I'd love to have some advice from the experts here on developing an Education Plan (EP) that actually has some specific metrics. Some brief history:
DD6 was ID'd spring of last year (after much pushing on my part and behavioral issues) and placed into the gifted/extended studies program (with 1st graders, since they didn't have a K class). We had some concerns so followed up with additional private testing over the summer and she came out at 143 FSIQ, 144 GAI, right at HG, not DYS material, based on this round, which I think is pretty accurate. Also did acheivement testing which showed late first grade to late second grade GEs. She is now in 1st grade with a one-day a week pull-out for gifted/extended studies.
This works reasonably well for that one day a week, but we are still trying to figure out how to make the other 4 days work better. Things haven't fallen apart yet, but there are some distinctive signs that the downhill slide is beginning. Regular classroom teacher is an old hand, 20+ years of experience, and came with good recommendations from other GT parents and the GT teacher. I've met with the teacher and she seems willing to work things out, but claims her opportunities to differentiate are limited by school policies (i.e. principal). I have gone through the gifted teacher to setup a meeting to review and revise the EP and am looking for suggestions on as much specific requests as I can get. Where I am (Florida) interested parties in the EP are parent, gifted teacher, regular teacher and guidance counselor; not the principal. What I can get in writing has a chance of happening, so I need to nail things down as much as possible.
Currently I'm planning to propose pre-testing (using 90%) out of basic material - the class is still working on basic single digit addition and subtraction and short vowel sounds, while DD6 is comfortable reading Magic Tree House and acing those AR quizzes. Math is less advanced, but more because of lack of exposure - she picks things up usually first time. Social studies/science - I'm at a loss. Not sure how I can push for deeper/broader when the topic of the week is Johnny Appleseed or community helpers. I need not only advice on specifics for the pre-testing (what test, etc.) but also what we (or more importantly the teacher) can do with her in class if she has tested out of the classroom level stuff.
As an example of completely a non-specific (i.e. completely unenforceable from the parent's side) the current EP reads:
" . . will show progress in the development of higher level communication and thinking skills."
" . . will develop her communcation skills . . ."
" . . will develop her problem solving and thinking skills. . ."
Any suggestions on how to describe a plan for her education in enough detail to actually get it implemented would be most appreciated. My meeting is Monday morning and I'd like to have a pretty detailed proposal ready to lay out to simplify the process (especially since that is what the school did last time - "Here's your EP; sign it and let's go."). Thanks very much in advance for your time and experience.
Last edited by Prissy; 09/23/08 08:47 PM. Reason: clarification
