Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Parenting and Advocacy Is it ever too late to advocate?

My DD11 has never been formally tested but we have always thought that she might be gifted. Unfortunately, we were also those parents who thought that the school might recognize it as well. Her reading level is at 12th grade and standardized testing for our state has continuously been in the 99th percentile. She has begun showing signs of frustration in junior high although we were led to believe that she would be in classes that more appropriately matched her abilities. She did take the EXPLORE test last year and we have those results, but are unsure whether the school would even understand what they mean. This test is taken by 8th graders at our school and she was only a 5th grader at the time. At this point, we try to involve her in outside activities that interest her and encourage her to "think outside of the box." However, it worries me that she is just doing whatever needs to be done in class and doesn't seem to have the zest for learning that she once had. So, I am trying to plan what to do next and am hoping that others have been in the same situation.

Thank you for listening!

A very concerned mom

I think that if her Explore Scores in 5th grade were 'similar' to average Explore Scores for 8th graders that this is one of the best ways to 'wake up' a school system. (How did she do? PM Dottie if you want a 'wow-meter' for how impressed/concerned to be)

Try not to kick yourself too much - it isn't too late.
Sign her up for your local Talent Search, so she can take the SAT or ACT this December, and if she qualifies, go enrichment weekend activities, summer camp if you can manage it, and maybe even an online class if she is willing or you can bribe her.

Seriously, I have a friend of a friend who is a GT coordinator in a Fancy district, and I got to socialize with him, and said, regarding my then 9 year old son, who was acting out at school: 'Oh my, what shall I do?!?'

He said 'Here's the big secrete - have him take the SATs when he is 12 years old!'

I was glad to be sitting down - I was expecting much much more!

So really, you aren't 'late' at all by 'normal expert' standards.

The main thing is that you have noticed a change, and you want to correct it.

Welcome and so glad you are here!
Grinity

He said 'Here's the big secrete - have him take the SATs when he is 12 years old!'


What is the advantage here. and who should do this?

I started to seriously advocate at age 9 (DD10 will turn 11 next month). A friend of mine just started testing her DD11 in preparation of middle school and high school. It is not too late and now that she is frustrated/bored at school, it is important to find out why.

I would suggest starting with testing to know where she is at and what kind of accommodation is needed. Your school should understand the Explore scores since they use the test for higher grades. IQ testing would be great in conjunction with achievement testing to get a full picture of your DD.

DD was not a math type of kid but as we have skipped her twice now, her interest in math has improved significantly with appropriate challenge. Sometimes when a topic is too easy and repetitive, she tunes out. This might be the case with your DD as well.

Jen