Did anyone opt out of G&T? What are the pros/cons?

[Anonymous]

My 1st grader has been getting pulled to do more advanced math with the math specialist. The school doesn't start G&T until 3th grade, but begins by having the coordinator pull kids out for more challenging work. Obviously, I don't know how DS will test in a couple years, but he's always been great with numbers and has a natural aptitude. Looking way ahead, are there any downsides to having him placed in the G&T program? Is it better to make sure he is challenged by supplementing or accelerating at home or outside programs? I ask because I haven't paid any attention to this stuff and don't have older kids, but I do vaguely remember people generally bashing G&T, including on DCUM.

[Anonymous]

Good lord.

[Anonymous]

No, you don't opt out of it. Keep on top of programs that your school offers, that's what not-disengaged parents do.

[Anonymous]

Does he like it? Does it suit him?

[Anonymous]

I don’t understand. Why would you opt out if he qualifies? But of course you should be doing more at home and challenging him, regardless of gifted program.

[Anonymous]

Read some books on gifted kids. It will help guide your approach to parenting

[Anonymous]

Include him in whatever they offer so he is engaged in learning. There’s no downside to learning, unless it’s high-pressure.

[Anonymous]

I think the general bashing you’re referring to is more about there not being enough G&T services/opportunities, not that G&T programs themselves are bad.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think the general bashing you’re referring to is more about there not being enough G&T services/opportunities, not that G&T programs themselves are bad.

This. We complain there isn’t enough, not that you shouldn’t ignore what exists.

[Anonymous]

We opted out of AAP until middle school. It worked great. Our kid walked to their neighborhood school and was able to spend most afternoons hanging out with friends. In middle school, we accepted services and the took AA courses and did well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We opted out of AAP until middle school. It worked great. Our kid walked to their neighborhood school and was able to spend most afternoons hanging out with friends. In middle school, we accepted services and the took AA courses and did well.

You oped out of AAP *center*. That's a reasonable choice because switching schools is a big trade-off.

[Anonymous]

No. We did not opt out of GT. Also, enriched and supplemented at home so that the kid was not bored and was learning new things without any pressure of academics.

The biggest pro is the cohort and the parents. The kid gets to be in a normal classroom experience surrounded by like-ability kids and the classroom is conducive to learning. This is a way to create an environment of learning and support around them.

[Anonymous]

What is g&t

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We opted out of AAP until middle school. It worked great. Our kid walked to their neighborhood school and was able to spend most afternoons hanging out with friends. In middle school, we accepted services and the took AA courses and did well.

You oped out of AAP *center*. That's a reasonable choice because switching schools is a big trade-off.

We opted out of AAP. There was no LLIV at the time

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No. We did not opt out of GT. Also, enriched and supplemented at home so that the kid was not bored and was learning new things without any pressure of academics.

The biggest pro is the cohort and the parents. The kid gets to be in a normal classroom experience surrounded by like-ability kids and the classroom is conducive to learning. This is a way to create an environment of learning and support around them.

This is part of my hesitation. In our district G&T is provided through small group pull out sessions. It’s not center based and no separate formal classrooms until middle school.