We had Michael's PT conference. It went well (besides the fact that he is a chatter box and class clown) and we were told that the teacher would like for him to be tested and possibly skipped to second grade. We had a similiar discussion last year while he was in kindergarten (and spent every lunch recess in the office for goofing around in class) but my ex and I decided to see how he would do in first grade.

for those of you with experience or teachers, what am i to expect from this testing. We have set up another appointment with the counsler and it is then that we will meet this person who will be testing him. What kinds of tests are these? plus, would you skip your child ahead if the *tests* recommend it. I was also told that they will have a verbal test with him.

This is for the kid who came crying to me monday night that he had swallowed a quarter
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and wanted me to give him a magnet so he can hold it down his throat to pull the quarter out.
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ill be honest, i didnt think we would ever be talking about skipping him ahead ever again.
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TIA

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oh boy!
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there are 2 factors to think about when skipping.
mental abilities, and emotional abilities.

Many kids want to be skipped (or rather their parents do) because they're "bright". But emotionally, they really wouldn't fit in with peers who were/are a year older.
Boys especially tend to be more "immature" and thus the though of skipping is pushed out because of the maturity level.

However - if the teacher is unable to keep him from getting into trouble because he's bored, and the school doesn't have the programs built in such a way as to allow for the gifted kids to stay with their peers (we have the break-out groups for the GATE/TAG kids where they have a special time once a week and their math and reading break out groups are also ajusted quite well)

then for you - who has a kid who is VERY clearly bored and acting out - the idea of skipping to the next grade is a valid notion.
Also, you have to look at birthdays... for instance, my brother barely made it to the cut off date and he was put into school as the youngest in his class. He failed miserably (with an IQ of 163 btw) because of his emotional maturity. My sister missed the cutoff by just a few days herself and thus was the oldest in her class.... she ended up skipping and graduating a year early.


Lots and lots of factors, really.

I'm not sure what the tests are... if they're the tests for the GATE or TAG program, or if they're the normal CAT tests or something like that....
but what does it hurt to get him tested??? kwim?

There will prob be an IQ test, and then just a regular battery of tests in everything, even art and music, as well as social behavior. He'll do puzzles, complex problems, as well as general knowledge stuff. He'll probably think it's fun.

In general, I don't believe grade skipping to be a good idea. I think that there is something to be said for kids to be left with their same age peers (unless he is a really old 1st grader--meaning is almost ready to turn 8). As smart as the kids may be, they're still so much younger and lack the life experience of the older kids, who may be more "street smart."

I'm more a fan of the programs Karen mentioned and also something we call "subject accelerate." This is where he'd still be in a first grade class, and have a first grade teacher, but would go to a second grade class for his best subject. He would be excused from the first grade work in that subject and do just the second grade stuff. Then, if he did well after a couple months, he could go for his other best subject as well. He could still socialize with the kids his age but would have exposure to more challenging stuff. Near the end of the year you could either put him in second grade, or keep the arrangement the same and just put him in third grade for the following year. This way he'll already know some of the kids from his time in second grade this year.
Just an idea-- being on the other side-- as in being the parent and not the teacher, I have learned how hard these decisions can be. All you can do is what you think is best and see how he does. Good luck!
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thank you both very much. im trying to educate myself a bit more so i can make a more educated decision for michael.

he just turned 6 this past august...and i totally agree, i dont think he is emotionally mature to skip. ill discuss it more with his dad after the tests. thank you guys again.

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I have a student in my class this year who skipped second grade. He is still the brightest kid in grade 6 and he is actually more mature than the rest of the boys as well. This surprised me. I agree with Jeanne...I am not a big supporter of grade skipping but it really depends on if you think your child can handle it academically and socially. If your child is not being challenged in grade one and there is no way to provide him with enriching opportunities, then skipping may be a good idea. I have seen kids who have not taken the skip to the next grade and have had a negative change of attitude towards school b/c they always find it "boring" Good luck with whatever decision you make. You are very fortunate to have this kind of decision to grapple with
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