On 10/18/09, LDR wrote:
> Hi RD,
> I would say you are on the right track, on several fronts.
>
> I interpret the Guide the same as you - anything that changes the
> curriculum is a modification, whether it is a different grade level,
> or a reduced number of expecations at grade level.
>
> For gifted kids I have written mod programs that say they will cover
> the content with "greater depth and breadth". With good
> differentiated instruction this isn't too hard to deliver. In your
> language program it should work well with your writer's workshop
> format.
>
> I would be wondering about her lack of output. Are you still in
> Intermediate? AS a SERT I had a gifted student in the grade seven
> class who suddenly started producing dramatically lower quality
> work. When questioned he told me that B's were provincial standard,
> which meant that B's were average and he just wanted to be like
> everyone else. Typical feeling for kids that age.
>
> If her lack of output is not something new, perhaps in your IEP you
> could set some goals for getting more out of her? Involving her in
> the IEP writing process might help her to buy in, and give you some
> insight into what is holding her back.
>
> Good luck!

Thanks, LDR. Yes, I'm still teaching Intermediate students. I like
the idea of including her in the IEP writing process. This may help me
to better understand the reasons for the lack of effort and output.
Sometimes, I think that gifted students feel pressure to 'appear'
brilliant, and they'd rather set goals that are well below what they're
truly capable of accomplishing (with some good elbow grease) simply
because it's a sure thing that they'll perform brilliantly.

On the issue of 'greater depth and breadth', I'm still struggling with
the notion that one would need an IEP for this in language arts.
Perhaps it's because most of what I do IS so open ended, and because
the curriculum expectations are themselves so open ended, that I hardly
think there's a need for an IEP that states this - unless, of course,
the IEP is actually at a different grade level.

But, maybe I'm just not getting it. :)

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