The real "GT" issue in MCPS

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

a) Programming will be developed as needed in each K-8 school and in other settings.
Planning for gifted and talented will include special provisions for:

(1) Challenging instruction, flexible grouping, and scheduling arrangements that
allow time with intellectual peers for in-depth study in mathematics,
reading/language arts, science, social studies, and foreign language
(2) Communication of the program to parents

Sure would be nice if I saw any of that at our local ES.

+1, +1, +1!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That is the point. The GT forum is the only chance to tell MCPS about the needs about these kids who need the HGC services. The problem is when other folks with their agenda try to take the forum hostage. It would be nice if the parents who took the test and qualified (even if they didn't get a sopt in the HGC) came to the forum.

My DS in 4th grade, who is a highly gifted student (assesed by professionals) was not accepted into HGC. He is off the chart in reading and soaks any concept you teach him in 5 minutes. He irrirates the hell out of his 8th grade magnet school brother by discussing words and concepts at elder brother's level. He learns most things from internet, youtube, khanacademy, any other source he can lay his hands on. Very bored in class and disliked by teachers for blurting out answers. What good is it for me to advocate for more HGC, when he is not being challenged in his local school? How does it matter to my family even if the advocacy results in more magnet schools and no one gurantee that he will be accepted into it based on his capability? Would not he be better served if I advocate for appropriate acceleration in his local school, so that if it is implemented he would benifit whether he is in magnet school or local school?

You are right on all counts. There are a lot of kids like your son out there (I think).

[Anonymous]

^^ I also agree, PP.

Not to repeat myself, but my first child, who attended the HGC and MS magnet, was very well challenged and has received an excellent and appropriate education so far.

My second child has the same IQ as DC #1 and also has a learning disability that makes him not as evident a candidate (i.e. not a great standardized test taker). He was waitlisted for both the HGC and MS magnet. He is dying of boredom in his current MS.

We need both approaches available to our kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To the PP incapable of following the earlier posted links to view for herself how MCPS describes GT...The link does not have a specific cut off percentage. My understanding is that MCPS keeps that secret. But it does describe the GT goals. Note that #3 is not the only point on this list and that it is broken out seperately from the first 2 points, meaning that those that are at the very top and qualify for magnets/HGC are part of the overall GT group but they are not the only kids in that grouping.

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/policy/pdf/ioa.pdf

p. 4

"3. Program
To respond to the range of needs and abilities among gifted and talented students, every
school will have an appropriate, clearly defined and articulated program for gifted and
talented students.

a) Programming will be developed as needed in each K-8 school and in other settings.
Planning for gifted and talented will include special provisions for:



(1) Challenging instruction, flexible grouping, and scheduling arrangements that
allow time with intellectual peers for in-depth study in mathematics,
reading/language arts, science, social studies, and foreign language
(2) Communication of the program to parents

b) The Honors Program will be the vehicle for serving gifted and talented students in
all Grade 9-12 schools.

c) For students who require a markedly different programming, centers for highly
gifted and other special programs including magnet programs will continue to be
provided, and new programs will be developed as needed.

So, the policy says "Planning for gifted and talented" and lists a whole lotta things. So the Examiner was right that the IOA policy is kinda looser that the law. But ... I haven't seen any "challenging instruction, flexible grouping, and scheduling arrangements that allow time with intellectual peers for in-depth study in mathematics, reading/language arts, science, social studies, and foreign language "

The policy isn't being applied?? My DS and DD only got reading and math. That was a few years ago.

I think the policy is meaningless and the GTA sticking to it may not be a good idea. At least the law gives leverage.

[Anonymous]

ok, i see that some of you are typing responses faster than the clock speed. so here is a request. whether you agree with GTA or not you are obviously very invested in the changes in GT education, so will you please go to http://www.gtamc.org/2012-gt-forum and provide your comment before 5pm today, even if you want to convey "GT in MCPS should only refer to magnet ready kids" or "GT is everyone above xyz %tile"... you can certainly qualify your statement with "I am not a member of GTA, but I care about GT" if you want.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:ok, i see that some of you are typing responses faster than the clock speed. so here is a request. whether you agree with GTA or not you are obviously very invested in the changes in GT education, so will you please go to http://www.gtamc.org/2012-gt-forum and provide your comment before 5pm today, even if you want to convey "GT in MCPS should only refer to magnet ready kids" or "GT is everyone above xyz %tile"... you can certainly qualify your statement with "I am not a member of GTA, but I care about GT" if you want.

Or, you can be really smart and email your comments directly to:

[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]

You can find all these email addresses on the MCPS website. By doing so you will be showing them you are a real person with real kids IN THE MCPS system. You won't be dismissed as a phantom parent recruited by the GTA. Stand up on your own feet and avoid organizations with their own agenda.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:ok, i see that some of you are typing responses faster than the clock speed. so here is a request. whether you agree with GTA or not you are obviously very invested in the changes in GT education, so will you please go to http://www.gtamc.org/2012-gt-forum and provide your comment before 5pm today, even if you want to convey "GT in MCPS should only refer to magnet ready kids" or "GT is everyone above xyz %tile"... you can certainly qualify your statement with "I am not a member of GTA, but I care about GT" if you want.

Or, you can be really smart and email your comments directly to:

[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]

You can find all these email addresses on the MCPS website. By doing so you will be showing them you are a real person with real kids IN THE MCPS system. You won't be dismissed as a phantom parent recruited by the GTA. Stand up on your own feet and avoid organizations with their own agenda.

Looks like this smart person has not learned the power in standing united.

[Anonymous]

If you are planning to go to the meeting MCPS Superintendent's Gifted Education Forum tomorrow at 7pm in Magruder High School, please plan to wear something "Green" to support "Gifted Education".