So my son has been designated top 2% intelligence, his school is psyched

[Colorado Progressive]

Please indulge me on this, I am not gloating, just relieved that they are finally taking care of the gifted kids. My husband and I were (are?) both gifted and fell through the cracks because the school system sucked. But now my son's school has all of his teachers alerted to his potential, and, at 11 years old, they are teaming up to ensure he gets the stimulation and challenge that he needs to stay interested in school. I cant tell you how much this is an improvement over twenty-five years ago!

[Redstone]

1. Things have turned around, indeed. When I was in school (which was a long, LONG

time ago), the school systems did devote some resources to bright kids.

When my older son went through school (late 1980s to early 2000s), it seemed that all the resources had become devoted to parity...(not that I object to the "slower" kids getting the help they need) and that the boost that the bright kids needed to make them understand that they had to shoulder the burden of being the country's future leaders simply disappeared.

I know it's a tough balance for the schools to maintain; they have to try to lift the less-capable kids, while still encouraging the bright ones to take full advantage of their capabilities. It's good to hear that they're paying attention to the latter part of that equation again.

HOWEVER: Please, PLEASE remember that kids are kids, and will take every advantage they can. You're going to have to be constantly on your feet, making sure that your son does not take the opportunity of hearing this news to use it as an excuse to slack off.

Oh, also: congratulations.

Redstone

[Colorado Progressive]

5. Thank you, and we are so absolutely pro-education

there is almost no way he could fall through the net. Actually his school is making all of his classes harder for him, because they know what he is capable of!

[Fredda Weinberg]

2. I'm not sure school is enough

I spent days pouring over encyclopedias because I began first grade reading @ high school level. They gave me calculus texts while my classmates learned algebra because I could explain linear equations.

Please don't count on professional educators - gifted kids are sponges and if you want to keep us interested, you'll have to provide us continuous stimulation ... input.

Good luck. May I suggest a lecture my mother delivered to all of us, one of my earliest memories, warning us not to look down on normal people like her. After all, we did nothing to earn our "gift".

[Colorado Progressive]

6. Well my husband and I are both gifted and grew up in crap schools,

so we know how important it is for parents to be there as back ups. My son knows he is not better than anyone else. I have spent his childhood giving him extra lessons, especially science ones. My son is also a math whiz, that should be fun!

[kath]

10. "poring over"

not poUring.

<inner schoolmarm>

[some guy]

3. May he achieve his full potential.

Congratulations!

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

:toast:

:hi:

[Colorado Progressive]

7. Thank you!!!! You are so sweet!!!! nt

[Inchworm]

4. Its all you guys

Your boy din't fall off a turnip truck :)

:yourock:

[Colorado Progressive]

8. He sure as hell did not! He fell off a tofu truck! Ha!

Veg since birth!

[cobalt1999]

9. That's great.

My daughter (12 years old) has been in the gifted program for the last 2 years. She does get more homework than the other kids and we probably do more around the home than most parents to keep her stimulated.

She also has been invited to take the SAT's in January.

Good Luck, but it can be more work around the home and for him.

[Colorado Progressive]

11. Holy cow the SATs at 12? well I have already given up

my formal career for now for my two kids. I have always functioned as a higher-educated tutor, I intend to see them through. I like the "work", even if there is no money in it for me. Congrats on your parenting skills and intellect!

[cobalt1999]

12. I'm envious...

I always dreamed about being the stay at home dad.

My wife teaches a college class (forensic science) twice a week and is also a part time science teacher at the elementary school, so she has most of the week to focus on our daughters. Like you, she loves her life.

As for my intellect, if you read any of my posts, then you'll know my DNA probably helped bring down my daughters IQ. :)

Again, congrats and enjoy his accomplishments.

[Colorado Progressive]

13. I'm sure your DNA enriches your kids! I am just so thankful

that my husband is a computer nerd and supports my science habit! I am so glad I can stay home for a few years so I can be with my kids while they are young...and I'm doubting you're daughters will have any IQ problems!