A bright child isn't necessarily born with the users manual to the universe implanted in his brain. Yes, they learn quickly, but still need to be guided. But if the amount of guidance is limited relative to their capabilities and ends up holding them back, they may also easily fall into bad patterns and habits driven by their boredom in class, i.e. disruptive behavior, they may sour on school and become disinterested in academics, et cetera. You don't think that isn't going to happen when they learn the material in half or a third of the time as compared to their classmates and then have nothing to do to keep them occupied? You do them every bit as much of a disservice by not meeting their needs as you would by not meeting the needs of a child with a learning disability. |
So, please tell me which children don't deserve an IEP? Those two kids that fall into "average"? Give me a break. Count your blessings and teach your child that sometimes there is value in busy work. |
"Yeah, shaddap and count your blessings that you weren't born in Pakistan, where your daughter would get shot in the head for going to school. You should be GRATEFUL!" </sarcasm> |
If a student is grades ahead then he isn't learning anything and is just sitting in class twiddling his thumbs, wasting his time, and schools little more than a glorified daycare. |
I do not know of any teachers in any school that would let that happen. If that is what your child needs, then he must require hand feeding. |
If a child is that far ahead in everything, then they should skip a grade. |
That usually doesn't work. It's a social mess. I'm speaking as a teacher. I really don't know any teachers who ignore bright kids and let them just sit. |
Are you really that obtuse? No child "needs" to be sitting in class twiddling thumbs and wasting time, but it does in fact happen a LOT, when kids are advanced learners who are bored to tears are going over material that they've already mastered. That's a child who needs to continue to be challenged in class, but teachers typically do not have the bandwidth to deal with the advanced learners, so those students just get ignored. What they NEED is to be taught at an appropriately challenging level. They NEED an appropriate education. Being taught at a level several grades below them, and wasting their time is NOT appropriate education - yet that's precisely what your status quo would entail. |
I have a MCPS Middle School Child that, through AEI, takes HS math courses which apply towards his High School credits. |
Has that been your experience? It was not mine. My child was given reading assignments are her level. |
| These issues do fade in the later years when everyone can read etc. Ancient World History in 6th grade? Maybe a few history buff 11 year olds have nothing to learn but most kids are not experts. Same in science. English writing assignments are very customizable to ability. A personal narrative can be done by children who are advanced and struggling. |
Yes, that's been my experience. The only saving grace would be to bring in outside reading as something to keep occupied with - and not even all teachers would allow that. |
| If your child is sitting there twiddling her thumbs, there is a serious problem with the teacher. Talk to the teacher and then go up the chain. However, be prepared--the teacher may have documentation that shows your child is not as smart as you say. |
+1 |
It's far more widespread than you think. And, when the kid's getting straight A's and tests as high IQ but is bored in shitless in school, it's definitely the school's problem. Blaming the victim isn't going to get you very far there. |