It's almost like dealing with an insurance company where they automatically deny your first request because most people will just give up at that point. This would be the time for a follow up letter where you reiterate your request in writing. The "we have lots of kids with scores like this, and they're doing fine" is a standard way to make you feel like a PITA. You're doing your job as a parent by advocating and the issues you're addressing require help from the school. Hugs to you and now get to writing that letter!
P.S.
Ultimately, though, the proportion of gifted children in a school�s population is a red herring. Why? Because in the absence of an educational plan, the statement �We have lots of children like yours� is meaningless. Or, worse than meaningless: It suggests that the school has not one bored, underchallenged child working 5-10 years below grade level, but multiple bored, underchallenged children working 5-10 years below grade level.
