Perhaps your child has been identified at school as having an advanced ability in one or more subjects. Labeled gifted and talented, these students demonstrate that they are able to grasp concepts faster at an earlier age and may need an education that better meets their needs. How do you as a parent help your gifted child learn and achieve? Here are some things to consider when looking for the best educational program for your advanced child.
Pull-out or All-day?
Schools try to address the needs of all the students they educate, but may not be able to provide the kind of education gifted students should have. Some schools address the situation by offering programs where students are pulled out of the regular class setting for extra or accelerated material. These programs can vary from daily to once a week for a block of time. For some students, this method works to provide a challenge, while for others, it can be disruptive to learning and socially isolating.
An all-day approach usually involves either special classes at a regular school or a separate school setting where students who are identified as gifted and talented attend school daily. They may incorporate independent study and additional projects to build on curricula or provide other opportunities to delve deeper into a topic of interest.
Public or Private?
While all school districts are required to provide a gifted and talented program for advanced students, not all of these programs are the same. Some districts are funded to have a special all-day school where students who qualify attend with other children of similar ability. Unfortunately, these public offerings may not be found in every area of the country. Luckily, there are private schools designed specifically for gifted and talented children to educate in a variety of ways to stimulate and encourage more advanced learning. Parents should look into what options they have in their communities and speak with administrators to find the right fit for their children.
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