Wow BK!
That's terrific. I also bought a copy for my son's public school, and offered to buy the videotape. The book was returned to me, and I was asked to highlight the most important parts. I spent hours doing so. Then I returned it- and as far as I know, that was the end of that.
I asked one of our Gifted Experts about the book, puzzled at our school's reaction. She quiped that it was a wonderful approach if the teacher was gifted herself, but terribly difficult to administer under ordinary circumstances, which is why she favored acceleration, which asks much less of our already overburdened teachers. Still I think that an individual teacher, gifted coordinator, or charter school could base a wonderful program on these ideas and help all children be better prepared for the future.
Interesting aside - I've heard many parents toss around the idea that enrichment works if the child is within a year or two of their "readiness level" placement. For example, a MG child placed with their agemates would be expected to be well accomidated by enrichment. A "mildly" PG child with a gradeskip and a few subject accelerations might be expected to do well with enrichment. As always, student personality, and the individual teacher make such a difference. What works for one child, at one time, may not work for another. Still - one of the things I love about this particular book is the definition of Giftedness - children who are "ready" to work a year or more ahead of their agemates!
Smiles,
Trinity
