Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Parenting and Advocacy an aide sent by a deity...is it possible?

To sum up: last year DS7 was subject accelerated 3 grades up in math. After a lot of back and forth, we met with the school today and because of a scheduling conflict, my son can't attend math 3 grades up anymore. We were planning to simply homeschool him in math by pulling him out of school an hour early each day. (It's perfectly legal in my state and would have been fine with my son.) At our meeting today, I met the aide who will work in my son's class. She is middle aged and beginning a second career. She has a gifted child and a "strong interest" in gifted education. She knew all the terminology and techniques. She said, "I can't wait to meet your son and see how far he can go!" She described clearly how she plans to accommodate him. She invited me into the classroom to assist and make sure DS is working at the right level. Is this possible? Could this really happen? Has anyone met anyone like this, who says the right things and then FOLLOWS THROUGH?

Pinch yourself, somewhereonearth. Then celebrate!

Thanks Aquinas. It's too good to be true though.

I'd love to hear from others who have actually had a teacher accommodate their PG child in the classroom.

She sounds wonderful. Does she actually have the authority to do anything though?

Yes. The principal has handed the reins over to this aide to deal with my son. The principal appears to have figured out that she has never worked with a kid like my son and doesn't really know how to handle him. The teacher in my son's class is pretty laid back and VERY happy to have someone deal with my child. (We have had experience with her in the past, so I know what she's like.)

Fortunately, because of the aide's age, life experience and expressed interest, this may actually work. I'm so skeptical, of course, given our experiences thus far. Actually, I'm understating this. I'm in a modified panic about school. I just can't have another year like last year for my son.

If all goes well, we could possibly have a tolerable year. The plan would be to skip my son next year (so from grade 2 to grade 4). Then he will leave the school for the private school we already know he will go to. (The private school WILL be a good fit because I worked there as a teacher and know what it's like.)

Oh goody. I was just a little bit concerned because aides that I have met have been very much under the control of the teacher. Very forward thinking of the principal.

Sounds wonderful! We lucked out with an awesome aide last year - she really got our 2E DD. When DD's psych did a classroom observation she felt that it was OK for her to finish the year in this school because of the aide. The aide made all the difference.

Unfortunately the wonderful aide only lasted a couple of months before resigning from the job. We had a truly toxic principal, though, and a really stifling school environment. The outside the box thinking of this aide made her very uncomfortable in this setting. It sounds like your principal is the total opposite so hopefully you will have better luck. Stay positive and enjoy the positive developments for your DS.

Love to hear good news!!!!

Maybe she is just hiding her wings...lol!!!

When we last saw the aide, DH muttered that she wouldn't last long at this school. She is too competent and rational. She continues to be fantastic. I agree, she won't last long here and will go somewhere else probably.

We'll enjoy her while we can!