Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Parenting and Advocacy GIEP round #2

We're about to have our second GIEP meeting. At the last meeting we didn't approve the GIEP, but we did ask for additional PLEP testing and we emphasized that we were more concerned with the day-to-day activities. Put another way: we are happy that DS will be in a pull out program but we're more concerned with the work that he's doing daily.

After a couple of requests, we've gotten a copy of the GIEP that we will talk about on Thursday.

The issued a G-MADE 2A test where we got a 73% and a QRI-3 where he apparently has been tested to have a first grade reading level and a second-third grade guided reading level. I haven't looked the GIEP yet, but this is what DW relayed to me over the phone. The only change to implementation is along the line of "give [DS] additional logical and math challenges."

I'm frustrated with this situation. First, this just doesn't add up. His favorite books are chapter books like Dragon's Slayer Academy. And after reading DSA he can tell you exactly what happened (we do spot quizzes every now and then). For the math I just don't get it.

So now, according to the school's PLEP, he's basically on par with first grade. Not to mention that we have the typical nebulous goals that aren't measurable but essentially what the school is saying is that he's at the right level.

I have no idea what we're going to do. I do know I'm pretty frustrated with the whole situation. It took 6 weeks to get a second appointment and either I'm crazy (and DS is a typical first grader) or I'm sane yet somehow when the school tests his achievement we get completely different (erroneous) results.

!!

How frustrating!

Did he take the tests seriously? Was it keeping him from recess or something so that he rushed through it and didn't care how he did?

From what I understand (from DS) they were giving these tests during snack time.

JB

Ugh. Do they not understand that rushing through and scoring badly probably shows that a kid is EXTRA smart!?! Who chooses test-taking over snack? Not the smart kid!

So sorry!

It just doesn't add up because when DS was telling us about the tests, he was given math tests over the course of a couple of days. Sounded like a long test (although very repetitive I think).

Right now where my head is at is to make sure that he's enjoying school (as much as he can) accept the GIEP so that he can start the pull out program, and then this summer figure out what we really want to do for second grade. But DW and I haven't really talked it all the way through.

JB

Hi JB

I have been off line for some time. Did they test him for 1st grade level, or beyond that?

Also our DS6 took the reading and math test on Letsgolearn.com, I belive his math is behind your son's, and he did well above 1st grade. Did well on reading, but missed some easy spelling words he knows and was at 2.5 grade for spelling.

Sometimes they have off days, I belive it is what they test for that matters. Secreatly I think they think they know what is best for our children, and that we are pushy parents. JB go with your gut, and keep fighting, keep asking questions.

One thing on math, my DS6 did not do well on metric vs english, so basicly even though he could do all math through 3rd grade, and most through 4th his Metric knowledge was not past 2nd grade. Does that mean he is at 2nd grade level.

Same on Reading, if he spells at 2.5, but reads at 5.5 is he 2.5?

I think you need more detail from them.

I hope my rambling is of help.

Edwin

Little more information now that I am home and can see the report.

GMADE 2A (not sure if the 2A is important). Percentile rank was 73 and NCE (not sure what this is) was 63. Strengths in operations and computations, process, and application skills. Needs to work on number sense. (need to figure that out too).

For the QRI-3, "independent reading" level is on a first grade level and "instructional level" at 2nd to 3rd grade. (This one doesn't match our independent evaluation which had him much higher.)

Still googling around...

Edwin, I'd even go so far as they outwardly think they know what's best :-)

JB

JBDad, my teacher friends have said that parents usually have reading level 1-2 grade levels above what teacher assesses. I'm not exactly sure for the reason but for my son, I think it was a speech issue. He didn't enunciate clearly and read too fast. This affected his score. At home, he'd read 2 grade levels ahead and could answer detailed questions about story, plot, characters etc.

I would agree with you, Dazed&Confuzed, but I think that we see them reading at higher levels because our houses and libraries don't direct them to the "appropriate level" rather, they get to direct themselves. DS6 generally chooses books between 3rd and 6th grade levels (which he plows through and understands), but at school, he is reading first grade material.

I was googling for 2A as well. Haven't found it yet...

JB