During this process, we have been asked questions, been questioned on our decision, and have been supported. Talk about mixed emotions and feelings! And I'm sure since it is all official, and not everyone knew we were in the acceleration process, I am going to explain how we came about this decision and why we feel like it is best.
For the past two years, Hunter has been in a multi-level class at his school. His class and the grade above him currently have a combined total of 28 students, forcing the school to combine the two grades. Last year it was K-1 and mid-year they split due to an increase in students. Students moved away, some transferred schools so by the time school started this fall they were combined again to 1-2. Last year didn't go ideal, but I did see some benefits of multi-level. We had heard good things about this years teacher and how well she has handled a multi-level grade in the past.
Last year we saw Hunter excel in Kindergarten. His reading took off and by the end of the year he was reading at a 2nd grade level. He also did well in math and things came easily for him.
This year at fall conferences, we were blown away at Hunter's progress. We knew he was smart and did well, but to see it on paper and to have a teacher talk so highly, assures our thoughts and feelings. It was at that point that Craig and I began talking about accelerating Hunter to the next grade level. We decided not to jump the gun and wait and see how he was doing at winter conferences. Well, once again we were blown away. He is now reading at an upper 4th grade level, he has been switched to doing math with the 2nd graders in his multi-level class and is still the first one done with worksheets. He loves the science that is being taught and he has a broad range of knowledge of history. His writing has become more descriptive and many details have been added to his stories since the fall conference. That was the one goal we made. After an amazing conference, we asked Hunter to step into the hallway. This is when Craig and I asked his teacher what she thought about moving him up to the next grade level.
She understood why we would want to do this, especially knowing that they are one student away from splitting classes for next year. She said that she knows Hunter would do well with this year's 2nd graders since he already is and would be a great fit to continue on with that class. I did ask her if she thought we were crazy for wanting to do this and thinking it would be a good decision to accelerate him. She assured me that she felt like this would be a good move, especially with the way things are currently set up at his school. She then told us that she would contact the principal and see what our next step would be.
Next, Craig and I met with Hunter's principal. It was very brief and she agreed with us that this would be a wise move for Hunter. Also, given his age, he could technically be a 2nd grader. We chose to do an extra year of preschool because at the time he was more interested in the social aspect of school and with Craig's work schedule we wanted one more year of freedom. She gave us paperwork to fill out and return once completed. She was excited to start this process because she has never had a student accelerate in her career.
We brought the paperwork home. I did not like it! It wasn't much but I did not like the way some of the questions were worded. I wish I would have written some of them down, but I didn't. Basically, it made me feel like we thought our child was extra gifted, talented, and if he wasn't getting the proper services at school. With the help of Craig, we finished it. We answered the questions honestly.
The paperwork was turned in and we were told that it and Hunter's work would be looked over by the district's gifted and talented coordinator and that Hunter would be observed by a psychologist during school. Once these two things were completed, we would meet again and do what needs to be done next.
That brought us to today. We set up a date that Craig would be home, but as luck would have it, the poor guy woke up with a stomach bug. He was unable to attend. I went in after school and met with Hunter's principal, teacher and student teacher. His principal shared with me all of the different options available, the opinions of the gifted and talented coordinator and psychologist and what his teacher felt was best for him. We all agreed that acceleration would be the best option for him along with other enrichment possibilities. Once again, nerves got the best of me. I knew we were making the right choice, but I asked his teacher to assure me that even though we move him up he won't be struggling as a 2nd grader and 3rd grader next year. She reminded me that he is usually the first one done of the two grades with any assignments and he understands the material well. She also reminded me that he is already reading above grade level and that he will still be ok. She wants to see him challenged instead of being bored and that now is the time to make the switch. It was everything we already knew, but before it's official and signing away on paperwork, it is reassuring to get a pep talk and know you're not making a horrible decision.
So, I signed away, along with his principal and teacher and decided that he would officially start as a second grader on Monday. Same class, same kids, same work, new report card. Hunter was waiting patiently in the office while we met. We then brought him in and his teacher told him how proud she is of him and that due to his hard work asked him how he felt about moving up to be a 2nd grader and moving on with the 2nd grade class next year to 3rd grade. Silence. The wheels turning. No emotion. Just thinking. I'm slightly panicked. What if this isn't what he wants? He has mentioned before he wishes he was with that class. Silence. Then, finally a smile and the simple answer, "I would like that." Phew!!
We explained to him that we didn't want to hurt the feelings of others and that we weren't going to make a big deal of it. We told Hunter we didn't want him to be bragging to his friends about it because we don't want them to feel bad. We just want what is best for him academically. He smirked and agreed.
And that was that. Hunter and I went and had ice cream to celebrate his last day as a 1st grader. Monday, he will go to school as an official 2nd grader and we are excited and so proud of him.
We know he is special, but do not believe he is a genius. We want to see him excel but also be challenged. We felt in order for this to happen accelerating him was the best choice.
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