Skipping 3rd grade? - Page 2

[ChristaN]

Originally Posted by whatsnextmom

I know that test scores are part of the determination but it was my understanding that it took in many other considerations as well.

Yes, it does look at other factors, but IQ scores are considered one of the "critical" pieces. A child who isn't at least 2 SDs above the mean (an IQ in the 98th percentile+) isn't even considered any further on the IAS even if s/he meets all of the other criterion. My understanding is that the newest version of the IAS will take a CogAT composite score in that range as well -- which is a lot less expensive than IQ testing although not as much a measure of innate ability as "developed abilities" as the CogAT publisher puts it.

I can't imagine that the school can't at least do a group aptitude test. That disagreement aside, I do like LauraLoo's suggestions. Knowing what the characteristics of other kids who've been suggested for skips by the school are and how frequently they suggest this might give you some interesting insight. Also knowing if their prior assessments of who should skip were "on" might let you know if they are giving you good advise as well.

Like the pp, we were the ones who had to be convinced to skip dd11 and we were approached by the school too.

[LittleBattleAxe]

I fully support acceleration for children who merit it. Anecdotally, I found that as a teacher, I saw girls who were accelerated in middle school had an easier time fitting in than boys in the same situation (didn't encounter any kids who were accelerated while in high school so can't comment on that), socially.

Whatsnextmom, thank you for sharing your wisdom in your personal situation -- with one child who did and one who did not accelerate. I think it's essential for parents to know when it's "right" and when it's not -- there are a lot of factors to consider.

Anecdotally, both my brother and I were candidates for grade acceleration when we were in elementary school (and my brother, again in junior high). My brother skipped a grade, and was thrilled to do it. I was wholly against the idea for myself, and my parents chose not to; that was right for ME because my brother and I had very different experiences/objectives in school.