Last week Carnegie Mellon announced their C-MITES weekend workshops in Lower Merion. C and a friend are both attending for the first time, though different classes. C will be newly 6 and hopefully not too much younger than the other kids. It will be his first experience with a group of other children like himself, even if just for a few hours. When he’s older we’ll explore summer options too. I looked into SIG last year and this, but it’s just way more than we can afford while I’m staying home with the kids.
We’re now in the waiting phase for C’s ADHD evaluation by the school district. They have 60 days to complete their end, so it’s likely not much will happen any time soon. If he qualifies as OHI (Other Health Impaired) then the district will have to develop an IEP for him, which will also encompass his GIEP. I found a useful article on OHI while researching the term last week.
Another link I’ve been meaning to share is for the University of Connecticut’s SEM-R program. Last month the NAGC presented a WOW webinar on Challenging Talented Readers which included this link. Much of the webinar information is freely available on the site. Though it’s geared towards educators, it’s useful for parents as well. Their page about Talented Readers gives a good introduction to gifted readers and their needs, like being challenged. Sally Reis spoke much about the need for a “supported struggle” where gifted readers are encouraged to read books 1-2 grades above their independent level. The data is backed by research and worrisome statistics that show many gifted readers become lazy readers when left to repeatedly read below level at school. I debated for a few weeks whether or not to share this information with C’s school after being called “pushy” back in December, but finally decided I wasn’t going to let them bully me into silence. It’s my job to advocate for my kids!
