DS13 was identified as gifted in second grade for cognitive ability and the gifted program staff shared with his scores he would do well in math and science areas. This year his state testing results dropped having lower scores than his sixth grade state testing. So like regressed from last year? His percentage is still somewhere around 95% for this year but score is lower. Should I be concerned is he just leveling out? His star testing through out the year stayed the same as usual always in the 90%-99% depending on the day they test him. His class was different this year working at their own pace in 7th advanced math. He completed all the curriculum half way through the year so had nothing to do after January. He never had any homework and got an “A” in the class. The teacher said they could not give him anything further because he would go into next years math. Thoughts? I am personally terrible at math and really not sure if I should worry or not. He has always just done his math on his own and has never needed any help. Usually a self learner. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

I would not be at all concerned that 6th grade state score was higher than 7th if it were either of my DS, particularly if he's still at a 95. Our state scores can drop by 5% if they miss one question (this is because the scores are reported as percentiles--your state might be different). As you said, depending on the day he might have a different score. Both of my DS math scores on state tests have fluctuated over the years.

I would be concerned that he finished all of the material in 7th grade advanced math by January and the teacher wouldn't give him anything else to do. Does the school already know about this situation? If not, maybe address that with the administration before the next school year and ask what they have in place for next year for students who work at a faster pace. Maybe one teacher is more appropriate than another.

When dealing with the public schools and their limitations as far as budget and curriculum are concerned, the right teacher can make a big difference.

What exactly do you mean by "lower scores"?

Also, am I correct in assuming that you mean that his score placed him at the 95th percentile and not that his raw score was 95%?

I think it is the standard score. His actual number was lower by like 3-5 points than the previous year was (ex. 555 to 550)so on a graph it shows a drop from the previous year. Percentage went down as well. I hope this makes sense. Prior to this year it has always increased.

My guess is that he's bumping up against the test ceiling, and he made a few more silly errors than normal. Or perhaps the more difficult problems are of a type that he can no longer do intuitively.

Near the ceiling 550 and 555 are basically the same.

I would be worried about the no maths after January but I would think carefully before complaining as the response may be to set limits on how fast the kids can go.

Thank you Saritz. Your feedback was helpful.