Gifted & Talented programs

Speaking as a mom, and an aunt, who has had gifted and talented people in her family, I would say definitely do not force him into an expensive program that he dislikes, just because he scores well. My son took his first ACT test in seventh grade, because of a "program" by a major university. It basically worked as a feeder, to get students into their school. We did not do it. My daughter was just as bright, but not labeled and has done some wonderful things with her life already. I am trustee for my nephews. One of them was identified, and also offered a chance to go to Europe, but he would have had to pay for it. The young man said "It would be really cool, but it will not take me any further in the field I want to pursue. I want to pass on it. Please do not make my step mom make me go." He is making some pretty mature choices for himself, and I am really proud of him. If there are short programs that are more age appropriate, see if you can encourage him there. We have junior astronaut camps, and artist camps and seminars, and music classes available, usually through the recreation commission or through community colleges. 4H even has programs that you do not have to be a member of. I would encourage him, but keep it local for now.

I would say that the program would be great for him but if he has no interest in it then it's unlikely that he would pursue a career in it and therefore could be a waste of time and money. On the other hand though, it does give him something to fall back on and he will be able to earn college credits which means less math he'll have to take later on in college since he doesn't like it. And who knows, maybe what he doesn't like it that it's boring and maybe it's boring because what they are teaching in beneath his capability. Perhaps once challenged he will find it interesting and want to stick with it. Ok all that in mind... I think trying out at least a couple of the classes in the program would be a win-win. If he doesn't enjoy it and it becomes a problem both with time and money then they can drop it and at leas they tried. If he likes it then it could lead to major things for him, including a new interest and a future career. If they don't try it, they'll never know and his potential would always be a "what if".

I think the opportunity he has is great, but I wouldn't push him into it. Since you want to encourage him, why don't you check out what other options there are out there for him? Some college run independent courses for kids like your nephew. If you do the research early enough, he may be able to get into some kind of summer program that may catch his interest enough to want to go to the gifted and talented program. Another option, you should check out if his school offers credit for summer school. He could jump ahead in certain - or all courses - and graduate early.

It would be good if you point out what benefits it would bring to him, sometimes kids are simply kids and still needs to be guided!;) I remember a cousin of mine, he's also good in math (but not me), his parents asked him what course he'd take on college and that they'll avail him of scholarship program since they are also one of those lucky enough to bring something home for the whole family. My cousin said that he'd take a course that has something to do with math, so they enrolled him and he took a qualifying exam for a B.S. Math scholarship program.. You're nephew has a lot of talent, he just have to look for some sources where he thinks he'd enjoy them all..

This is wonderful and I do think he should be encouraged but the fact is if his heart isn't into it then he won't succeed or could end up with other problems. I say encourage him but at this age if he doesn't want to do it he shouldn't be pushed.

my nephew is also in the gifted math program and he is in 6 th grade weird!!i would explain the perks of it to him in such a way that he would want to go my nephew jumped at it so we didnt have to do all that good luck

The biggest complaint concerning higher math is that it is 'useless' in the real world. This simply is not true. The way to increase your nephew's interest in higher math is to show him the 'real world' applications of higher math and how it will help him to understand things others do not. Some examples? Ever wonder how a company like Wal-Mart makes a decision concerning who wide the aisles between the goods for sale should be? Or what temperature to set the thermostat? How about the best locations for the truck depot terminals for moving the merchandise? How do big corporations make these decisions? Well, do you remember the simutanous solutions of equations procedure you learned in algebra? Yep, in a major corporation of today, they don't just guess at these things. Too much money is involved. They do a study of the relevant factors involved. Represent them as mathematical functions and solve the various equations simutanously for the most efficient solution. Just like you did in high school. Another example? Remember all the man made global warming hype? I have been debunking this BS from the very start. How was I able to do that? Why was I confident I was right and so many scientist were liars? (note: I did not say wrong, I said liars. Those scientists have math skills, too). I used my math skills. I got the orginal data of earth temperatures and sea levels for myself. Mostly this information is provided for with taxpayer dollars so when you ask, they have to give it to you. Anyone with the proper experience in mathematics can do this. So, if your nephew wants to equip himself to better understand what is really going on in business, politics, and science, he needs those higher math skills.