Advanced Learners

What options are available for students who learn at a fast pace?

There are many options available for students who learn at a fast pace. It is important that your child have a skillful teacher so that they can be adept at working with the various needs of students and provide challenging work to your child, even though the rest of the class may be working at a different pace. There are Gifted and Talented programs for those who learn at a fast pace. There are often sometimes opportunities for your child to go to another grade just for a certain subject that they excel in.

What are "gifted and talented" (GATE) programs?

Gifted and talented programs are special programs designed for students who are recognized as gifted or working above grade level. These Gifted and Talented programs provide opportunities for students to be challenged and opportunities for them to learn and excel.

What if my child's school does not have a gifted program?

If you believe that your child is gifted, and a gifted and talented program is not offered at your child's school, there are many things that you can do. You can give your child assignments at home that will help enrich his experience and supplement his experience in school. You can also talk to your child's teacher to help them come up with activities that will meet the individual and specific needs of your gifted child. Also, you can search your community for Gifted and Talented programs and activities that would work and meet the needs of your child.

What does it mean to "skip a grade"?

When students skip a grade, that means that they are promoted two grade levels. They actually bypass an entire grade level.

What children are good candidates for skipping a grade?

It's important to consider whether students will still be confident when they are moved an entire grade level. Will students feel confident working and interacting with a new peer group that is much older and more mature than he or she may be? If they will, they are good candidates. If not, they are perhaps not good candidates.