The good news, for me anyway, is that I feel sort of vindicated now in my thinking about DS's ability level. The algebra tutor was out this weekend and gave DS the first part of a grade 9 mathematics competition test to judge his ability level. DS was able to answer all but one question.
Wow. That's particularly impressive in that he hasn't been exposed to this material at all. Good for him, and good for you for making this happen. Sounds like the Tutor is a good apple.
The tutor said he noticed that DS would make small calculation errors and go back and correct himself while solving the problems, but that he was able to grasp and show knowledge of concepts that the tutor did not expect. I think with DS it is a matter of relevancy. The problems he solved on the test did not require busy work answers, he actually had to work out the steps to get to the answer. He was able to see how carelessness in that instance had a major effect on the result.
I've seen the same thing in my son. It has something to do with a 'sense of justice' that is common in gifted. They just can't fake it sometimes.
Best Wishes,
Trinity
