Children Gifted in Math
Sunday, April 17, 2005 - by CFertig - 739 Views -
1 Comments - Category:
Math
Mary recently made the following comment in response to one of my postings:
My son, Michael, is a sixth grader and is really smart in math. Last summer he went to a summer program for kids interested in mathematics at the local university and loved getting to do the advanced math that he was exposed to there. But, there isn't a gifted program at his school.
While he's making good grades in his math class, he finds it too easy and boring. What do you think I should do? He's got such a talent for this, and I hate to see him so bored with something he loved so much last summer.
Mary, you are asking a very big question. Of course I can’t give specific advice for your son since I don’t know him, but I can give you some general information. Also, let’s ask our fellow bloggers. If anyone reading this posting has additional advice or comments, please post a response.
Assessment
First of all, it would be helpful to get a professional assessment of your son’s math abilities. Hopefully, you have already had a conversation with Michael’s math teacher. Talking to the teacher is always the first place to start. How does the teacher see Michael in relationship to other students in the classroom?
Second, if there is a gifted/talented resource teacher at the school or in the district I would talk with that person next to see what is available. You said that Michael's school doesn't have a gifted program, but there still may be a resource person who can help.
Standardized tests that have been given by your district will also help to shed some light on his abilities. You will find some good information on this by reading the ERIC Digest article,
Discovering Mathematical Talent.
Working with the School
Once you understand Michael’s mathematical abilities more clearly, you will want to educate yourself with current research on addressing the needs of high-ability, gifted, and highly motivated students in general and more specifically in math.
A Nation Deceived: How Schools Hold Back America’s Brightest Students is a recently released report that can be downloaded over the Internet. The report advances the merits of acceleration—not just grade-skipping, but the many ways available that schools can accommodate the needs of students who are more advanced. This includes advancing them within the regular classroom.
Once you have an understanding of some of the background research available, you will be better prepared to advocate for Michael at school. Another book that will help you with this is
Developing Math Talent: A Guide for Educating Gifted and Advanced Learners in Math. This book is for both parents and teachers. The authors provide concrete suggestions for identifying mathematically talented students, tools for instructional planning, and specific programming approaches. It also provides concrete strategies for effectively advocating for gifted children with math talent.
One word of caution: In the U.S. we are often criticized for having a math curriculum that is "a mile wide and an inch deep." Rather that just accelerating students in math, it is highly recommended that students be given the opportunity to explore topics in depth. The article,
High-Ability and Highly Motivated Students provides suggestions for students to think deeply in mathematics by investigating complex problems.
After-School Activities
Does Michael’s school have before and after school clubs? Are there any math clubs or competitions in which he might participate? If there are no such activities at his school, can you find these elsewhere in your community? You mentioned that last summer he attended a class at a local university. Are there similar classes that are held during the school year?
A number of well-respected universities offer multimedia, computer-based, distance-learning courses in math. You might explore one of these. Students who are most successful with these programs are those who are able to stay motivated while working independently. Information on the courses can be found at
Stanford University,
Johns Hopkins University, and
Northwestern University.
I wish you the best with all of this. Please let us know what works for you. Being an advocate for your student can be a lot of work, but with a positive and understanding attitude, you will be successful.