what can parents do to get the best possible/challenging programs for children in schools?

Question

some children need to be challenged - they are not the norm and are more advanced because their parents have challenged them at home and have taken steps to bring their kids to school with a foundation of knowledge. they do not fit into the normal category. Some schools offer gifted programs but not all.

Answer 1

Find a private school that meets your needs. Send the children there. If they are "not the norm," maybe they shouldn't be in the same school with common folks.

Answer 2

Many schools offer gifted and talented programs and extracurricular activities that cater to children needing a more challenging educational program. Another avenue interested parents may follow is found in community activities that encourage intellectual growth. Usually these feature learning activities that are not found in average classroom settings and they also provide a fun and social outlet for the curious children.
My child has taken Spanish, Web Page Design, Wildlife Preservation, and many others. Check all resources for programs that can add to your child's educational experience. Check local libraries, museums, community colleges, state parks, churches, and community calenders for classes or events that may be offered for your young child.

Answer 3

what you need to do is to make sure that you spend more time with those children because only you know how much above average that child is for instance if you admit that child in a school which offer gifted programs what would happen he would learn but as per standards set by the school my point is that you as a parent to find out what is that gift that has made your child above average and you are for the most part can be the only one who can offer that child a gifted program school on the other hand can paly a supporting role but not the major role

Answer 4

Challenge them at home. Talk to the teacher and see if he/she is willing to offer them more challenging material. Probably won't happen because they have to teach 15-20 other kids.

I think supplementing at home is the only solution if the school doesn't offer a gifted program (and you are not willing to shell out the $$$ for private schooling).

Answer 5

Is this supposed to be a preschool question?
Parents should work with their children at home to reinforce what preschool is teaching. Your child may be gifted, but I wouldnt force it at such a young age. Children need a childhood, they have many years to be challenged. There is more to life then book sense, common sense goes a long way.

Answer 6

Go to your school's board of education, join the PTA and talk to the teacher's all at the same time. Just because your child goes to a public school does not mean that he/she doesn't deserve the same quality of education that, even private, other schools give.

Answer 7

You are your childs only advocate-keep on the school until you are satisfied. If necessary, take it all the way to the school board. Public education is every childs right. They school system has individualized lesson plans available for children who need extra help, and there should be something available for those who need to accelerate.

Answer 8

Join the schools PTA.

Answer 9

Homeschool

Government sponsored schooling will always cater to the lowest common denominator.

Answer 10

talk with the child's teacher, one-on-one, sharing information and being at all times patient, focusing on the child, not on the politics of the school.