Hey, we are doing this right now, too! In fact we have a meeting with the gifted coordinator in a district that is known for having a great gifted program and has a magnet program for the top students.
Here's my list of questions for when we meet:
1. What's the general philosophy and educational approach to GT kids and programming? How are teachers trained and supported in their teaching of GT kids? What is the parent involvement (is there a parent group for GT program)?
2. Testing: How are the children identified - what tests are used and how do they determine cutoff? Are there exceptions or considerations for children who don't "test well" but have other evidence? ( I have found that some of that info is actually right on the school website/GT page)
3. What curriculum is used for each subject area?
4. Differentiation: How do the teachers accommodate students, what types of instruction do they use, what materials beyond the standard curriculum?
5. How many students enrolled are working two grade levels above or higher? Do they allow for individually paced instruction for those few that might be even further along?
6. What extracurriculars are offered? Does the school participate in academic programs outside the district?
When we observe the classes I plan on looking for teacher/child interaction, general feeling of the classroom, set up of the room, peer interaction between kids, materials available to the kids. I guess I'm looking for a "gut feeling" that MrWiggly would fit it in.
I'm kind of nervous about choosing another district especially since it means moving the whole family. Others have suggested that we rent in the new district to test it out before actually buying a house. I found out that in IL you can petition for out of district enrollment but need to pay the tuition and provide the transportation - not sure that would be more financially feasible than a private school!
I just took a new job that means a long commute unless we move. So we are using this as our catalyst for movement on behalf of MrWiggly. We have decided to look at the districts based on the state school report cards combined with areas we'd like to live. We have a couple of places that look like possibilities. Not sure if any will work out. And I'm cautious based on BTDT's from others who made moves and then were sadly disappointed by the outcome at the new school! I guess sometimes you just have to take the chance and hope for the best. You do the best you can with what you've got at the moment - that's the lesson I've learned.
I'm eager to hear what questions others would ask.
