Kid five grade levels ahead

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I'm a pretty laid back parent and haven't given the tests that much thought over the years. Kid is clearly doing well. Occasionally I wonder/worry about what happens in later grades, hence my question.

We are in DC area.

As I said I haven't kept track of test results that closely. I can't tell you what different tests, except percentiles have been consistent since child thought themself to read age three. At some point one of the tests offered an IQ equivalent which I recall was in the mid 140s. Don't know how much stock to put in that. Surprised to hear this is commonplace in DC.

Thanks to the pp who mentioned the Neuro psych eval. I'll think about that, but also at this point am not sure further testing is what I want to do. Want kid to just be a kid and not on a path to college by 13 or some whizz kid math nerd.

What was the IQ equivalent test? Lots of posters mistakenly believe it is the cogat. What was it? I'm not trying to be snarky. I'm simply saying I don't know it's credible your child is where he is. I'm guessing he is bright. I'm also guessing you're relying on unreliable data to support your premise for how far ahead he is. Go look at the math a kid that far ahead is doing. Not one problem...but a year's worth. I'm guessing he can do pieces of it. That doesn't mean he's x-years ahead in math. Does he know about probability, geometry, area, circumference, etc? Or can he do SOME simple math problems for higher grades?

Like I said, I haven't kept track. I may have it in a folder somewhere but "cogat" does not ring a bell. It was a speech language pathologist who looked at the test results and told me the IQ equivalent. I'm not really sure what your point is? You don't have any advice because you don't believe me? Which is it? My statements aren't credible or that kids like mine are a dime a dozen in the DC area. You can't have it both ways. Yes, kid is very comfortable with geometry, area, square root, complex multiplication, long division, circumference, radius etc. I'm not sure what else, but you can look at a sixth grade math curriculum, I guess.

Do you think that your son has the math background to succeed in pre Algebra or Algebra 1? I'm not being snarky here - that is a serious question. Have the teachers indicated to you that your son is ready for middle school math?

Yes.

O.k. then if the teachers are saying this maybe you should talk to the principal about your son's unique situation. I say this with the caveat that - your son has very unlikely been given comprehensive instruction in math leading all the way up to 7th grade math. There could very well be significant gaps in his knowledge. Where do you think he learned how to do these problems?

I would say the same thing about reading level. Just because a 7 year old might be able to read A Tale of Two Cities, does not mean that they are ready to analyze Twain. Just because a 7 year old might read everything that they can get their hands on (college texts included) about a subject that fascinates them, does not mean that they are ready to write an in depth research paper.

What is your point? This is a child who has been reading since she turned three. Do you think I don't know the difference between ability to read and ability to discuss at college level? My child has been reading chapter books since three years old and a few months. I've been struggling to find appropriate reading material for a precocious reader since then and to make sure that comprehension keeps up with ability. Kid is reading texts way beyond even the testing levels. Reading books supposedly at 5th grade level in K. But now tested -- including comprehension-- at end sixth/start seventh. Yes, I understand what this means. I understand that kid can discuss these books at great length and with considerable sophistication but is not yet able to convey quite such analysis in writing. I want kid to continue to love reading so I leave it at that. I don't need my child to be a high achiever or to prove something here. I was just hoping to hear from people about whether I'm missing anything here. Whether there is something I should be aware of for older grades. Kid also has a lot of anxiety and perfectionism and whatever happens, I want to minimize that, while keeping her happy and engaged. ( and no we don't praise kid for smarts, only effort).

I don't understand where your line of questioning is going? What is your experience?

The reading level is easier for a child to self develop - I can see how a 7 year old who is interested in horses, for instance, might be reading everything he/she can get their hands on about horses and horse racing. I can see how they might have looked at complicated texts about equestrian training. I think there are probably more than a few parents on DCUM familiar with this sort of self teaching in their children.

The math level is a bit more fascinating. I'm genuinely curious as to how a 2nd grader would have self taught math up to the 7th grade level.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You say you live in the DC area. But you also say there is no gifted program where you live? Ummm... seems surprising that a DC area school doesn't have any a gifted program.

Clearly you are not in DC. DCPS does not have a gifted program. They have SEM at some schools. That's it.

DCPS differentiates instruction, so if OP's Algebra ready 7-year old were in my kid's DCPS, they would be taking a higher level math class with a small group of kids with a math specialist, and otherwise having a great time in elementary school, possibly singing Hakuna Matada in the wooden hallways. But a 7-year-old would not be taking Algebra, no matter how smart, but would be doing more in depth and interesting math problem solving appropriate to the child. And, no, OP's kid would not be alone.

[Anonymous]

OP, with a 99% (anything over 95%), you can have your kid test for the John Hopkins CTY program (Center for Talented Youth). Hmm. Though it may not start until your child is a little older but you should check it out so as to be ready.

Your child's score qualifies your child to take another test, called the SCAT, and if your child tests two or more grade levels up in either math or verbal, s/he is eligible for summer classes, and online programs that are offered year-round.

So for example, my kids tested into CTY, and then took an Ancient Civilizations course over the summer which was great. (this was a few years back)

But more importantly, this year, my younger kid (in 6th this year) was not challenged in math, so she took a CTY math placement test, and was placed in CTY Pre-Algebra. It's online.

The best part is she takes the Pre-Algebra course IN class, (on an iPad or laptop, with earbuds) INSTEAD of her math course. This is huge because she's very athletic and doesn't want MORE school after school.

She's going to a different school in the fall for 7th, and took that school's math placement test and qualified for Algebra 1. That wouldn't have happened but-for the CTY Pre-Algebra course.

You will need to check with your school to make sure it accepts CTY (many, many schools do, we're in a Los Angeles Catholic, and our publics do, however our local Episcopalian Independent school does not). If they don't, you could just do it anyways after school (but I'd try to get the school to go for it; it's widely accepted)

The website is a little annoying and not too intuitive but if you get confused, just call them they will help you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, with a 99% (anything over 95%), you can have your kid test for the John Hopkins CTY program (Center for Talented Youth). Hmm. Though it may not start until your child is a little older but you should check it out so as to be ready.

Your child's score qualifies your child to take another test, called the SCAT, and if your child tests two or more grade levels up in either math or verbal, s/he is eligible for summer classes, and online programs that are offered year-round.

So for example, my kids tested into CTY, and then took an Ancient Civilizations course over the summer which was great. (this was a few years back)

But more importantly, this year, my younger kid (in 6th this year) was not challenged in math, so she took a CTY math placement test, and was placed in CTY Pre-Algebra. It's online.

The best part is she takes the Pre-Algebra course IN class, (on an iPad or laptop, with earbuds) INSTEAD of her math course. This is huge because she's very athletic and doesn't want MORE school after school.

She's going to a different school in the fall for 7th, and took that school's math placement test and qualified for Algebra 1. That wouldn't have happened but-for the CTY Pre-Algebra course.

You will need to check with your school to make sure it accepts CTY (many, many schools do, we're in a Los Angeles Catholic, and our publics do, however our local Episcopalian Independent school does not). If they don't, you could just do it anyways after school (but I'd try to get the school to go for it; it's widely accepted)

The website is a little annoying and not too intuitive but if you get confused, just call them they will help you.

In DCPS, Algebra in 7th is normal for advanced kids. No need to take CTY to get there. But I agree, CTY summer camp was a great experience for my kids; not to advance, but to explore new things that many peers are not interested in, but that kids at camp love too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You say you live in the DC area. But you also say there is no gifted program where you live? Ummm... seems surprising that a DC area school doesn't have any a gifted program.

Clearly you are not in DC. DCPS does not have a gifted program. They have SEM at some schools. That's it.

DCPS differentiates instruction, so if OP's Algebra ready 7-year old were in my kid's DCPS, they would be taking a higher level math class with a small group of kids with a math specialist, and otherwise having a great time in elementary school, possibly singing Hakuna Matada in the wooden hallways. But a 7-year-old would not be taking Algebra, no matter how smart, but would be doing more in depth and interesting math problem solving appropriate to the child. And, no, OP's kid would not be alone.

Not alone? I'm in DCPS and can confidently tell you there are not hoards of kids like this in my second grade's class. In fact, none. Most classmates are barely reading, for example.

NP

[Anonymous]

People get annoyed because posts like this are a dime a dozen. Kids like this are not. Here's one: https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/this-math-whiz-is-getting-a-masters-in-the-subject--before-graduating-high-school/2017/05/19/cd1dbae4-3caa-11e7-9e48-c4f199710b69_story.html?utm_term=.6d6b94d31d45

A parent who claims her kid tested 5 years ahead and posts about it would know the name of the test the kid took that showed his level. Her kid ain't stephanie mui.

[Anonymous]

My son is in the same category but socially he is solidly still a first grader. We've met with his school several times, and together decided to keep him in class at an age appropriate level. There is no formal gifted program at his school but he gets pulled out for extra math and science, and his classroom teacher keeps him challenged with reading.

In addition his dad is a scientist so they do lots of goofy learning projects together outside of school, and I write with him or just google stuff that he's curious about sometimes. But really we're mostly just focused on him being happy, being challenged, making friends, and indulging his hobbies and interests like any other family. He's a smart kid so I'm pretty confident that he'll always be curious and always be learning, but like any 7 year old boy, he also needs to learn to follow directions, play well with others, and be willing to try in areas where he's not all that exceptional (like soccer!) - and that's what we focus on at school.

[Anonymous]

Re the above post...hence the above poster saying, "People get annoyed because posts like this are a dime a dozen."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Re the above post...hence the above poster saying, "People get annoyed because posts like this are a dime a dozen."

10 responders to this thread have kids like this kid.

OP: what test at school said you kid was reading on a 6th/7th grade level? I'm a different poster...and a teacher in the area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Re the above post...hence the above poster saying, "People get annoyed because posts like this are a dime a dozen."

10 responders to this thread have kids like this kid.

OP: what test at school said you kid was reading on a 6th/7th grade level? I'm a different poster...and a teacher in the area.

NWEA MAP. Score was 222. Do you have any insight? Teacher didn't provide much, other than grade equivalent. It wasn't an unexpected result. I should probably research that test before you all start crowing that all kids score that high, or that it's a flawed test.

(But seriously, if it is flawed, and most tests are to some extent, I'd be interested in how or why).

[Anonymous]

OP, Your child's teacher seems to be assuming that somewhere 60th around the percentile for MAP is the grade level equivalent which is not unreasonable. Your child's score of 222 is between 60-70th percentile for 6th and 7th grades.

What was her MAP math score?

[Anonymous]

1st or 2nd grade?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, Your child's teacher seems to be assuming that somewhere 60th around the percentile for MAP is the grade level equivalent which is not unreasonable. Your child's score of 222 is between 60-70th percentile for 6th and 7th grades.

What was her MAP math score?

Doesn't it put the math in the lower end for the 6th, not the 7th grade? Isn't math 6th, 220-226 and math 7th 226-230?

[Anonymous]

OP,My 14 year old is very similar to your child. She has done everything early and does just about everything well. We no longer live in the DC area and a few years ago we homeschooled to keep her challenged. It was great but she wanted to also be at school with her friends so she returned. I also wanted to go back to working full time As she enters high school, she is on track to finish Calculus BC her sophomore year. At our state math competition, she was one of the o my girls, she didn't place in the top 16 but was happy with her performance.. She is a ballet dancer, plays jazz guitar, surfs, kayaks, lives for marine science, loves hiking etc. She is also kind and a bit embarrassed of her perfect grades sometimes when her friends ask. For her, it has been better to not accelerate her through school, though I am sure she could be in college by now if she wanted that. She is happy, healthy and fit and social and a great big sister to her three younger brothers.

[Anonymous]

I'm amazed that there such giftedness is so rare and yet despite it being so, nearly all the parents of these gifted kids must be online responding to this post. Wow...lots of parents have kids like this.