How would I know if my kid is advanced?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm really interested to hear that some kids are in differentiated math groups. Is this only third grade and up? Is anyone getting that in first or second grade? I think those who are complaining about the OP should hold back on the snark. My daughter is constantly complaining that she's bored at school -- I can't tell if the problem is that the material is too easy, if she's just a complainer, or some third option. I'm not trying to get her into Harvard -- I just want her to like school, and learn how to work hard. At the moment, she doesn't really seem to work hard on anything at school. At this age, she would be happy to work hard on more difficult assignments -- in another couple of years, I'm afraid she'll be happy to just coast through and then she'll never learn to really work.

+1

We don't have this either and would love to hear more about where this differentiation is occurring in the early grades.

And, you can believe me or not, but this really isn't about getting my kid into Harvard. Really. We couldn't even afford it if she is smart enough.

It is truly about my kid actually learning something at school. My kid is NOT a genius. But, she enjoys math (for now). I wish they were doing more at school. Yes, we do math at home, but I feel like she should be engaged at school.

If my kid is spending 30 hours a week at school, I really want her to be actually learning something. We moved to MCPS for the schools. Can't afford private, and I'd prefer to stay in the public schools anyway. And, homeschooling isn't really a possibility right now for various reasons. Why is it unreasonable to expect the work be challenging enough at school to keep DD interested?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm really interested to hear that some kids are in differentiated math groups. Is this only third grade and up? Is anyone getting that in first or second grade? I think those who are complaining about the OP should hold back on the snark. My daughter is constantly complaining that she's bored at school -- I can't tell if the problem is that the material is too easy, if she's just a complainer, or some third option. I'm not trying to get her into Harvard -- I just want her to like school, and learn how to work hard. At the moment, she doesn't really seem to work hard on anything at school. At this age, she would be happy to work hard on more difficult assignments -- in another couple of years, I'm afraid she'll be happy to just coast through and then she'll never learn to really work.

+1

We don't have this either and would love to hear more about where this differentiation is occurring in the early grades.

And, you can believe me or not, but this really isn't about getting my kid into Harvard. Really. We couldn't even afford it if she is smart enough.

It is truly about my kid actually learning something at school. My kid is NOT a genius. But, she enjoys math (for now). I wish they were doing more at school. Yes, we do math at home, but I feel like she should be engaged at school.

If my kid is spending 30 hours a week at school, I really want her to be actually learning something. We moved to MCPS for the schools. Can't afford private, and I'd prefer to stay in the public schools anyway. And, homeschooling isn't really a possibility right now for various reasons. Why is it unreasonable to expect the work be challenging enough at school to keep DD interested?

I sympathize, but I think you really to figure out if it is a school problem or a kid problem.
Sometimes kids say they are bored because they just don't feel like doing what is offered, they just like to complain, they are not putting forth any effort to be engaged(it is a 2 way street).
Sometimes they need to be more engaged in the classroom.
Maybe u can volunteer in class to get a clearer picture of what is going on.
Honestly, a lot of it is personality and no one can guarantee that any school system will be able to turn your kid on and keep them happy all the time.
Teach them to love learning and how to find ways to do that regardless of the setting... St home or school.
Last but not least, ask the teacher she will probably have entirely different take and can provide insight.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I guess I should just ask for a conference, but in the past they have not been very productive. I get the impression the teacher feels somehow constrained not to say anything meaningfully positive or negative about my child. This system is frustrating.

Get her tested.

I first read this to mean, "Get the teacher tested."

[Anonymous]

My friend up in Damascus area says they have differentiated reading and math groups.