Deeper and Wider

As a parent involved in the GATE program at Rucker, I am often asked "What's so special about Rucker?" Well, here is a good example: Yesterday I attended a meeting in Janice Krahenbuhl's 3rd grade classroom. It seems that the majority of her students have not only mastered 3rd grade spelling, but have also mastered 4th, 5th and 6th grade spelling as well. Rather than begin them on 7th grade spelling, Janice has decided to start them on an expanded vocabulary curriculum.

Because the Rucker GATE program caters to a classroom of all (or nearly all) gifted students, they are able to move through more of the curriculum (wider) and then spend more time going into details (deeper). This is a distinct advantage over other forms of GATE instruction offered in the district, and this is why the parents in the program love it so much. I'm aware that 'tracked' programs are out of favor, but when a program carries as many advantages as this one does, it is hard to argue that it should be ended simply because it seems 'elitist' to someone.

Hopefully with the new identification process in place, there will be renewed interest in the program at Rucker. GUSD makes decisions based on parent interest (or at least perceived parent interest), so it is important to the future of the program to keep enrollement up.

Tonight's Board Meeting

GATE Parents should try to attend tonight's board
meeting. The GIRC committee will be delivering it's
recommendations on changes to the
identification/assessment process, which drives the
rest of the GATE program. There are important
changes being considered. The committee has worked
long and hard on this, and we can use all of your
support.

Rucker vs Non-Rucker

Rob van Herk and I are having a discussion on his blog regarding Rucker vs Luigi GATE students, and their relative performance. I am really very interested in the opinions of the parents of GATE students outside of Rucker: Is your child challenged, or bored? Is there enough advanced instruction? What changes would you like to see in your child's classroom experience? I'm looking for ideas that can be translated into grant proposals.