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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 948
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 948 |
I agree with momtofour. Leaving the pace entirely in the child's hands can be problematic when they're not fully aware of their own capabilities, selling themselves short, and not believing in themselves. This becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy... not believing in themselves, they don't seek challenge, and failing to seek challenge, they fail to achieve anything significant, which validates the original lack of belief.
What they need then is for someone to recognize the disconnect between ability and outcomes, give them a metaphorical shove, and through much kicking and fussing, see them through the delivery of a notable success. This success then negates the original lack of belief, and fosters a newfound confidence which becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy in the other direction... believing in themselves, the children seek out challenges, and overcome these challenges, which reinforces that belief. Very well said. I agree. I could have used a metaphorical shove! I was also guilty of thinking my dd12 was happy enough and challenged enough. Explore results were the first clue. She since skipped 6th grade and is still earning above 95% in honors classes.
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 690
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Thanks so much, Dude and Deacongirl. You have all helped to mobilize me to advocate for DS. I'm so grateful I found this place.
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 978
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 978 |
Leaving the pace entirely in the child's hands can be problematic when they're not fully aware of their own capabilities, selling themselves short, and not believing in themselves. This becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy... not believing in themselves, they don't seek challenge, and failing to seek challenge, they fail to achieve anything significant, which validates the original lack of belief.
What they need then is for someone to recognize the disconnect between ability and outcomes, give them a metaphorical shove, and through much kicking and fussing, see them through the delivery of a notable success. This success then negates the original lack of belief, and fosters a newfound confidence which becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy in the other direction... believing in themselves, the children seek out challenges, and overcome these challenges, which reinforces that belief. Yes x 1,000  Very well said.
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Joined: Mar 2013
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Hi, linhsan,
The sample test is shorter than the actual test. I believe there were 30 questions in three of the subjects and 40 in the last. Each given about 30 minutes with a break around half time. I'll double check tomorrow.
I don't know how the grading is calculated.
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 81
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Posts: 81 |
English section has around 40 questions. Other section all have 30.
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 249
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 249 |
Can anyone tell me if the EXPLORE sample test (English Test, for instance)is all what they have in the real test? It was quite short. There are only 10 questions. If that is it, do you know how they grade? If my daughter did 9/10 correctly, what is the grade? Linshan, My DD8 and DD11 took 3 sample tests. My DD8 got 30/30 and DD11 got 28/30. But in actual test, they both got sum of 76 (out of 100) and composite of 19 (out of 25). They said the test questions are longer than the sample but the difficulty is the same except 3-4 more difficult questions in each test. Composite of 19 equals to 88 percentile of average 8th graders. The explore compares to 8th graders and I don't know if we can accurately calculate your DD's grade level especially with sample test only. The sample test could be decieving but 9/10 is pretty good and she should take the test. The EXPLORE result will let us know where they have weakness and what kind of acceleration they need. It will probably help you advocate better for your DD, too. I know I am ready to meet with DD8's school after this spring break 
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Joined: Mar 2013
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Okay, I have a meeting with DS's GT teacher this afternoon. My DH and I are going in with the results and a bit of information. What if the GT specialist looks at the results and says they don't indicate anything different be done with his curriculum?
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 948
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Okay, I have a meeting with DS's GT teacher this afternoon. My DH and I are going in with the results and a bit of information. What if the GT specialist looks at the results and says they don't indicate anything different be done with his curriculum? I for sure would see this as a first step on a long road of advocacy, and be prepared that the Explore results may not be impressive to them (even when they should be!). The principal and gifted teachers at my daughter's school, a school with a huge % of students with gifted ID, did not even seem to be familiar with Explore at all. We decided to ask for a grade skip, and they used the Iowa Acceleration Scale and did their own achievement testing. I would think about what you want to get out of the mtg. Like, specific ideas for subject acceleration, if that is what you want, cluster grouping for next year, etc. Do you have WISC results? You may need those to get more results. So, I don't really have experience with getting better in-class differentiation, only with asking for and getting a full skip that went smoothly because the district has a policy in place. Good luck!
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Joined: Mar 2013
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Deacongirl,
Thanks for responding. Yes, you're absolutely right. I have a feeling that the Explore Test results will be less impressive to the school than it is to us.
That said, we plan on asking for options and we may want to ask for further testing if it's not offered right away. Next, we'll go to the middle school and meet with the principal, GT, and counselor to ensure that whatever measures that can be put in place for DS are. I highly doubt we can convince DS to skip a grade. However, maybe we can subject accelerate and differentiate within the class as well. (I think clustering has been thus far considered un PC. so I doubt that will be happening.)
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 690
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 690 |
Update:
Our meeting with GT at elementary school went very well. The GT teacher agreed the Explore scores indicated a need for acceleration. She's going to make her recommendations and set up a time for testing after spring break.
Next is the meeting with the middle school principal. We don't have one scheduled yet but have made a request. Crossing fingers that goes well...
Thank you all so much for your guidance and feedback!!
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