Case
The Gifted Parents

A studnet in Mr. Smith class has always done well but has never showed any interest in or talent for a gifted program that is offered by the school. The child's parents are telling Mr. Smith that they want him to recomend their child be put into this program because they were both gifted as is his older sibling. Mr. Smith wants to do what best for the child but not to be yelled at by the parents. Should Mr. Smith put he recomend the child for the gifted program?

Posted on: 10/18/15 | Views: 1251
Solution #1
Top Solution
Hello MePyJy, I believe that it is important to establish a positive interaction with the parents. I think that there needs to be a conference held between Mr. Smith and the parents of the "gifted" child. In this conference Mr. Smith needs to make it known that he respects the parents and their concern for their child. Secondly, Mr. Smith must be prepared to outline the school's criteria for the gifted program. Next Mr. Smith needs to provide documentation and work samples from the student proving that he is or is not ready or does not qualify for the gifted program. Finally, Mr. Smith needs to reassure the parents that he believes in their son and his education. Mr. Smith needs to focus the overall conversation on what will be in the best interest of the student, and his continued success in the classroom.

Does the school or school district have policies and procedures in place for identifying gifted students. I know that parents can recommend for their child to be tested for gifted services, but that does not necessarily mean that the child will qualify for those services. Explaining to parents what the school's policies for gifted education may help shed some light on the issue. Has Mr. Smith noticed any gifted characteristics in the child?

This is a very thorough solution. It is very helpful.

If I were in this situation, I would exactly do this.

I agree. This allows the parents to see where the hesitation comes from, as well as lets them bring their concerns to the teacher face to face.

I think a conference between the teacher, parents and "gifted child" is a good idea. It will initiate a conversation about the topic and hopefully this way all people involved will get to voice their point of view.

44 0
Solution #2
My brother was a gifted student when he was in school and we found out he was gifted when he was in kindergarten but my brother did not want to go into the gifted program because he was afraid he was going to lose his friends. It took a lot of convincing to get my brother to agree to go into the gifted program. I think that it is important to do what the student wants.
0 0
Solution #3
Well due to the fact that the parents are responsible for the student and they are asking this from the teacher they Mr. Smith should do it. It is the parents responsibility to sit with the their child and discuss the benefits of the program.
0 1
Solution #4
You shouldn't recommend the student to be in the gifted program if he isn't truly gifted. Just because his family has experience with the gifted program doesn't mean that all of their children should be invovled.
1 5
Solution #5
Mr. Smith so stay firmly with what he believes is best for the child.
0 4
Solution #6
Well due to the fact that the parents are responsible for the student and they are asking this from the teacher they Mr. Smith should do it. It is the parents responsibility to sit with the their child and discuss the benefits of the program.
0 4
Solution #7
Yes, it is my understanding that parents have the right to request this. Just put in the parent request for testing. If the child passes, he passes. If not, then you have done your part.

I would never do this! This is wrong! I would absolutely sit down with the parents and talk about the program before just testing the kid.

This is not a good solution. The parents are not requesting testing, they are only requesting testing. Particularly when it comes to gifted programs, it is important that the parents understand that their child may not qualify.

2 9