We are having DS6 tested in two weeks by a psych recommended on the Hoagies site. We are testing to learn more about his strengths and weaknesses, to gauge whether he is 2e (questions re: ADHD, SPD, anxiety), and to assist with planning next year. There is no gifted ed in our state and, while we are in a top performing district, he really has not learned anything (academically) this school year (half day K). We'd like him to be more engaged/challenged next year. We fear the school views him as an anxious kid who reads extremely well and as a kid who is prone to silly behavior in school. Honestly, I think he drives his teacher crazy with questions and silly behavior but I don't think his teacher, or anyone else in the school, has a clue as to how smart he is, and how quickly he masters information given to him. I've tried to communicate this with them without seeming elitist and I just do not feel heard.
I'm posting because now that the testing is scheduled, I'm sort of nervous about it. My husband and I really feel like we needed to test to figure him out and support him as we move forward, but at the same time I am worried about the label... that his score will follow him forever in the school setting. I'm worried about all of the advocating we will need to do as we move forward in a system that doesn't value this type of learner. Also, even though I truly know in my gut that this kid is gifted, part of me is worried that his scores won't show it. And testing isn't cheap.
Sorry for the stream of consciousness ramblings but I am really starting to feel the divide between myself and my friends with kids this age. I'm afraid sharing my concerns about DS6 comes off as bragging to friends who have kids struggling to read. Sad that this is a taboo subject! I digress...
