My DS7 is in first grade and started in-class differentiation in third quarter, after he got the DYS qualifying IQ score. It is not working very well. He doesn't like to do the math packet he is given. He'd rather draw, read a book or chat with his friends. He doesn't see the math specialist every day so there is no big push for him. He says it's boring but his teacher said many times he wasn't sure what to do and had hard time getting started on his own. They think the big issue with him may be his limited vocabulary in math preventing him to fully understand the questions. I've asked his room teacher if I could see the math packet so I may be able to figure out why he's not interested in doing these problems. She told me that the math specialist would like to keep it in school. So I really am not sure what he is learning.
In 2nd grade, he will get into the extended math program for advanced 2nd graders (currently being set up). If he tests really well on the fall MAP test and CogAT, he may have a chance to take the advanced math with the third graders in the currently offered gifted program. I think he would do better with either program since he'll be learning with other kids. However. I'd prefer the 3rd grade math as it is more challenging, which is what we are lacking right now.
So in my DS case, I think a single subject acceleration would work better than in class differentiation. I think it really depends on the DC, the teachers and learning material.
