A lot of these problems would be solved if we'd get rid of all this "gifted or not" stuff and just differentiate and concentrate on meeting kids where they are. I see so many problems with how this all is done. Barely squeaking in vs. not squeaking in, kids with anxiety who don't test well, pushy parents who tip the scales, kids with massive strengths in one area who can't make it into the program due to other deficits, even kids who have an unnatural knack for testing....argh.
I see getting rid of "grades" as a big part of the answer, but I suppose it'll never happen.
I just typed up a whole long post and lost it - but you have said it far more effectively than I did - hear, hear!
