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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I thnk its less about having a G/T program and more about pulling out the slowest/neediest kids from the class, so the class can be at appropriate grade level. Its no secret that DCPS is not allowed to hold back any kids in elem schoo. That really becomes a major issue in middle school.  At the point, the kids are who just above average (and not truly gifted) become the top 10% when compared to a classmate who may be reading three grade levels behind.  My mom is a teacher but luckily now retired, she said its inevitiable that with all the standardized testing the teacher must focus on the slowest kids and not "waste time" on the kids you know will test well.   If DCPS just pulled those kids out of class, I think most parents would be quite happy that the classroom now could provide more grade appropriate challenging work.[/quote]

But these "just above average" children might not test into a gifted program.  So they would be left in class with students who are "grade levels behind," while the really advanced students would be in their own GT program.

I second the previous poster who was bemused by the fact that most DCUMers blithely assume their children will qualify for gifted programs. 
[/quote]

You assume "most DCUMers" assume that.  I don't think that's a valid assumption, I think it's more just a reflection of your own disdain of other posters.  I happen to think most of us are pragmatic enough and know enough about statistics to know what 1% or 2% is and we don't really appreciate you insulting our intelligence.  And regardless of whether one personally has a dog in the hunt or not with regard to their own kid it still makes sense to pursue G&T just as it makes sense to pursue Special Needs programs for those who need it, regardless of your own kid's needs.  Please don't be so selfish, folks.[/quote]

I don't think you all understand what I was saying. I wasn't advocating for a G/T--more just to pull out the slowest kids so the class can teach at the appropriate pace and level.   I think some folks truly do not want to admit how far behind some of the kids are in DCPS and yet they get shuffled along each year.  I dont think its helpful for a kid who reads at grade level to be stuck in a classroom with a kid who barely reads at all. And yes that happens.  There is a reason DC had to start "Twilight" academies for some 9th graders. They got to highschool and oh shit,  they had skill levels on par with elem school and susprise, they acted out or dropped out.   Call me crazy but having those kids in with my average kid year after year is poor planning.  I don't need my kid pulled out of class, I need the slow learners pulled out or held back. Its not my kids job to tutor the other kids or sit there bored doing worksheet after worksheet while a teacher devotes time to some of these kids.[/quote]

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