I am so glad to have come across this forum!
Hi Trinity,
1. Homeschool, I really doubt it. I'm a single working mother who just recently went through a divorce, so I'm here trying to make things work out in all aspects for my son - jobwise, emotionally, financially, etc -- while at the same time, making sure he gets the best attention possible to meet his needs. I doubt I'd have the knowledge and time to homeschool him.
2. Move to Reno? We moved to Vegas about 2 years ago because of lower cost of real estate here compared to the Bay Area. I'd have to seriously consider this in a few years' time I suppose (I have read about the Davidson Academy there and would consider the possibilities of moving for my son -- as much as I dislike snow
).
3. I just recently discovered this site and read about the Davidson Young Scholars program, and I will be applying for it in behalf of my son.
4. Read about reforming Gifted Education? No, not yet.
5. TV and video games? Yes, and sigh, probably more of both lately than before. As I mentioned, I recently went through a divorce, and I've been pretty lax on TV/video games/computer time, that he probably soaks in a lot more than he should.
Hi Mary,
Yes, I will be applying to the Young Scholars Program as soon as I can.
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UPDATE: I spoke with the GATE program office for Clark County, and I was told that the whole process takes a bit of time. That after the Highly Gifted Program's prescreen of my son, and their decision to continue with formal testing once he enters 1st grade, it may take awhile for this to actually happen. I was told that there's a waiting list in Clark County, as there's only 2 psychologists on hand. She suggested that as soon as school starts, I meet and work with the GATE teacher in my son's school to try and follow up on the testing, and to see what programs/steps would be best suited for my child. Or that in the fall, I could contact UNLV's psych department who may be able to administer the Stanford Binet tests for free/nominal charge.
Some Questions: I was wondering though, shouldn't I meet with the GATE teacher/school principal before school starts and not after, to inquire about placement/programs for my son? I'm just worried about adjustment issues if he starts off in 1st grade and they decide to skip him, which could mean changes for him again. Also, I should be able to get access to my son's school records right? I was planning to use whatever notes the teacher/GATE specialist/Literacy Specialist/Highly Gifted Program folks made on my son's files for when I apply for the Young Scholars Program.
