Should I Put My Child In A Gifted Class?
What a great problem, but never the less there are considerations to weigh. Many “Gifted” programs are terrific, and provide students with certain academic strengths a more challenging environment and peers surrounded who are at a similar academic level.
Here are a few matters to be contemplated before heading down this path.
1. Prestige: Am I considering a gifted program for myself or for my child? As a parent, do I feel there is a level of prestige to be associated with having a gifted child? Remember, a child’s educational placement is crucial to that child having an appropriate environment where he or she is comfortable both academically and socially.
2. How was it determined that your child is gifted? A Psychologist will need to test your child and the results of testing in addition to other factors such as will determine the child’s status
3. What are the implications of putting your child in a gifted program?
a. Pressure; Increased expectations of the “gifted classroom” could create an environment that places undo pressure on your child and family.
i. Your child may do well academically but may internalize the pressures and anxiety of increased expectation and possibly competition.
ii. Your child may actually do poorly because of this added pressure and have an uncomfortable academic and social experience
b. A group lacking in academic diversity is created in a gifted environment. This creates an unrealistic world where the children are no longer interacting with other children having a wide variety of ability levels. Interacting with all types of people is essential in development so that the child is able to have adjusted social skills.
4. Can my child’s needs be met in the General Education classroom environment?
a. The teacher and parents can work together to address specific issues and concerns. Depending upon the needs of an individual student, modifications can be made.
As I said before, “Gifted” programs can be great, but it is important to know your child, and know the program as well.
June 7th, 2009
