Anonymous wrote:Not in separate math classes per se (I don't think any DCPS does that) but there are pullouts every day into different groups. Additionally, there are math clubs and teams they can join as they get older.

Essentially the theory is not to advance the stronger kids more quickly through the curriculum, but to have them dive deeper into each subject as they go through it.

This sounds really cool! Would you mind sharing which school this is?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP coming to add one last thing. Another reason for testing is that I was semi-hopeful (eternal optimist) that maybe if we came armed with test results and actual data that our school might consider they aren't meeting the needs of all learners (including our child, but I know there are others!). Still hopeful, but also trying to be realistic.

I very much doubt this would happen. Your child is not the first time they have had a kid who is talented at math.

I would very strongly not recommend Inspired Teaching, as there is very little math differentiation at all and it just doesn't feel like a priority. Not just this year but every year starting in K it has felt that way to me.

I would take a very good look at Seaton, their math MGP is impressive and I hear great things from people I know with math-loving kids.

Thank you so much for your helpful reply! I will definitely talk to Seaton and find out more.

Anonymous wrote:Based on the current farce of DL, I would not plan on depending on the school to deliver a solid curriculum at all, much less differentiate (even after we eventually return). Plan on supplementing yourself with classes like AOPS or tutors.

I am definitely not hoping for anything during virtual learning, but was thinking more about when we go back. They don't differentiate in person at all (and definitely not on virtual).

Anonymous wrote:OP coming to add one last thing. Another reason for testing is that I was semi-hopeful (eternal optimist) that maybe if we came armed with test results and actual data that our school might consider they aren't meeting the needs of all learners (including our child, but I know there are others!). Still hopeful, but also trying to be realistic.

I very much doubt this would happen. Your child is not the first time they have had a kid who is talented at math.

I would very strongly not recommend Inspired Teaching, as there is very little math differentiation at all and it just doesn't feel like a priority. Not just this year but every year starting in K it has felt that way to me.

I would take a very good look at Seaton, their math MGP is impressive and I hear great things from people I know with math-loving kids.

No one would be chiding me if I came here to say I got my child tested for learning disabilities (which I also did, but not my question here. DCPS deals with special ed quite well). It is hard to tell as a parent what is going on when a kid is experiencing distress with school, so best to get outside advice from a trained expert.

OP coming to add one last thing. Another reason for testing is that I was semi-hopeful (eternal optimist) that maybe if we came armed with test results and actual data that our school might consider they aren't meeting the needs of all learners (including our child, but I know there are others!). Still hopeful, but also trying to be realistic.

Anonymous wrote:Our charter differentiates work to the level of the students using the two teachers in the classroom to effectively run different groups at different levels. But I am not going to tell you what school it is because you seem like a HUGE d-bag with comments like "you would be willing to lottery" (how lucky are we!) and that you somehow saw fit to have your 6 years old IQ tested. I love our school and community, and people like you would add nothing.

huh? you sound like a mean girl. lots of people get IQ tests as part of an assessment if their child is struggling. someone seems like a d-bag and it’s not OP.

OP here. We tested because we were seeing some really marked differences between the math content our child is interested in and what they are doing in her class. We wondered if they are just a good student or if there was more going on that would lead to progressively worse outcomes in school (my husband experienced this, so maybe I am more sensitive to that). The research I have seen shows that boredom in kids like this can be really detrimental so I wanted to get a head of the problem. It is already much worse than it was when we decided to get the test (head on the desk looking depressed and telling me "mom, I'm really not learning anything" in the most sad, dejected way). Although that may just be November in the time of virtual learning!

Another reason for testing is that my child may have some twice exceptional stuff going on (ADHD potentially, but has been diagnosed with anxiety and OCD) so that is part of the reason, too. After getting the testing I can tell you that it really helps to show their strengths and weaknesses and zone in on areas that you will definitely need to find more enrichments in. Also, there are many summer programs that require IQ tests for admission (the Summer Institute for the Gifted is one). I would say if your child is experiencing issues, don't let the fact that DCPS doesn't have a gifted program stop you from getting testing and finding out what is going on.

Based on the current farce of DL, I would not plan on depending on the school to deliver a solid curriculum at all, much less differentiate (even after we eventually return). Plan on supplementing yourself with classes like AOPS or tutors.

Our charter differentiates work to the level of the students using the two teachers in the classroom to effectively run different groups at different levels. But I am not going to tell you what school it is because you seem like a HUGE d-bag with comments like "you would be willing to lottery" (how lucky are we!) and that you somehow saw fit to have your 6 years old IQ tested. I love our school and community, and people like you would add nothing.

Not in separate math classes per se (I don't think any DCPS does that) but there are pullouts every day into different groups. Additionally, there are math clubs and teams they can join as they get older.

Essentially the theory is not to advance the stronger kids more quickly through the curriculum, but to have them dive deeper into each subject as they go through it.

Curious about this too, didn't think we'd be there, but seeing behavior issues due to being bored in class with mine.

No differentiation in Key Elementary, at least not in my DC’s class.
If you don’t mind me asking - why did you test tour child for giftedness if you’re in DCPS? I figured people in FCPS do it to get into their multiple accelerated programs, but wondering why families test kids beyond those reasons.

Not to my knowledge. Our school has a kind of math enrichment pull-out once a week, and there are additional problems or challenges for kids who finish their classwork early, and I think they normally have small groups for working on problems, but there is not differentiated *instruction.* I think it's just a lot harder to do than with reading groups.

Hello,

I am looking for recommendations for DC public or charter schools that have a proven track record of providing differentiated math work for their elementary students (not just talk about doing it). My child is in 1st grade now and we would be looking to attempt to lottery in to a school (hopefully in NW or central NE DC, but open to all suggestions) for second grade. I am not talking about special classes or anything like that (although if your school does that, I would be interested to hear!). What I mean is something like how schools create small reading groups based on reading level. Our school does this well for reading, but they have told me that all students complete the same (grade level) math work and they have never provided any differentiated learning and don't have a plan (or, seemingly, the ability or time) to do this.

Our child was recently tested mildly gifted (IQ 97% percentile) so would be served quite well in a traditional school that can teach content maybe 2 grade levels above grade level (i.e. they really don't need to be in a special gifted program). I realize it is a long shot to lottery in somewhere, but it is becoming a big problem and affecting my child's mental health and interest in school.

Appreciate any information fellow parents can provide!