I am confused as to why a gifted level VCI of 138doesnot qualify for the GT program? Are there any local advocates? You clearly have a DD who qualifies for Gt services who is being denied services. I have always known programs to ask for a130 VCI or higher. What was the cut off for their program? Was there other testing done? There are two excellent books on differentiating the curriculum for early elementary students. I would recommend reading them and advocating for accommodations to the curriculum for your DD. Could you contact the Gifted Specialist for your district? Two books that I recommend are " Teaching Young Gifted Children in the Regular Ed Classroom" and " Teaching Gifted Kids in the Regular Classroom". Once you are familiar with how to differentiate, you can more effectively advocate for her needs to be met within her class. All children, not just GT learners, have the right to have their educational needs met and most teachers should be somewhat familiar with differentiating the curriculum. Curriculum compacting, Independant study agreements, Individualized reading strategies, Interest surveys, Integrated units, Most difficult first, learning contracts,
Study guide method, resident expert...... There are definitely strategies and ways to extend the curriculum to meet your DD's needs. If there is silent reading, then she should be able to work on something that interests her during that time. Now that you have a test score in the 99%, you could possibly work with her teacher on getting her needs better met in the classroom. For instance, she should be permitted to read at her level. Does the teacher know that she is reading at a middle school level? Have you talked with her teacher about her frustration at not having access to the appropriate level of work? Once the teacher is aware of her current reading level, perhaps the GT coordinator could work with the classroom teacher on gaining the appropriate materials. Also, even though she did not qualify for the GT program ( which I do not understand), does the school consider grade level acceleration? Perhaps your DD could work with the third grade reading class, etc? I am guessing that this is not an option given their reluctance to work with you on anything else thus far. I would try reading about how to differentiate the curriculum and then advocate with your DD's classroom teacher on getting her needs met. I would also suggest contacting the District or school GT Specialist for some direction now that your daughter has some GT level scores. I can imagine your frustration and am so sorry that you are going through this. Keep advocating to get her needs met!
