Gifted and Talented programs

[mom22tumblebugs]

If you have a GT, how did your child get into this program?

What are the pros/cons of having your child in a GT program?

What characteristics do you see in a GT child versus the average child?

What should a GT child be able to do (attention span, listening to directions etc) or what do they not do? What are the expectations of a GT child in a program?

Do GT children exhibit behavioral issues?

 

[Barabell]

My son passed the district GT test in 2nd grade. The whole district tests students for GT in kinder and in 2nd grade, and they will test again if a parent requests it.

I don't see any cons to having him in the GT program, except that it isn't offered enough.

I have an only child, and so I can't answer the "versus" question.

The majority of the kids at my son's magnet school do test as gifted, and so the teachers learn quickly how to deal with teaching to different levels. All the teachers have a library in the classroom, and they either provide extra work for the kids that finish a lesson quickly or they let them get a book from the library to read.

The expectations of his program is for GT kids to work on quarterly projects with the GT teacher.

My son has some behavioral issues, but I think it's more related to him being an only child and him wanting to socialize throughout the day with peers. I've thought it could be the combination of both things because he tends to talk when he finishes work earlier than some classmates.

[wakymom]

Our district calls it "High Ability". Both ds2 and dd have been considered for it. We got a an email telling us, w/ a permission-to-test form attached and a longer form for us to fill out about what we've noticed in different areas of development at home. Most of the testing in school is part of what they already do, and they are pulled out for some, but not told what it's for. The kids are so used to classmates being pulled out for different therapies, reading help, etc, that they think nothing of it. The kids who score high enough are grouped together in one class the next school yr and get more challenging work.

Ds2 was considered while in kindy for his 1st gr yr- he just missed making it by 2 points. We just found out that dd made it and will be in the high ability 1st gr class next school yr.

Ds2 pays more attention to detail and reads above gr. level. Dd reads above gr. level and seems to learn things rather quickly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[calimom1123]

We did not have a gifted program here. I opted to homeschool dd mid year this year. I can say though as far as characteristics, my dd is 7 skipped 2nd in private school so she is in 3rd now doing 4th/5th work, She thinks much different than her peers. I notice they like to talk about boys and kid things. Dd tends to act older than what she is. She asks about things like the great depression, and thinks she knows everything..lol. She is more comfortable around adults. We have no behavioral issues. Shes always understood us explaining why we dont do things.

[xtwistedxlovex]

I was in a GT program as a kid and have ADD. It's actually quite common for intelligent people to have attention problems - IMO they are often both caused by a drive to learn new things. I know that's the case for myself, anyway. There's more to ADD than that, of course, but my point is that attention span doesn't count for much.

Not really sure how I ended up in the program. I moved to a new state, surprised my teacher with my current knowledge and ability to catch up on what hadn't been introduced yet, and the next year I was thrown into PACT. Their site says this though:

Several subjective and objective criteria are used to identify academically gifted students for the Program for Academic and Creative Talent.  Staff observations of student task commitment, achievement, and creativity are considered.  In addition, achievement and intelligence test scores are reviewed prior to placing students in appropriate activities.

It also says to contact your school's manager or district office for more information. I'd assume most GT programs work the same way.

I don't know that there were any cons to being in the program, unless you count the money my mom put out for me to take the ACTs in 7th grade - not required, but how could she say no? I don't believe those scores were usable for anything - more a matter of proving my knowledge. And I'll admit I was a little cocky after that. How many 12yos can say they tested at the level of a college freshman/mid-year? Sure, I was a bit full of it. I eventually found a bit of humility and am now hesitant to mention it unless specifically asked though, so I think that was a general teenage attitude anyway.

[M4LG5]

My daughter didn't pass into it in 1st grade.  I guess she just missed it barely but her 2nd and now her 3rd grade teachers say that she should have been but each of them also said they would create the challenges she needs in the class to accommodate her learning.  I am glad that we did not have her re-take it.  We will have her re-take it next year just to be identified for options in junior high.  In our district, there are 2 schools that offer GATE.  We love the school she is at so it doesn't matter if she is or not.

[Ametrine]

You can learn a lot from the Mothers of Gifted Children group on what a gifted child is like.  Contrary to the title, the group is for moms of advanced learners as well. 

[steelcrazy]

It is really dumb at our school.  Your child has to be referred for testing by their teacher and both of my children have been referred, but we've refused.  The only thing that the "gifted" children get is to be pulled out of class for 30 minutes a week to work on a project or play games in the gifted classroom.  They also go on a field trip every year.  The students at our school are already placed in their classes based on their ability in each subject, so the smarter kids get challenged in class already while the slower kids get the extra help that they need.

[Lorelai_Nicole]

At our schools, you test into the program, starting in 1st grade (meaning you start the GATE class in 2nd). Lexie tested in and has flourished (she's in 8th now). Kiki tested in last year and has been doing really well.

The pros are that they are doing work that challenges them, and they're not bored in class. In our elementary school, the GATE classes do more field trips than the regular classes. I don't see any cons thus far.

I can't compare behaviors, because both of ny older kids are gifted. My youngest is only in pre-k, so she hasn't been tested yet. Judging by her work at this point (at school and at home; we do workbooks and such) I think she probably will test in, in two years.

[kmrtigger]

I have two that at the moment. They were tested when they were in Kindergarten. My third scored 2 points below what was needed to be in the program. He can be tested again once he goes into middle school.

At the moment the pros are that they are challenged in other things that they wouldn;t be in the regular classroom.

Cons would be that they are taken outta class to go into this one a few days a week. And have to do the missed work for homework.

Comparing my 2 boys to my 3rd child, I don't see much difference b/c he is just as smart as they are. And I don't notice too much difference compared to other children either. Not until you give them a more challenging assignment to do together. Mine do it a little quicker the average child.  Other than that no major difference.

I know from my boys that they pay attention to details and ask more detailed questions. My expectations are that they are challenged more than the average student or else the class isn't needed.

My youngest is ADHD and he is one of the gifted. So yes, he has his moments. But my middle son has never had any sort of behavior issues.

Might I ask WHY you are asking these sort of questions?

[Larisa72]

well, both of mine are in GAT/TAG (gifted program).  One is neuro-typical and the other has Asperger's and ADHD.

I don't see any cons to them being it it as they are exposed to things that would never be covered under the regular school program.  Currently, my youngest is taking after school sign language classes through the GAT program, and Saturday will be finishing up a 5-week art course at UVA (that was only offered to GAT students).  The UVA programs are offered to GAT students in elementary school, and my son is annoyed because he was looking forward to being able to take more classes at UVA...oh well....he's now on track for the Governor's School (a college track program for HS juniors and seniors, which earns both high school and college credit).

Now...with regards to attention span, etc.....the NT child has little problem with attention and following directions, she just sometimes chooses to ignore what she isn't interested in.  The Asperger's/ADHD child has all the regular attention issues and distractability that go with those diagnoses....