Current situation: DYS DS8 in 3rd grade. Differentiated development with ELA being somewhat advanced, but very advanced in math. He just finished prealgebra 1 in AOPS and got to the mastery "blue" zone in the report. Using middle school math placement test by Saxon Math homeschool, it placed him at 7/6, almost 8/7 (need 16/20, he got like 14). Kinda made sense since he only finished half of pre algebra.

He is identified as gifted in school which entitles us to an IEP. It's a small school district with a very under developed gifted program. They seem to be willing to listen, but not much seemed to be implemented. The current IEP calls for in class differentiation, identifying / filling gaps in his knowledge, and then individually accelerate subject matters. That sounded like a good idea since he can stay with his class and his friends. In reality we felt that it was poorly implemented. The teacher gave him an end of grade test and identified that he didn't know the names of some triangles or something. I mean that's great that it was identified, but that seemed minuscule in the grand scheme of things when he overall level is at grade 6/7.

As we plan for the next year, the school once again proposes in class differentiation. This time we got a bit concerned. With his current pace, he can start algebra 1 by the end of this year. My common sense question is that with 3+ grade difference how can in class differentiation keep up? Furthermore, we are starting to see some signs of learned underachievement. He is careless with his work because it's so easy. The teacher brushed it off and said yeah I see this a lot in GATE kids, he knows the material. But how about establishing good study habits? Additionally, he told me that he intentionally pretend that he doesn't know the material to blend in.

We are considering advocating to get him to take classes at the middle school. From my knowledge, this has not been done before in the school district. I am in an area that highly values equity, so our request will likely be viewed as asking for special treatment. There will be a lot of resistance...

My tentative plan
- Letters from AOPS teacher indicating his current knowledge
- His IQ test which shows EG
- Results from my self administered middle school placement test, and offer to have him take any placement test that the school district see fit
- Research that in class differentiation does not work when there is 2 - 3+ grade level difference (I haven't found it yet... if anyone knows of any please forward)
- Any other respected research that will support my case (would love recommendations here if any).

Any advice will be much appreciated. Thanks!

Last edited by galun; 05/24/17 01:33 PM.