Oops - I was typing on my phone and didn't get to post my whole message. . .
I met with the Gifted teacher and my son's classroom teacher today. I really like my son's teacher. I really liked the Gifted teacher. But I was there to advocate for my son. The EP was already done before I walked in the room. Snip, snap, let's get this signed and done. I had to put the brakes on and say - "I actually don't agree with the recommendation for my son." All time stood still. Basically, he has to meet four of five criteria-
IQ of 124 (which is lower than what it takes to qualify for gifted at all) - he has an IQ of 155.
Average of 90% or above in all subject areas - he has that.
97th percentile in higher on SAT10 reading - he's in the 99th percentile.
Very superior rating on portfolio - teacher rated him moderate.
133 on the checklist for gifted traits - he has 91 (needed 75 to qualify for gifted).
I had a contentious meeting with the principal after that. And now, I'll be fighting with the district, it seems. Not one of the educators at my son's school today wanted to address the fact that he is highly gifted. I asked four times if they were aware of asynchronous development, underachievement, and extreme perfectionism in highly gifted children. Crickets chirping. . . I told them I brought examples of my son's work from home so that it could be included in the portfolio. Not interested. I asked to re-visit the checklist given what we see at home. No time for that. Please just sign the form. . .
I am so angry I want to cry. I have known for two years that this school was not a good fit for my child. I'm tired of sitting by and doing nothing. This time, I'm advocating for him.
