I think this has been one of the most frustrating aspects of my advocacy for my kids. You would think that if a kid shows math ability (in a sea of low ability--or else, lack of interest), they would be encouraged to progress...but we have not seen that.
DS (now 10) knew multiplication tables before going to kindergarten. He progressed through 5th grade math before 2nd grade. I asked the district for a mentor when he was 6 and approached several teachers/professors...probably making an obnoxious mom impression...no one was interested. His teacher, accelerated math program, SCAT test, etc. said he was ready for algebra at age 7 (3rd). Teacher repeatedly told me she couldn't keep up with him in math, had run out of material. The district said they would not teach him algebra (even if I took him to the school every day) until he was in at least middle school, meaning he'd wait 3 years! I finally got it together and had him take AoPS course as a 5th grader (so he only waited 2 yrs). I just think it's so cruel to make them "wait".
Last edited by cym; 10/10/08 09:39 AM.
