Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Parenting and Advocacy Principal IS interested in helping gifted DS

THANKS FOR ALL THE SUPPORT.

I can hardly believe it but the principal is already doing things for us. Today, his teacher let him do a timed test with multiplication, instead of addition. She also let him skip his spelling page. We have a meeting planned for next week. I'm just worried I've got so much in my head and in my notes that I may try to do too much.

I really hear you all but I'm just not ready for a full or even half day grade increase. Maybe at some point he should have this but I need to know more before that move happens. I would just like to try one class if possible and see how that goes. My son does much better with a little change at a time.

He has also just began enrichment. The students can do independent studies this year. He is excited about this. If he can get free of some of the repetitions not needed he could have more time for independent study learning. This might not be exactly what he needs but it's a start. This might be enough to give him a better attitude about school and let him hang in there until I get more information.

Last year, I watched two of his class mates excited with him about an Independents Study. This was a wonderful thing- it drew kids to him socially and academically they were excited about learning. The day he did the presentation on his independent study I felt like I picked up a different Happy kid from school.

My DS and I talked again tonight. He said the reading feels babyish. I thinking this might be a good place for him to go up a grade or two. He has read several books above level. It might be amazing for him to sit in on an discussion of a story more on his level.

I really don't know exactly what he needs. I do know he need more challenge. He is a ambitious kid who wants to learn and not just make easy A s. I want to wait until I see if we get into DYS before I do anything big so they can guide us with all their experience. I want to see what testing is needed, if any, before we put him up a grade in something and he should really go up three. Too quick of a decision would mean more changes than necessary. I also want to look at the big picture. If we send him to high school over prepared in Math, will he be able to do college Math classes? I think I read our state pays for that but I don't know any more on this. I would love for my DS and I to blend in more but for now I think we just need some tweeks to keep him going until I get the big picture.

There is also a school a little out of our area that I've heard is about 2 years ahead and doesn't teach to the test. They can take SAT testing during junior high. Money is an issue but maybe somehow they will have more finacial aid next year or I'll win the lottery. But before I make this move I would like him to make some stronger local freindships and I would like to figure out if this is really a better fit for our family.