Consider the following story as it relates to this topic. My husband and I were so proud when our daughter’s teacher informed us that she is ahead of the curve in all academic areas and that she shows creativity beyond her years. Her school suggested that she skip a grade, taking her directly from 5th to 7th grade. While excited... Read More

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic. I ran into JP, one of my old high school buddies, at the market. I think it’s been about 10 years since I’d last seen him. He told me about his oldest kid, who just turned nine. Apparently, she’s about to start school at some fancy new place designed... Read More

Consider the following story as it relates to this topic. About a month ago, we got a call from Stephanie’s school and were extremely happy when we were told she might be a candidate for enrolling in an alternate program for gifted children. It was a lot of information to take in, but they basically said she has the qualities... Read More

“My daughter excelled throughout first grade, completing all of her work early and then looked for more to do. I was concerned that she wasn’t challenged enough, though. She is so well-behaved that I’m worried now that her teacher may not notice that she’s bored.” “On the last day of school, my son’s teacher told me how impressed she was... Read More

Consider the following story as it relates to this piece. Jenny, our next-door neighbor, recently told us that her son started therapy even though he’s only 9 years old! He’s apparently been extremely stressed with some of his schoolwork to the point where he began developing some anxiety. When I found out, I couldn’t believe it! I mean, how can... Read More

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s piece.  Last week, my husband and I were called into our daughter’s school. We knew, going in, that she wasn’t in trouble. After all, she’s the type of girl who cares a lot about grades, impressing her teachers and avoiding any type of conflict. We met with her school principal.... Read More

Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s piece. For some time now, I’ve noticed something peculiar about Stephanie: she’s acting differently than how her two older sisters behaved at her age. Sometimes during dinner, we’ll all be eating and talking about our days, but Steph will be silent with her nose in a book. Other times, I’ll... Read More

Skipping a grade has become a very controversial subject for gifted students.  The public schools advocate that all children are taught at grade level and that alternative approaches to enriching the gifted student are preferable to advancing them to the next grade.  Generally, it is preferable to provide new learning opportunities for your child at the appropriate level of developmental... Read More

The following are the State definitions of "Gifted" in Florida: (1) Gifted. One who has superior intellectual development and is capable of high performance. (2) Criteria for eligibility. A student is eligible for special instructional programs for the gifted if the student meets the criteria under paragraph (2)(a) or (b) of this rule. (a) The student demonstrates: Need for a... Read More