Gifted testing and what comes next question

[SnuggleBuggles]

We've had a long road on the gifted testing. In 2nd grade, he didn't qualify on the 1st round evaluation (just missed it). In 3rd, we didn't follow up. In 4th grade, he qualified in round 1 (KBIT) but not the more extensive round. As predicted though, his math evaluation was awesome. He ranked "very superior" in every category (>99th percentile). Notes were that he would benefit from enrichment. (Reading was above average and whatever good category comes after that but it's always been math as his strong suit.)

My question is, he didn't qualify for the gifted program so what can I officially do to make sure he gets the math enrichment he desperately wants and can obviously do? Each year I have just asked the teachers and they have given him extra work and more challenges. He is in a group with 2 other kids in his class that get enrichment and modified lessons. That has been going well but I'm worried that it isn't official. They do it now but aren't really required. I'm worried without some piece of paper that he could get lost in the shuffle. (I have asked the gifted coordinator and am waiting for his reply. He's a bit flaky so not sure how helpful he'll be.)

Any idea if there is anything I can do? The kid loves math and I want to encourage that enthusiasm and passion!

[Reader]

Some supplementary math things we have done are: Art of Problem Solving books, logic puzzle books, and the Murderous Math Series. My DS adores the Murderous Math series, they're like chapter books with lots of silly humor. Have you looked too see if there is a Math Circle in your area? They have meetings, etc. I get interesting ideas from Pinterest for math and lately have been getting interesting ideas by following the Museum of Math on FB. My DS is obsessed with math. :)

[KpbS]

Not sure about how do get documentation but wanted to say that's awesome! Way to go! I would ask the counselor perhaps and see if there are any local summer gifted programs/camps he qualifies for. I know there are some in our area and of course there is the program at Duke http://www.tip.duke.edu/.

[SnuggleBuggles]

Not sure about how do get documentation but wanted to say that's awesome! Way to go! I would ask the counselor perhaps and see if there are any local summer gifted programs/camps he qualifies for. I know there are some in our area and of course there is the program at Duke http://www.tip.duke.edu/.

A local (great) university has programs like that. I'm hoping I can get him qualified without the gifted designation. There seemed to be a few ways you could get them in. It's on my to-do list. :)

[SnuggleBuggles]

Some supplementary math things we have done are: Art of Problem Solving books, logic puzzle books, and the Murderous Math Series. My DS adores the Murderous Math series, they're like chapter books with lots of silly humor. Have you looked too see if there is a Math Circle in your area? They have meetings, etc. I get interesting ideas from Pinterest for math and lately have been getting interesting ideas by following the Museum of Math on FB. My DS is obsessed with math. :)

Thanks for the ideas!

[kijip]

A local (great) university has programs like that. I'm hoping I can get him qualified without the gifted designation. There seemed to be a few ways you could get them in. It's on my to-do list. :)

Most of those sorts of University programs I have researched only require a certain score in the area that you want to sign them up for a class. It sounds like he would qualify in Math. Some, like Stanford's EPGY open enrollment, don't require any scores.

I also can't say enough good things about the following math books for home enrichment:

Problemoids (http://www.rfwp.com/series/problemoids-math-challenge-program)
Beast Academy (http://www.beastacademy.com/)(though only grade 3 is out, however, it is an interesting set of books and I can see kids above 3rd grade getting something out of it, there are placement tests on their website to print)
Challenge Math (http://www.amazon.com/Challenge-Elementary-Middle-Student-Edition/dp/0967991552)