Oh, I wanted to add: It can help to go to schools asking for their help. People like to help. Tell them that the situation is that your child has scored very well on the WPPSI and that you believe that she is already working past K level. Ask them what solutions they would have in such a situation to make sure that your child was advancing in all areas throughout the year. If you have any anecdotal evidence of social maturity, make them aware of that as that is often of primary concern for school administrators.
BTW: I think asking about starting K mid-year is at least worth trying. It makes sense to me since that is close to where she is academically and she would have a few months to learn how to go to school and it would make the transition to 1st smoother, thus alleviating some of the school's concerns about social issues.
Great Advice MNmom23 - Right on target! I love what you have written, with a small exception.
I took out the part:
Ask them if it is possible for a K teacher to pull kids out for differentiated instruction in all the different subjects in which she is ahead (it usually isn't).Because it's too adversarial. It's like asking a child with if they eat that forbidden cookie, when you just know that they did! And like some children, some schools will lie to your face - although more persuasively.
To be honest, perceiving gifts is more difficult than accommodating them. As if I wouldn't have a weight problem as long as I never stepped on the scale!
I can't tell you how many stories I've heard of 'reading level tests' that the teacher stops way before the child shows any sign of difficulty, because 'what would we do with that information if we collected it?' Then the child's reading is reported as being at the last step before the test was artificially stopped, and becomes 'proof' to support the argument that school ARE meeting the child's needs.
People are interesting creatures. Sort of like the movie 'Shallow Hal' - the best friend asks Tony Roberts: 'Doesn't he notice when they are hugging that she is large?' TR says: People see what their minds tell them to see.
Which is why I love the part:
Ask them what solutions they would have in such a situation to make sure that your child was advancing in all areas throughout the year.
Particularly if they can give specific examples!
I hope that this doesn't freak you out, but at least it's good to know what you are up against. Lots of school are terrific and 'get it.' Just not enough - it won't be enough until every school gets it.
Love and More Love,
Grinity
