Hello,
I am brand new to the forum, and my head is spinning from all the amazing information. Thank you for sharing your experiences. I did not see something specific to one of my concerns, however, thus this post.
For background, my DS9 is in the process of applying for DYS after qualifying with the WISC IV and WJ. He's a whole separate concern for me, but his school offers a terrific two-tiered gifted program with his tier having a separate 5-day a week classroom for those with scores above the 99.5%ile. He's ok for now. My DD6, on the other hand, will be starting at his public school next year in the 1st grade and the gifted program does not start until 3rd grade. My son practically lost all interest in school in 1st and 2nd grade, and I want to avoid that with my daughter. I have already met with the principal to request a challenging teacher, but the principal is retiring, so I'm not sure my request will be heard.
My DD has not been tested yet, but she seems as bright (if not brighter) than her brother, and has also been in an accelerated kindergarten (they covered a 1st-2nd grade curriculum). Her Stanford Achievement scores put her anywhere from a 3rd to 5th grader, and she has a knack for math and is incredibly articulate. I know the 1st grade curriculum will be a big step back for her, and I was wondering what others have done to request that their young children can work at higher levels. I believe our school district is very against moving children up in grades, so that's likely not an option. I have not had her tested yet as we were advised to wait until she turned 6 (recently), and I also fear that her test results wouldn't be accepted for the 3rd grade GT program b/c they would be too old if I tested her now. If you think test scores might help her make a case, please let me know. Also, if you think DYS might be very helpful for someone her age, I will come up with the funds for private testing.
I'm ok with her exploring other areas of interest (art, music, athletics) if school is not challenging, but I REALLY want to avoid her developing a negative attitude toward school as my son did. He was so frustrated and un-motivated in his old school w/o any accommodation for gifted children. He was given clay to play with when he finished his work early, and with the amount of time he spent molding clay, I think he might just have a career as a professional pottery artist. Back to DD, I'm not sure if would help her for me to work with her at home, or if getting even further ahead would just lead to more frustration. When she does get to the 3rd grade, they will still group her with the class. It was not until the end of my son's 3rd grade year that my his teacher told me that she was going to work with him individually b/c he was far exceeding the class norms. Assuming she may have a similar mind, would it be helpful or hurtful for me to progress her in math or other subjects at home?
Any and all comments or ideas are welcome. Thanks so much!
Mary
