I have a question about gifted and talented at MCPS

[Anonymous]

We are new to MC this year and my son is in 5th grade. We got a letter home on Friday saying that he was identified G/T. He was in G/T programs in previous schools as well. The letter was just a form letter, so it says that differentiated instruction will continue to be provided, etc. I know that matters for kids who will still be in elementary school next, year but I'm not sure what it means for kids who are moving on to middle school. I know I can contact the school directly, but thought I would ask here to get parent feedback.

Thanks in advance.

[Anonymous]

About 40% of MCPS children are labeled gifted. It means very little. Anyone (gifted or not) is alllowed to apply to the GT magnets but the criteria is much higher. More like top 2%. In theory it is supposed to affect the courses he takes but I think grades and teacher recs are more important. Depending on your middle school they may or may not offer differntiated classrooms. Always good to be able to check off the box however..

[Anonymous]

He should be taking the advanced middle school classes in science, world studies and english, NOT regular classes. Every school should have these. They are part of the MSRI (middle school reform initiative).

It's too late to apply for a middle school magnet like Takoma or Eastern. (You must apply in the beginning of 5th grade).

Also, make sure you know his math level next year on the pre-assessment. For example, if he scores well on the 6th grade pre-assessment usually given in the first week of school, that may demonstrate that he already knows 6th grade math and should skip to a more appropriate grade. Depending on your middle school, you may have a range of math classes that go from on grade level to 1, 2 or 3 years advanced.

[Anonymous]

PP is incorrect. Some middle schools offer differentiated classes. Other are completely heterogeneous except for math. Within the class children are in theory offered different levels of work... My children are not there yet, but my understanding is that this is the trend for all middle school eventually. They proport that they are offering an advanced curriculum to all.