Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Parenting and Advocacy Advocating for Grade Skip-Advice needed

Dear Mrs. K,
Thanks again for letting me know principal's and counselor's position regarding moving DD to 5th grade next year. I have some questions in response to Is it their opinion that DD's writing isn't where it needs to be to skip 4th grade?

While I accnowledge that DD's writing is currently below gradeleve for 5th, I feel that when everything is taken into account,social, emotional and academic, that this is the best placement for her. I will sign a waver to that effect if that will help you. I will also work with her over the summer to help her get to entering 5th grade level.

Lets come to an agreement about DD's placement. Is this something that can be done through email, or should we schedule a meeting?

Sincerely,
xxx

1. What do you use to assess writing ability? What is the equivalent of "TOMAGS" for writing? [NOTE: TOMAGS is the math giftedness test they used to justify accelerating her in math]
2. What are the 4th and 5th grade entrance benchmarks for writing? What level of writing ability are you expecting from the average child when s/he enters each of those grades?
3. What is needed for DD to demonstrate that her writing ability meets the entrance benchmark for 5th grade?

I really want to be proactive on this so that we have next year's plan finalized by May. I know that the beginning of each year is extra busy for teachers, so if I seem persistent now it's in hopes of reducing the need to bombard you next fall. Thanks.