This entire thread has failed to define “gifted”. I grew up with that designation, never had an IQ test (thought those were debunked). You may need to say exactly what the term means as people seem to have very different ideas here. |
I don't think you can draw conclusions about local schools from this. Almost no one takes the test. DCPS is not into academic competitions at all, nor are most of the private schools. When it happens, rarely, it is because there is a parent forcing the issue for their kid, and when that person is gone, so is the competition. |
You are confusing prodigy with gifted. |
Being academically advanced or doing well in school is different from being gifted, though many gifted kids are also academically advanced -- some are failing. And no, "gifted" is not taking pre-calc in 4th grade, though undoubtedly such a child is a math prodigy or savant. |
DH comes from hard-scrabble immigrant background; didn't learn English until he went to school. I come from a small town. We went to just-OK public schools, then MIT and an Ivy, on Pell Grants. Our siblings attended Ivies. We've loved school, college, grad school, jobs we enjoy. We read a lot, do crossword puzzles, haunt public libraries, limit screen time, sign kids up for Outschool classes they enjoy. We're raising the kids bilingual. We pay for writing tutors and music lessons. We could afford private school but aren't interested - DCPS works for us all. Too many pampered, entitled kids in cocoon environments in privates. |
Our child is doing fine at Brent in 4th grade.
He's given math 2 years ahead of grade level, and frequent encouragement to read 2-3 years ahead of grade level by a fabulous school librarian. |
DP. Where did you find a writing tutor? |
“Gifted” as you define it is probably 25-50% of my DC’s class. We’re all highly educated parents with Ivy degrees yadda yadda. Our kids truly don’t need anything special. |
TaskRabbit DC.com |
What bothers me is that my lazy "gifted" kid isn't pushed at school (where at-risk participation is in the single digits). She coasts year after year, yet earns near perfect grades. I wind up bribing her to work harder than her teachers require, signing her up for enrichment classes, dangling summer camps she's eager to attend to leverage cooperation. This is what happens without bona fide GT programs in DC. Bright, well-prepared kids don't need to break a sweat in DCPS elementary schools. |
I’m not sure that any kid needs to “break a sweat” in elementary school. That seems more like your family/parenting values, and less like anything related to the needs of “gifted” kids. My kid is likely as smart as yours but I don’t want him to grind in 3rd grade .... |
Lol Maybe your kid is lazy because of you and your genetics. Stop making it out problem |
Seriously did you freak out if your kid went a day w out listening to Mozart as a baby or ate a gasp un organize piece of cheese. Take several seats and breaths. That will actually help you and your kid thrive. |
My child has complete testing done due to some concerns. The neuropsych recommend gifted classes. WOTP school told me they only provide any support or additional instruction for kids who are below grade level. Same school has gotten rid of enrichment over a period of a few years. Supplement with outside resources or find a school district with a gifted program. |
Wow, this could be me - having this exact issue right now with a first grader (this is so well written). Would love to hear where you landed in MD. |