Thursday, October 30, 2008

A Moment to Boast

So, my 12 year old is all signed up to take the SATs in December.

Crazy, huh?

Turns out the kid is really smart. I don't know where he gets it from. His GT teacher (Gifted and Talented) says he is eligible through this program of Johns Hopkins University to take the SAT. Why would he want to you ask? Good question. Well, there are a few reasons.

First, a nice practice run. I remember as a junior in high school having NO idea what the darn test would be like, and thinking it was truly important (not knowing I would balk at college and not follow through) I was awfully stressed over it.

Second, standardized testing has its place, and each standardized test on the market serves a specific purpose. Any and all tests Dustin has taken so far have measured his ability on a scale. The scales have topped out at 12th grade level. So, if his scores are at completed 12th grade level, then we have to wonder, how much further could he do that just wasn't tested?

Currently I believe he is taking a college level Algebra course. In seventh grade, which lines him up to take college level Statistics as a senior, with the high school paying for it, saving him hundreds of dollars. He is taking this particular class because he is really smart he worked very aggressively in a program that allowed him to work at his own pace. He actually wanted to work on it more than he did, regularly he asked me to help him with it (it was online, so he was able to work at home) and I said no, I was busy. To the point that when his teacher called last spring, I thought he was going to tell me that Dustin no longer qualified for the program!! Instead, he shared with me the potential of putting him, and one other student, in this excelled program. Who knew?


Anyway, so the SAT thing is another step. Johns Hopkins University actually has programs, through what they call the Center for Talented Youth, for students who score well. So, these scores will never reach his college applications, but they will go to Johns Hopkins, the school, and me.


I guess I'll keep you posted!

5 comments:

Nicki said...

Good job! Can't wait to hear the results! (and what those results actually mean, because I can't remember cr*p from way back when.)

brycemoore said...

I did this when I was in seventh grade, too. My brother and I went to CTY for two or three years. I had a blast and highly recommend it.

Memories by Melissa Photography said...

Congrats Dustin!!!! What a great thing. Can't wait to see the results!!!

Tara said...

This a very exciting! I did the same thing at his age.... it was nice for the practice, but it also allows (if you choose to send the scores to colleges) to colleges to "follow" him - to see how he's progressed. Usually giving him a foot up.

Congrats to Dustin

Stinson Family said...

Way to go Dustin! That is amazing, I wish you well on your test!