A common question every parent of an advanced student asks them self at some point is, "Should my student skip a grade or more?" There is no simple answer that is right for every student. This post address skipping single and multiple grade levels. At the end it discusses options for exceptional students besides skipping grades. Let me just say that I am neither pro or con grade skipping as a general idea. Here are some points you should consider.
1. Are they advanced in all academic areas? It is great for kids to be gifted in math and reading, but especially if you are considering skipping multiple grades, don't forget that there are also science and social studies standards they will be expected to meet. Will they struggle in special area classes like PE or Art because of their motor skills? Will they still test well in the classroom and on standardized tests?
2. Will they be noticeably younger or smaller than other students? If so can they handle this difference? I would never say avoid skipping a child because they are small. I would say be aware of the different ways this might impact them emotionally. Also if you want your child to be competitive in arts or athletics they may be behind in these areas if they are more than a year younger. Being underdeveloped physically could result in low self-esteem for some children or make them a target for bullies. Make sure your child is confident in who they are and what makes them exceptional.
3. Are you prepared to allow them to be to exposed and interact in social situations that may be advanced for their age? Whether it's dating or the pressure of going off to college early, they may be exposed to peer pressure and stress prematurely. Make sure you take care to prepare them emotionally for these challenges.
4. Can they emotionally handle the discipline expected of them? My three year old daughter is doing first grade math at home, but there is no way I would drop her into a first grade classroom because she would not follow the rules or have the attention span to stay in her seat. She's not sensitive to social protocol such as whispering or not picking her nose in public.
5. Will skipping provide them additional opportunities or deprive them of opportunities? If your child is skipping multiple grades and receives public recognition for being exceptional, it might attract attention of educators or philanthropists interested in investing time or money in your student. They may qualify for special funding for college, or they may be deprived of funding because of their age. Research what restrictions might apply in your state for scholarship programs. When I was in high school a small percent of students who scored in the highest percentiles would be invited by the ASU Honors College to participate in a summer program that allowed you to take college classes for credit. If your child is just going to be average at the next grade level up you might be doing them a disservice when it comes to opportunities that arise from standardized testing.
6. Will your child become bored or unmotivated by staying at grade level? Some students will learn they can just coast and put forth a minimal amount of effort to earn grades other students struggle to earn. If your child does stay at grade level, make sure they are being provided with challenges and are offered gifted education if available in your district. Make sure they aren't being labeled a behavior problem because they are bored and causing distractions to other students who don't work as quickly. Teachers should offer alternative or additional work in this scenario.
7. Are you prepared for early graduation? They should be able to handle navigating a college campus and dealing with the various people that might approach them from class to class. From predators to sales reps, college campuses can attract all kinds. Educate them on how to handle strangers at this level. They may be expected to do internships or activities that take them off the college campus and into the night hours. Are they capable of navigating these events alone? For some careers college extracurricular activities and leadership skills are a factor in hiring. Make sure your student will get everything they need out of the college experience. Make sure your college saving plan can be used early. If they graduate at 15 but can't access the money until they are 18 you need new funding.
8. What are your students social skills like? While I do believe the nurture side plays a role in a child's social skills, I also strongly believe you are who you are. There are some kids that will never "fit in." It doesn't matter if they are home schooled or public schooled they will always march to the beat of their own drummer. If this is your child and they are old enough to express their wishes with logic just ask them what they want. Other kids are very outgoing and find making friends and fitting in easy as pie. If this is your child then they will likely be successful at skipping at least a single grade.
Other options besides skipping grades at a public or private school.
If my daughter continues to progress through her school work at her current pace, she will test into third or fourth grade when she is supposed to be starting Kindergarten. I tell you this so that you understand I have put a lot of thought into this matter. I'd like to tell you I have an answer for what we are going to do if she is really that advanced, but I don't. At this point we just have to take the years as they come and evaluate what is best for her when she starts school. There are more options than skipping.
We will most likely home school the first few years until she can test into a self contained gifted class and then reevaluate.
Homeschooling is not an option for everyone. If your child can be left home alone, they could attend virtual school that allows them to enter whatever grade they can test into and work at their own pace.
Check out what charter and private schools are in your area. There are many accelerated charter schools here in Arizona. There is even a accelerated private school run through ASU that allows students starting in sixth grade to work ahead graduating at 15 and earning 45-60 hours by 18. Don't let tuition be a deterrent. Many private schools offer scholarships, tuition assistance, and payment programs. Find out if your state offers the tax credit program that allows people to pay their state taxes directly towards your students tuition instead of to the state. Look at your states Department of Education website for a list of schools.
Self contained gifted classes are often filled with students working years ahead of their peers. These teachers have taken extra classes and training specifically aimed at working with gifted children.
Concurrent enrollment- I attended both college and high school my senior year. Many community colleges allow concurrent enrollment for advanced students. Be aware that grades may carry over to your college GPA if taken at a University.
My niece skipped Kindergarten and has been very successful. She has no problem socially or academically. I expect she will continue to thrive as she moves on form the fifth grade into the daunting teen years. For her skipping was an excellent choice! In today's age of technology more and more students are opting to work ahead early or obtain a GED. I think the world is becoming more accepting of younger, advanced students entering college and the work force.
If you have a child who skipped more than two grades I would love to hear about how you made that decision and how they are doing in school! Please share your insight in the comment section.
No comments:
Post a Comment