Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Parenting and Advocacy newbie in denial...

Hello...

I'm a newbie in denial. I have 2 daughters, 7 and 4. We had them both tested recently because the gap between what they show at school and what they know was getting bigger and bigger and bigger. They don't fit the typical stereotypical gifted profile and being a non-confrontationalist from way back, I've felt reluctant to talk to their school about making changes (and I've not really known what changes and accomodations to ask for).

I had my first "taste" of not-so-positive parental feedback last night when I intimated that J might skip year 3 and go into year 4 next year. I suspect I'm really going to have to lose my hyper-sensitivity and toughen up a bit if we're going to accelerate.

I've reluctantly given the school a copy of their SB5 and Wisc IV results and we're waiting for them to come back with an actoin plan (the next meeting is scheduled in 2 weeks). The waiting is killing me.

I'm coming to the conclusion that acceleration will be necessary for both girls - at a minimum - but I still feel weird about asking for this. I often find myself reading about the validity and reliability of the test instruments, and looking for research that indicates a minimum IQ that would make a child suitable for skipping. I guess I'm concerned that the school is going to come back to me saying that they see testing results like theirs all the time.

Anyway - this is just me saying g'day from WA.

jojo

Have you read the Iowa Acceleration Scale manual? Lots of good info in there on how to evaluate candidates for grade acceleration.

Definitely the IAS, and you might also look at A Nation Deceived. It changed my view of acceleration, and it's research-based, not full of urban legend like so much of the current thought about grade skipping is these days. It's free, too. You can download a copy or order a printed version, as you like.

http://www.accelerationinstitute.org/Nation_Deceived/

Whoa! That should be written down somewhere for all who come here to read!

Seriously! Nice post, MON.

That is seriously good advice. I do need to relax and trust myself. I may not handle this perfectly, and that's OK (she says, hyperventilating!) But it's good for me to hear that I may not being able to make things perfect for the girls.

Thank you for your thoughtful words... jojo

I just wanted to say welcome. Great advice master of none.

Jojo,

I am amazed at how hard parents advocate for their kids! The stories on here are amazing and inspiring. It sounds like your school is talking to you and listening which is a much easier battle than many have had. Good luck!!