All very good points -- this is so super helpful! I need to get to the place where testing is "no big deal" you know? I do have one of those kids who is not very forthcoming about her knowledge - she was shy to read in front of people when she first started and she isn't loud and showy in class. In fact, she could really care less who she impresses, and I don't think she sees her intelligence as a "tool" for success at all. I think to her it is simply an part of who she is and she's learned to completely blend in, and so unless you knew you'd almost never know. Of course until you actually pay attention. So, she will get lost in the shuffle if I don't insist on more for her and she will eventually be hit upside the head when something is actually hard for her and she will dumb down herself in order to fit in and it ia kind of sad that at age 6 I already feel like so many good years of learning have not been used to their full potential.
I am sure you are right -- maybe I'll finish the parent survey and when I turn it in say that I've done something thinking and I'd like to move forward with testing. Why let more years go by?
