I think there's a subtle point many parents will miss when they read "their peers catch up with them-usually by grade 4." Most parents will probably think of peers as age-mates instead of intellectual-mates. If the child is just as bright as the early reader then I agree with her statement. Unfortunately, many people will miss this distinction and it's more fodder for the early reader=pushy parent assumption.
Another part of the article that concerns me is this quote by Keplinger (Palo Alto School District - Parent Education)
Kids need to have other things in place before reading. At age 4 years old, they need to work on emotional growth, social and fine motor skills. They need to have other things in place before reading.
While I agree with the importance of those things, I'm afraid the statement will be used as justification to deny letting asynchronous gifted children work at their appropriate levels. The "no protein unless you eat your broccoli" analogy comes to mind.
I also agree with Ms. Friz about the advantage of an extensive knowledge base that early readers can develop. I think of that knowledge base as providing hooks on which to hang new knowledge. If there isn't a hook to hang the new knowledge, it may not take.
