I had my doubts about whether I would ever put my child in a GT (Gifted and Talented), or HA (High Ability), program if the opportunity ever arose. Every parent believes their child is Gifted and Talented in some way, and I wholeheartedly agree~ every child has unique gifts and talents. In the education world the students who get placed in GT programs are usually identified as ACADEMICALLY GT, and often have other gifts in related arts as well.
When I discovered that one of my children qualified for high ability classes through testing conducted at school, I was at first doubtful that she needed to be in a separate classroom. The teacher convinced me that because she was a perfectionist, and also high performing, the school's HA teacher and smaller class size would be beneficial for her. Reluctantly we started her in the program and the first year brought many tears and frustration and threats by me to pull her out. The teacher so kindly worked with her, and her tantrums of frustration gradually died away, and I became a believer in GT or HA education for those students who truly need that setting.
My friend Lori is a GT teacher, and recently took a class about GT students. She has given me a couple of helpful websites that you may want to look at if you are wondering if your child is GT, or if you have a GT child and would like to look up information on various topics.
www.byrdseed.com
www.hoagiesgifted.org
GT or HA testing can be requested through your school's principal, guidance counselor, or current classroom teacher. Each school district has it's guidelines for placement.
I will search for a good book to list for those who like to read.
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