I have questions about my kid's scores individually and concerns about siblings/parenting in general. The kids are just finishing 4th grade
First DD10. I only have her Spring MAPs but I remember that she has improved in both areas. Reading was 224, 93 percentile. Math was 235, 96 percentile.
Spring 233 Spring 247
Was your son's WISC done at school or privately? Was your DD WISC at the same time? In a situation where there MAP scores are so very close, and one is in GATE and the other not, I would definitely want a professional educational assessment done privately. Girls can be great camouflagers of their talent.
I know it's reassuring to observe your DD's work habits and assume that she is well placed and working at capacity, but I think, in this situation, that maybe she is working hard because she has good work ethic, rather than because she needs to. She may be behaving this way in part to please and reassure you. That isn't beyond most girls and a few boys.
You may be in for a big surprise, and if not, then it's easier to allow their paths to diverge once you have some numbers and some guidance.
I've never used EPGY Math, but have heard many people praise it. Is your son registered for EPGY through the school, or could you sign DD up as well, if she were interested (or with some encouragement?) I do think that the word course is a good idea, but perhaps let both do both? Expensive I know, but...
I would inquire what kind of testing is needed for the local GATE program, and if individual scores can be accepted, and if the district has noticed any local testers who are particularly good at communicating with parents.
Is your Daughter signed up for Explore in Oct as well. I would encourage both to do it, especially if that provides more data for the school to look at her twice.
I have to wonder if, with a little hothousing, DD could bridge those few MAP points, or blow out the Explore. Have you tried this yet?
The main thing to keep in mind is that DD has a tremendous asset in having her brother around - she may whine about feeling inferior, but she is getting a great lesson in 'trying harder.' In the long run, character traits like work ethic get a person more success in life than inborn gifts.
I would also recommend Lisa Block's 'Transforming the Difficult Child Workbook' as she gives great encouragement to parents to praise in a way that is irrefutable, designed to get around low self image, and can be done for both at the same time. You can shape your children's attitudes and behavior. You can create a home where the 'biggest excitement' is triggered when either child shows greatness of character - including cooperation and nurturing.
Love and More Love,
Grinity
