Well, we did have our first SD meeting (we were meeting to discuss if DS5 should skip K, as well as to get the process for identification started).

Overall, it was pretty positive. The person we met with gave us lots of information and started the ball rolling on gifted identification. It'll be until Nov until he's officially identified (assuming he passes the tests) but we expected that. Just how the process works here. They use the K-BIT which just seems like an abbreviated IQ test. (Any opinions on that one?)

We did get some good information on what we'd have to do if we wanted to skip K. Unfortunately it would be on our dime to get him evaluated for his "mental age" as that is what is needed for the paperwork to be submitted. So we're going to meet with the principal of the Elementary school and see what the curriculum is like for 1st grade. Even if we decide not to skip, it will be a good opportunity to meet with her and introduce ourselves.

The most important thing is that the meeting went well in that we both agree what our objectives are (providing DS a great education experience). From that perspective I consider it a pretty positive meeting and a good start.

BTW, Dottie hope your meeting went well too.

JB

Sounds like you are off to a great start JB! Welcome to the wonderful world of advocacy.

Thanks for asking about our meeting. It went amazingly well, and I am very optimistic about the 2008/2009 school year.

Another option you might consider, that buys you time, is skipping into 1st mid year, pending testing results. If the scores are as out there as you suspect, that might be the ideal time to set that in motion. It IS disruptive to the school year, but this is not a problem for many kids. Same net result without the out of pocket $$$'s!

Ooops, forgot to address the K-BIT. Are you sure that's used for the final yay/nay? Many schools use that, but only as a screener for further testing. Some schools will even stop testing if the K-BIT doesn't come back high enough, but this is really against state regulation, if the parent requests a full blown evaluation. You should ask about all the testing done to make a determination. That could be it, but it smells more like a "first step" to me.

Glad to hear your meeting went well.

Funny you mention that option as I specifically asked about it. It has never occured in our district and recently a student was recently denied a mid-year promotion. That's okay. I understand our parameters better by asking question. Maybe it'd be possible, but it might take a herculian (sp?) effort.

So the long and short of it is that we could choose to stay the course (start K). Or we could choose to skip K and start first. I bet that if we went to the district after the fact and asked to move back down ("looks like we made a mistake") that we could do that. If we start K we're probably commiting to K. If we start 1st, we could probably adjust downward if necessary.

The person we met with was very open and gave us a lot of information on our options (like skipping) even going so far as to tell us what her bias was. I was happy to see that level of professionalism. Even though she'd recommend going one way, she'd work with us if we go the other way to the point of telling us exactly what we need to do if we decide to skip.

JB

I second the idea of considering a mid-year move to first. I originally thought it would be too disruptive, but it turned out that by that time DS was bored with K and was happy and eager to go to a new class. As long as the teacher is receptive, I think a mid-year move can be a viable option.

Oops! I see that we were posting at the same time.

I do understand Herculean efforts....they get wearying after time. BUT, given that you are in PA, and would have Chapter 16 behind you, it's more possible than you might think, if you are willing to put the regs to use.

Sometimes though it's not best to "rock the boat", and I can't say if that's the case in your district. But there is a certain level of momentum coming out of that first GIEP with scores that can set the stage for the future, in the hands of a parent who understands the regs.