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Subject: Special Education Diagnostic Evaluation for FZM Author: tjm [ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ] Date Posted: 12/10/05 6:03:24pm recently francis’ teacher requested that francis be tested by the Special Education Dept of the Espanola Public Schools to see if he meets the eligibility requirements for what is called “Gifted Exceptionality”. We agreed because there are several aspects to his development that have peaked our curiousity: notably, he consistently masters and memorizes musical compositions that are typically studied by kids 4-5 years his senior. in addition, we feel that in the school he is in, we’d like him to get ANY additional support and stimulation he possibly can. academically, straight A’s are not much of an indicator for a 2nd grader but there are other indicators that we have noticed to show some sort of “exceptionality”. my first reaction to the whole ordeal was a bit naive. i thought: “aren’t we all gifted and talented”? and i still maintain that outlook. but after delving into the topic i am now seeing the circumstance for what it is: “Special Needs” categorization. anyway, there are two kids out of 50 in his school who are in the program and when francis took the tests i thought “well if that kid is in, my kid should be too” based on my personal interaction with one of the kids who happens to be in his class, a homegrown indigenous spaniard. when the testing came i thought they would ask him to spell his name backwards, walk and chew gum at the same time and then anoint him with ‘gifted and talented’ status. i was wrong. it was an all day affair: *Wechsler Individual Scale of Intelligence- 4th ed *Woodcock Johnson Tests of Achievement III *Structure of Intellect Learning Abilities Test it’s about $1000 worth of testing on the open market. so you have pre-qualify to get tested. long story short: there are 4 categories and you need to meet 2 of the 4 standards to be deemed “Gifted Exceptionality”. new mexico as a state is actually more stringent than many states when allowing kids in these programs. the levels are 1. average 2. above average 3. superior 4. gifted :you must meet each criteria at “gifted” !! that’s what makes it tough to get in the program. perhaps they are short-staffed and can’t handle too many kids so they make it extra hard to get in. i don’t know. but i sure did not realize it was such a full-blown standardized test with standardized criteria. {of course we all have our opinions about standardized tests, but say what we will, they are a fact of life} only a minimum: 130 IQ will even begin the discussion of the other three categories. anyway Francis met 4 of 4 criterion. it’s a moving and humbling awareness. we now must address with fervor and concern the developmental path of this child as his ombudsmen toward a full life. it’s helped us to focus most directly on his path as any child with special needs. research shows that so often this category of Special Education is under-funded and ignored and these are some of the kids that learn the least in school each year. we are challenged and awakened. [ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]

Replies:

Subject Author Date Re: Speducation pjk 12/10/05 8:27:01pm Re: Special Education Diagnostic Evaluation for FZM krz 12/11/05 2:14:50pm Re: Special Education Diagnostic Evaluation for FZM Geo 12/12/05 7:25:14am Re: 2 more ¢ -- pjk, 12/12/05 8:33:01am thanksforthe thoughts and advice -- pa, 12/12/05 9:34:52am thanks for the encouragement and poignant insights (NT) -- tjm, 12/12/05 9:58:56am