Thanks SO, SO, SO much for your responses. They were very helpful and reassuring. Though, today, my daughter met with someone in school who "exercised her brain," and had her do things like put together puzzles, pick out "silly" and realistic things in pictures and define words. She said that it was REALLY, REALLY hard. And, she said that there were some questions that she didn't even try to answer because they were too difficult. Of course this now has me yet again wondering if I should take the job at the private school.
Funny thing is, while I always knew my girl was brilliant (doesn't every mom believe this about her child?), I didn't really think much about her entering the gifted program. However, in the past few weeks, since I've learned she has a chance to do so, I REALLY, REALLY want her to get in. Of course it doesn't hurt that the gifted teacher at her new school has a fabulous reputation.
There seems to be an air of secrecy surrounding the gifted program at her school. There is no general screening of children, and if Sofia makes it in, it will only be the second time in the school's history that a first grader has done so. While the Social Worker that I met with during the parent interview was very kind, she wasn't very forthcoming in letting me know what factors actually play a role in a child making it into the gifted program. I really wasn't given an opportunity to ask a lot of questions, and, to be honest, I did no research before the meeting, so I didn't know what to ask anyway. Though, I was tempted to call her and ask more about the general requirements of entry into the program, I didn't want to seem like an overbearing mom. I was even told that we will not be able to get the results from the iq tests performed the school district's psych., and instead will only see where she falls at on the "curve."
Yes Dottie, her teacher at her previous school told me that she "maxed out" on the STAR test in December, whatever that means, though I don't recall ever getting those results. In January, I did receive results labeled "Scientific Learning Progress Tracker" (not sure of reliability of this test)and she was assessed at a grade equivalent of 8.3 , getting a 100% in every subcomponent. I would certainly not say that she is actually reading on an 8th grade level though because she hasn't even tried to read at that level yet, rather she has really good comprehension and deciphering skills. She is a voracious reader consistently, scores a 10 out of 10 on AR quizes at the 5th and 6th grade level. It's difficult enough finding age appropriate books at this level.
Again, thanks so much for your responses. It makes this momma feel good that other moms can offer encouragement without thinking that I am being boastful. Sorry for posting so much information. Once I started, I just couldn't stop.
