Well, here we go. The middle school my daughter will go to “Only has an all gifted track”. (So basically your child flys or fails - at least that was MY interpretation). My answer to that was, “Since my daughter has an IEP and that is supposed to be an INDIVIDUALIZED Education Plan, couldn’t she have her classes “custom designed” for her unique educational needs?” “For instance, possibly gifted science and math, but general/advanced English”. First they looked at me like I was from another planet and then they “hemmed and hawed” about it and said “we’ll have to take a wait and see approach”. My problem is that I don’t want to WAIT until I get to MS to find out what they are going to do and then spend her 1st year there fighting with the school and wasting her year. (Do you know what I mean?) Been there, done that.
Ok, teachers, am I being unreasonable? Honestly, I value the opinions of the teachers and profs on this board. She is in a ONE DAY A WEEK ONLY pull out for gifted at this time (elementary school) and I am afraid the transition of ALL gifted and middle school (in general) would be too much. She currently LOVES school and learning and I don’t want her overtaxed.
Anyway, just wanted to get the opinions of teachers/profs on this BB. She is only on 15 min consult for ESE. Again, I am open to the fact that I could have expectations that are too high, however, I also believe a chld will often rise to the occasion when capable and opportunity presents itself.
Any thoughts?
Re: gifted/standard classes combo in MS
Thanks for the info.
I actually went to a magnet school program this year re: GATE schools in the district. I met a mom/lawyer (BOY was she a powerhouse!) and she told me to put her in that school and MAKE them accommodate her. (Public school, they have to). She said they will discourage you, but if she meets the criteria, she’s in PERIOD. Said she needs 2 things: LMB and a laptop. (She already has both). I was kind of encouraged.
Quite an interesting bit of knowledge I gained yesterday. I am thinking about filling out that application. Down side - no students in our neighborhood go - but her best friends are moving away, so it’s going to change anyway.
There are no easy answers.
PS
The local school has ONLY an accelerated program (which isn’t really what she needs), while the GATE school has an actual enrichment (different currculum - higher level thinking) and all teachers are certified in gifted. (I’m ignorant - is the certification a huge difference?)
Re: PS
DOn’t wait and see… go in there with your list of accommodations. Perhaps let them help figure out whether heavy-duty accommodations in the gifted-track classes in her weaker areas (recorded texts, reduced reading & writing — spell it out & be specific as to what the needs would be) would be better than figuring out a way to schedule her for some of each.
I wasn't impressed
Most of what they were doing in 5th, Jami had done in 2nd and 3rd at her local school.
Sue, I think you’re right, we just accommodate her. (And I won’t have so far to drive for my meetings!)
I have a daughter who has spent all three of her middle school years in the gifted classes. She has asperger’s and doesn’t write much (no essays) and can’t do projects on her own. She has had modifications in her iep and her knowledge needs to be tested by standard type of tests. She needs the high level of discussion and knowledge in the gifted classes—don’t let them tell you no unless you think the class is the wrong fit. Otherwise it is discrimination.
good luck