My 12 year old son was identified as GT for our GT program when he was in second grade. He has always loved school and excelled in all areas. He is also a gifted artist. Middle school is approaching, as is a decision about whether to attend an IBMYP middle school or a "regular" middle school. During the "interview" process for the IBMYP program (he has been accepted; they did a STAR test and a diagnostic math test in order to place him in the right classes), he scored second grade level for reading, a sure indication that he TRIED not to succeed on the test. We have not received the math results yet.
Our concerns now about what school to attend are now overridden by concerns about how to help our son continue to rise to challenges and to be honest with himself and others about his abilities. He finally told us he does not want to be a "nerd" and be "smart." Do you have any research, guidance, advice--anything that will help us know how to handle this phase so that he will stay on the right track with his work ethic and his development?
