What to look for in a teacher? - 08/22/08 07:03 PM
I just found this site! Yea...there's help out there for those of us needing answers. Sorry this is going to be so long, but I need HELP!
I have DS7 entering 2nd grade. He has never been labeled gifted per se through the district...at least noone ever contacted me to tell me this. (There are no programs until 3rd grade and they just took away the Honors Math program)! However, his school achievement test scores are from 97-99% (IOWA). Having three older siblings (one other GT), I have no doubt that he is, in fact, GT. I homeschooled my older three for a period of time, and they are now in public school doing well.
BUT, I'm feeling major guilt over not homeschooling my youngest or at least putting him in a school that challenges him. He came home last year saying how bored he was and how he hated school. I KNOW that he loves to learn as I've seen him at home! (I now work during school hours so it's not an option...even though he has asked on numerous occasions). We cannot pay the $500-$600 a month that a private school would cost either.
SO, we are going tonight to "meet the teacher". My principal suggested that I meet with the teacher first before making any decisions. What do I ask? Any specific questions that might give me an idea if the teacher really knows how to work with GT? I do know we have some good teachers, but I just don't know what to specifically ask and how in the heck do I get over this feeling of guilt? Sorry to be so long winded...Thanks for any advice!
I have DS7 entering 2nd grade. He has never been labeled gifted per se through the district...at least noone ever contacted me to tell me this. (There are no programs until 3rd grade and they just took away the Honors Math program)! However, his school achievement test scores are from 97-99% (IOWA). Having three older siblings (one other GT), I have no doubt that he is, in fact, GT. I homeschooled my older three for a period of time, and they are now in public school doing well.
BUT, I'm feeling major guilt over not homeschooling my youngest or at least putting him in a school that challenges him. He came home last year saying how bored he was and how he hated school. I KNOW that he loves to learn as I've seen him at home! (I now work during school hours so it's not an option...even though he has asked on numerous occasions). We cannot pay the $500-$600 a month that a private school would cost either.
SO, we are going tonight to "meet the teacher". My principal suggested that I meet with the teacher first before making any decisions. What do I ask? Any specific questions that might give me an idea if the teacher really knows how to work with GT? I do know we have some good teachers, but I just don't know what to specifically ask and how in the heck do I get over this feeling of guilt? Sorry to be so long winded...Thanks for any advice!