As a mother of a gifted (tested as intellectually gifted) 11 year old son, I am very concerned by the "no child left behind" climate in our neighborhood public school where he attends 5th grade. Since several of the children are slow learners, his days are spent finding ways to overcome the boredom of his classroom curriculum. I've talked to his teacher several times. She keeps reiterating that she has her hands full with the "no child left behind" responsibilities. I've heard other teachers express the same frustration. The school has set up a supplementary program for my son and two of the other children. But it is not nearly enough! His brain is withering. Can anyone recommend a good middle school, so that next year I can circumvent this problem?
Thanks.
I have heard of a Waldorf Syle Charter School in Culver City. I cannot remember the name, but I have heard good things about it.
Hi J....
Sorry to hear about your problem, and I do suggest that you find a good Charter School or Private.
Our children's education are important and no child should be left behind. There are programs out there to help and there are alot of online websites that helps make learning fun... www.sitesforparents.com can lead you to many sites and most are free for downloads and online learning games.
Laws are changing all the time, but we as parents must do our parts to make sure our child is not left behind and are educated, they are our future.
Good luck and best wishes.
Hi there. So sorry about your problem. I am a teacher in LAUSD. This whole "no child left behind" is stifling many children as well as many good teachers. We are forced to "teach to the test" Fortunately for me, I have been teaching for a long while and remember what teaching was like before Geo. w. Bush entered office. Because of this, I don't exactly follow NCLB. Anyway, my daughter is 3yrs old and I plan to send her either to a magnet middle school or go private. Have you checked out magnets??? Or even charter schools are getting very popular because they are not bound to NCLB so much. Private is expensive, but may be worth it if magnets or charters don't work for you.
-M.
Definitely call The Mirman School for Academically Gifted Students in Bel Air! The one in Culver City is Ocean Charter, Waldorf-inspired, not sure about their gifted program.
I agree that the No Child Left Behind Act is extremely flawed. Home School. No, it is not illegal. It is the only way you can tailor an education around your child, his gifts and interests. Where you fall short you simply hire someone who is talented in teaching that particular area to tutor your son.
Hi! I to live in Venice. My problem is my 12 yr. old daughter attrnds private school. She has ADD and Dyslexia. I had her tested @ Mark Twain middle school for an IEP. She tested superior in most catergories and @ grade level in oters but in her private school she has straight D's. They told me to make exceptions for her like less homework, 10 math problems instead of 30 and if she is taking 30 min. test. She should be alowed two 15min. breaks! Public school is a joke! Some are good, but I still have yet to find one in this area! All the private schools in the area are REALLY expensive. Have you looked into a magnet school for your son? There are a couple in the area. Here is a website that lists schools in your area www.greatschools.net and www.privateschool.com. Good Luck!!
Look into the Charter, Choice or Magnet programs around, there are quite a few and they have a lot to offer. My Stepdaughter goes to a magnet in our area and will be attending a Charter School for high school next year. So far it's been great!
Hi- I know a few children that have similar school issues. Some have been happy at New Roads (apply for a scholarship), New West Charter in WLA, Santa Monica Alternative School House in Santa Monica, Pacifica Community Charter School in WLA. Good luck. M.
In the meantime, while you find a program or alternate school, can your son get involved in helping the slower kids, i.e., tutoring them to get up to speed? It will help activate his brain and teach him how to help others. I read an article about Finland's education system and there's a real focus on the brighter kids helping the slower kids, and apparently, their school system produces some of the smartest kids in the world, according to int'l tests. Also as an interim measure, you could sign him up for math/science at Kumon or some other after-school program, to get higher level material. I think in any public school system, you'll probably have to enrich it with tutoring.
My niece and nephew are both in gifted programs at the Culver City middle school. As far as I know their parents have always been happy with the education their kids have recieved. Have you looked into gifted programs at your son's school? When looking for middle schools try to find ones that have higher API scores. Have you considered moving to an area with better schools like South Pasadena or La Canada?
You should definitely look into the association for the education of gifted underachievers. It is an organization that is trying to address this problem nationwide. They may be able to put you in touch with parent support groups, schools and after school programs to help. They are even having a conference near Universal Studios this weekend.
If they offer up Bridges Academy (which is in studio city) look into it seriously but with reservations. Faculty morale is low at the moment but the purpose of the school is to serve just such a kid when they also have some sort of learning disability in addition to their gifts so they might not even recommend it for you anyway.
R.
J.,
Have you ever considered asking for an IEP for your son? Yes, it's usually used to assist children with learning disabilities or other learning issues, but, in your son's case, he is also disabled - in that his needs are not being met by his school. If he gets tested and it's determined that his needs require a different learning environment, the school either has to accomodate him, or pay for him to get those accomodations some place else. Actually, it sounds easier than it is, but there are many families that "fight" to get their children the programs they need. All you have to do is write a letter to his principal, requesting an IEP and they have 30 days to test him and schedule an evaluation. Has he also been tested for the GATE program? You can also request that. If he is eligible for the GATE program, you can get him in to middle schools that have that program, but may not be in your geographical area. Walter Reed Middle School in North Hollywood has an excellent highly gifted program. I understand that you live far away from there, but you might want to check it out to see what you should be looking for.
Good Luck,
J.
Hi J.,
You might check out www.k12.com/cava/ to learn about a FREE online homeschool program in California. It is incredible and has a great curriculum. It's perfect for gifted students. Not only that, but students move at their own pace, so when your son is done with one year's worth of curriculum he automatically moves onto the next. He is also tested and placed in an appropriate level, so if he's already able to do 8th grade English, that is where he would be placed. That can apply to one subject or all of them, depending on how quickly he progresses. He also receives a free computer and printer to do his work plus a stipend for the internet cost. Especially once they get to middle school, they can be more independent with the program,too. There are also certified teachers who check in with you quarterly and are there for support and questions. They also organize field trips monthly. I do support public schools and the social aspect of learning, but if you could find other ways of getting him involved with his peers then homeschooling might be a good choice for you.
What is the name of the school he goes to...I go to many dif lausd school all over, I sell insurance plans to all lausd employees , I can ask around. did you talk to the Principal they might be more informed.
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