Gifted Program cut

by Kim Ivins

Mar 20, 2010

I teach the gifted program in Florence, NJ. It is K-8 and I am the only teacher. Yesterday they cut the program along with several other programs. My question is if it is mandated in NJ how do they not have a program? Is there something I can do to get it reinstated, at least partially? I know I should contact parents and have them go to the board meetings, but should I contact someone at the state level? I appreciate any advice, thanks!

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KIvins On 3/21/10, Suggestion wrote: >Nice, thanks for your helpful response.

Start looking for another job. > > > On 3/20/10, Kim Ivins wrote: >> I teach the gifted program in Florence, NJ. It is K-8 and I >> am the only teacher. Yesterday they cut the program along >> with several other programs. My question is if ...See More

Mar 21, 2010

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Sara On 3/20/10, Kim Ivins wrote: > I teach the gifted program in Florence, NJ. It is K-8 and I > am the only teacher. Yesterday they cut the program along > with several other programs. My question is if it is > mandated in NJ how do they not have a program? Is there > something I can do to get it reinstated, at least > partially? I k...See More

Mar 22, 2010

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KK I'm sorry you're having to deal with it--you want to teach, not to argue for why you should be teaching. Sara's advice is sound, because things really are terrible all over. However, in regular days, a group of strong, committed, and yes, determinedly loud supportive parents can be a powerful force in budgeting decisions. I don't think it could hur...See MoreI'm sorry you're having to deal with it--you want to teach, not to argue for why you should be teaching. Sara's advice is sound, because things really are terrible all over. However, in regular days, a group of strong, committed, and yes, determinedly loud supportive parents can be a powerful force in budgeting decisions. I don't think it could hurt now, and it might possibly be a tipping point when it comes to choosing between the gifted program and something else. It is very hard to be the lone person representing the gifted program, so I don't envy your situation.

Whatever you can do to promote positive PR is a great thing--can you call the local newspaper to highlight some special project the students are working on?

If you have access to specific figures in the budget, that is really helpful, because your program is not probably that expensive. You may even be able to argue something like, "re-painting the track, X amount of dollars; gifted education, priceless. Oh, and less expensive than re-painting the track." However, sometimes that money doesn't come out of the same category.

Good luck.

On 3/22/10, Sara wrote: > On 3/20/10, Kim Ivins wrote: >> I teach the gifted program in Florence, NJ. It is K-8 and I >> am the only teacher. Yesterday they cut the program along >> with several other programs. My question is if it is >> mandated in NJ how do they not have a program? Is there >> something I can do to get it reinstated, at least >> partially? I know I should contact parents and have them go >> to the board meetings, but should I contact someone at the >> state level? I appreciate any advice, thanks! > > In these times?? No it's likely not possible to get it > reinstated no matter how many parents jump up and down and > yell and scream. > > but here's what to do - get a copy of next year's budget. Get > informed about the financial realities of your district. Get > this year's school tax revenues figure, get next year's > projected figure and see for yourself if there's money > available. School boards are more impressed by those who come > in with their figures straight than those who come in just > demanding something. > > I'd say contact your state spec. ed department and ask their > interpretation of what's mandated and what's not. > > I don't think gifted/talented kids are granted the same level > of protection as those with learning differences. Gifted are > not protected by the federal law that is the Americans with > Disabilities Act.

Mar 22, 2010

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SueAnn It is my understanding that the gifted program in not an option. It is mandated by state law. You need to check into this and see what your state law mandates. Just doesn't sound right. Did they offer to place you in another position?

Mar 23, 2010

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Kim Ivins Very thankful for all of the suggestions. Please know that I do have a job, only because I have been teaching for 29 years. Unfortunately, I will be bumping another teacher

Mar 23, 2010

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