Cool!
Glad my question made you think -
here's some ideas -
1: If he can do work which has been judged 'challenging' by someone in 5 minutes, then it isn't challenging for him. As kids get more and more discouraged over years of not being challenged, their readiness level (material that is neither too had nor too easy) shrinks so that at first glance 'everything' seems too hard or too easy. Sounds like where you are now. Progress is able to be appreciated when you see DS taking on projects that are more difficult.
3: Is there a local community college where he can take Drawing classes and get financial aid?
5: Is there a local-ish university with anyone there you can talk to for free? Check with your state Gifted Association and talk to everyone you can. Are you the outgoing, talk to anyone type? If not, you may never have as much motivation to streach - but I know it's harder than I can imagine. Also - send an email to your state's department of education 'Gifted Liason.'
8: Can you 'transfer' him to homeschooling and then just negotiate with him some guidelines as to how to spend his time?
I wish you had a chance to observe him amoung is 'actual' peers - lots of quiet appearing kids suddenly 'warm up' once they are with folks who 'get their jokes.' Of course, not all! What are his favorite books and computer games? does he chat with other kids over the PC who are also playing the games? Some PC games have 'little' jobs availible for 17 year olds for a year.
Would this make him drool?
http://www.scad.edu/animation/they have an online option -
http://www.scad.edu/about/college/scadelearning.cfmGood luck with the meeting - my prayers will be with you. It's perfectly ok to type more and more here while you unfold all this.
Love and More Love,
Grinity
