Improving AIG in Chatham ~ How can we?

[Ann Godwin]

With all the discussion on the BBS regarding AIG and AP Classes, how can we as parents begin to improve the AIG program in Chatham County? My son, is an AIG student and his orginial AIG teacher left before winter break and the new AIG Teacher just came on board March 10, So he along with all the other AIG students have a lot of catching up to do.

So as parents, what can we begin to do so that our "GIFTED" students are not just passed along, because as the saying goes "they'll be okay, they get it".

[Gina Harrison]

Here's a link to a program at FPG where I work on campus that might have some information and resources that would be of interest
http://www.fpg.unc.edu/~ustars/index.cfm

Also, you may be interested in The Association for the Gifted's (TAG) website. http://www.cectag.org/
TAG is a division of the Council for Exceptional Children

[Ann Godwin]

Thanks Gina ~ I have read and re-read these web-sites along with many others. I have spoken with parents in different school districts who have children in the AIG program to see what they are doing. And my husband and I also do our part at home.

But I guess what I would like to know, is how we all as a county can get on the same level and have a strong program in place so that they not only are getting the challenges they need in elementary school, middle school but that they are ready for the challenges of high school AP and Honor's classes. And that we as parents know all the "options" that our kids should have.......credits for college while in high school, testing out without taking a class (don't think this is too smart but at least be aware that it is an option)...just give us a heads up on what we as parents should be doing to make sure our AIG students are not just getting by.

I know that we all have "meetings" to death, but perhaps as a whole county system all AIG students/parents could meet to see what our county's strengths and weaknesses are and work from there.