Gifted Certification

As I mentioned before, one of my students has dyslexia. However, she is unable to get an IEP for this because of legality issues etc. Therefore, the family is trying to go the "gifted," route in order to receive certification. To do this, my 2nd grade student had to create some sort of research project that tackles certain social studies standards. The majority of this project had to be completed during school hours and with complete guidance by the 2nd grade student. 

My mentor teacher and I had many concerns and problems with this. First of all, there is 0 time in the day for this to be completed without taking away time from other learning. Second, my mentor teacher was uncomfortable and unsure of her role in the matter. This was supposed to be "student lead," but it is almost impossible for a second grader to come up with a research topic, plan of option and presentation on their own. 

Today, my student presented her project in front of the committee. I almost could cry watching my student present because she was so nervous and could barely speak. This is completely normal because she is a second grader. The presentation did not show that she was gifted at all because she was so nervous and overwhelmed that she forgot most of the things that she wanted to say. 

I am really curious to see what the result will be and if she will receive gifted certification. It is such a shame that she needs to go through all of this stress and work to receive the services that she genuinely needs.