ETA: This work they are doing in his math class is all prep work for next year's TAKS test. This is what I've heard is all he'll be doing through the rest of his public education, studying to state proficiency exams. I'd be willing to bet $50 he could pass that stupid test today.
My DD8 blows through the state tests, but gets in trouble for not doing the classwork. When she brought home multiplication homework (3rd grade), I asked, "Didn't you do this last year?" She said yes. That was when I started to really consider pulling her. Turns out our (former) school could be closed if the test scores dip...my kid needs a LOT more than just math and language arts and constant pressure to do well on a test. Believe me, if it's all about those test scores, your child will be miserable and it will just get worse.
I have come to the conclusion that our (former) school gives just enough "enrichment" to say they are giving it and dissuades gifted students from leaving (unless they are HG behavior problems) to pump up the test scores. I believe they KNOW certain kids should be accelerated, but that might ruin their high test scores, so they won't do it.
