Hello,
First off, I apologize for the long post.
I have been lurking here to educate myself a bit. I apparently have lots to learn about education. I just got Explore scores back for my 5th grade son. He tested through Duke.
Composite 20
English 23
Reading 19
Math 19
Science 19
I believe he qualifies for DYS based on 3/5 of those scores.
He has never taken an IQ test.
Since I have thought about putting together a portfolio for a possible DYS application, I pulled some of his old school scores. I feel so angry with myself and his previous school.
In 1st grade, he scored a 209 on NWEA MAP Reading 99 Percentile, with a national norm of 172. Yet, nothing was said. I had thought at the time,"Oh well, he's doing well. They'll let me know if we need to make adjustments."
From information I have gleaned on this board, he was off the charts! Yet no one said anything. I even let my little guy down.
I feel so betrayed by people I trusted. I had no idea he was working way above grade level with that score.
We left that school in the beginning of his 2nd grade year when we moved within state. We are currently in a K12 online public charter school. He is finishing his 5th grade year. He is already working one grade above grade level in Math and ELA. Since this is a public school, he is not allowed to work above grade level in science and history. He does have access to his older brother's materials - a 9th grader taking 10th grade honor courses. My 5th grader routinely reads his brother's textbooks. The discussions at dinner are typically intense and passionate.
I am quite frankly a little bewildered. In his science class the other day, we were learning about DNA in the cell. He didn't believe the fact of how much DNA is in each cell, 2 meters. I found multiple sources reiterating the information, but struggled to find original sources. He challenged me, "I want proof. Please don't just restate the facts; I want to know how they arrived at that number." I had to email my son's high school biology teacher for help. She was able to point us to the piece he was missing: some original research studies regarding histones. She said that is something only lightly touched upon in Honors High School Biology, and is usually only addressed at college level. He was a little more amendable to the fact with the research backing it. That is just one example of what I deal with on a typical day.
I just started supplementing his reading with The Great Books of Western World series. He is fascinated with history and philosophical thought. Our whole family is now engaging in book discussions based on readings from the series.
This school has been somewhat receptive to making adjustments for my son, but I feel they are limited as to what they can do. He takes Scantron Performance testing twice a year, always scoring above grade level. I don't believe Davidson uses those scores though. On both years of his state-testing, he has scored above the 95% percentile in all subjects. Our current school does not have funds to provide for Duke TIP. Suspecting I had a gifted child, I signed him up individually with Duke TIP so he could take the Explore test.
His homeroom teacher has since forwarded his scores to the lead teacher for evaluation. Of course, we are now on spring break.
I just want to be prepared when I meet with his teachers. Is one grade level skip enough? Should we do course compacting or acceleration? Should I just continue to do my own enrichment like the Great Books?
I guess I just need some advice. I feel like I am floundering.
Should I put in an application for him to DYS? Should I press for the school to do IQ testing? Should I just put together a portfolio? If I do the portfolio, do I include only school work or signs of early giftedness?
For instance, when he was 2 years old, he wanted me to sign him up online for PBS kids. I told him, "Honey, you can't even spell your name or a password!"
His answer, "Oh, that's okay Mommy. I'll just do it this way." His solution was to based his username and password on locations on the keyboard. Why hadn't I thought of that?
As you can see, I need help. I would be very grateful for any insight anyone might be able to offer.
Thank you.
Last edited by alearningcoach; 04/04/13 02:12 PM.
