I would recommend achievement testing for your son. If the test results come back showing that your son is functioning several grade levels ahead of where he is supposed to be by age, then skipping becomes a much easier option to consider.
Something that has helped me enormously is to educate myself regarding all of the legislation in place in my state regarding gifted education and what's allowed. I've yet to find a principal that knows the laws and statuates better than I do. Often the administration is afraid to make a decision as they aren't clear what is allowed. When they understand that what you are asking for is within their ability and scope, it makes life easier.
Get the elementary standards for your state and turn it into a checklist. What does he know and what does he still need to learn? Start in first grade and work your way up through the grades until your son would have things to learn.
Be willing to agree to trial periods for any acceleration, subject or full grade skip. Explain to your son that it's a "test drive" to see how it feels. It gives you an easy out if the fit isn't what it should be.
Get a copy of the Iowa Acceleration Scale and go through it. The IAS takes all of the emotion out of the compatability of your son and a grade skip. Emotions often make it hard to make any choice, let alone the right one.
Ask thousands of questions, digest, ask thousands more!
Last but not least, flexibility is the key to sanity! Be willing to re-assess any time you feel like the situation isn't working. There is definitely no roadmap for these wonderful little people. Even in a population as small as this group represents, there is no one right way.
I'm glad you found us, it's an interesting road to travel!
Last edited by BWBShari; 05/25/11 08:31 PM. Reason: bad form to misspell words when answering a teacher!
