifted Children Gifted Child Quarterly
Volume 28
It identifies students of junior-high age who have already scored at the
95th percentile (the Johns Hopkins and Duke talent search use 97th
percentile) or higher on an ingrade standardized achievement test in their
homeschool setting to determine eligibility.
It uses the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) as a second-level test to
determine level of mathematical and verbal ability.
Specific Recommendations for Students Scoring 400-520 on SAT-V and/or
SAT-M
Students scoring at these levels on the SAT can profit from special
accelerated coursework at the seventh- and/or eighth-grade level in each
respective area of aptitude. For example, a seventh grader scoring SAT-M ?
400 can handle Algebra I. In the verbal area, an SAT-V ? 400 for a seventh
grader would indicate ability to handle an intensive writing skills program,
a special critical reading program, or a high school foreign language
offering (e.g., Latin I) in less time than even other able students of their
age. Thus, the following recommendations are made:
Offer fast-paced, advanced coursework during the academic year in a
student's tested area of strength.
Provide follow-up academic counseling to encourage student involvement in
advanced coursework and to help students set educational goals.
Encourage these students to attend a summer program on a university campus
in an academic area of strength and interest.
Specific Recommendations for Students Scoring 530-650 on SAT-V and/or
SAT-M
Students scoring at these very high levels on the test should be encouraged
to participate in as many academically appropriate educational alternatives
as possible. These include but are not limited to the following:
Develop an individualized program of study in the home-school setting that
will allow these students to "test out" of content already mastered in
mathematics and/or verbal areas and to continue to progress in the content
area at a rate commensurate with their proficiency. A
diagnostic-prescriptive (D - P) teaching approach is a necessary component
of such a program.
Encourage student participation in one of the university programs that
employ a fast-paced model. Opportunities for interaction with other highly
gifted students, intensive study with high-quality faculty in a compressed
time frame, and opportunities for higher-level proficiency are important
benefits.
Provide academic counseling, especially on early access to Advanced
Placement (AP) and the possibility for grade acceleration in the span of
years from grades 7-12.
Specific Recommendations for Students Scoring 650-800 on SAT-V and/or
SAT-M
Students scoring at the highest range on the test are operating at levels
better than 80% of college-bound seniors on the same test and, therefore,
need to have additional opportunities and a more intensive program.
Recommendations for this group would include all of those listed for the
preceding range (530-650 SAT-M or V) and the following additional ones:
Investigate early admission opportunities and/or advanced standing at high
quality institutions for these students now. Early planning for the
appropriate college that may offer scholarships to outstanding students
needs to occur early.
Establish a mentorship or tutorial for such students pairing them with
outstanding adults in the community who share the ability and interest of
such students.
Provide students with easy access to career information that provides data
on high-level professional careers focusing on original research.
Ania, I found the entire article very interesting, but didn't want to reprint it here (too long and there's probably a copyright problem).
Cym
