Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums General Discussion How bad if math teacher lower ability than student

Sorry that your DS is in the same boat. Your DS' situation actually sounds worse than my DS'. At least my DS' teacher doesn't seem as problematic at the moment but I have only spent 15 minutes with her so is basing a lot on DS' report of what occurs day to day. Actually, I probably didn't express myself well enough because I am not upset that DS is faster or smarter, only prefer that this not be so obvious to him.

DS will be back to working by himself in 7th and 8th and I am planning to lobby in the spring for the district to use AOPS, although that might be tricky since the courses don't exactly line up. A big chunk of the AOPS Algebra 2 will be review but there are enough new stuff there that DS can't jump to Algebra 3. However, I am hopeful that I might be able to sell it because in addition to the recent certification, AOPS apparently can generate paperwork as well as provide a grade to satisfy bureaucrats.

I was actually looking for reassurance - LOL! The thing is that I thought early secondary would be the safest bet because now the teachers are specialized but we aren't yet at the higher level courses.

There is lots for DS to learn in Geometry or he wouldn't be taking the course so I really hope no tongue-biting will be necessary.

On a different note, one of the lessons that we've tried to inculcate in our children is that one can learn something from anyone, irrespective of intelligence, education, or even character.

Of course, the lesson learned may or may not have anything to do with the class title.

I would have no problem with the teacher being entirely open about being "less intelligent" than some of her students, as long as it didn't become an excuse for not seeking out answers to questions asked, or not providing greater challenge where needed, or--it should go without saying--inaccuracies.

After the teacher presented the distribution of results to the parents, I already knew that DS was the only student at level 5. I also did not necessarily expect the teacher to score as many questions correct but I was still hoping that she assessed at the same level as DS. For whatever reason, the teacher told DS in a conversation after class that even she didn't assessed at level 5 and that worried DS a bit. I just rather she hadn't volunteer that kind of info because it is important for a student to have confidence in his teacher.

That's why I bit my tongue and haven't asked her about her experience. As far as how I know DS is faster, it's all hearsay from DS. The kids are told to walk their papers to her desk as soon as they are done. DS feels a bit awkward and tries to drag it out by double-checking everything but the teacher is still working on the problems when he drops off his paper although she does usually announce pretty soon afterwards that she is done. It would be better for DS if the teacher completes the problems beforehand.

I actually agree with you. I do assume that she knows more than DS does in Geometry so hopefully that is enough to ensure that he will learn sufficiently. I just wished that they hadn't switch the math sequence . . .

That's just crazy. I can't imagine the gym teacher teaching biology! They are a bit stricter with certification here but that still doesn't guarantee competence. I do feel for the math teachers that they have to do all the extra work this year to gear up for teaching a Geometry instead of Algebra II.

The title was a bit of a misnomer. I am not really concerned with smarter as much as level of skills. The Van Hiele is not an IQ test but rather an assessment of the level of geometric reasoning skills, which can be taught. For example, college math majors are expected to be at the top level. Unless for some reason this teacher falls outside the norm, she should have a masters degree. I am grateful that she doesn't seem defensive or an ogre so it may all work out.

Wow, that's pretty low! I guess I have been spoiled. DS' last two math teachers were very qualified and even two of his normal elementary math teachers seem reasonably bright.

That just makes me miss the good old Pre-K days when I can just focus on the kids having fun and making friends.

You are correct though that this teacher can still be awesome in other ways. Like I said, she seem to handle the students fairly well so there is that.