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Middle School
There were 22 respondents for the Middle School survey. None of the children attend a
magnet school. The majority of children take MEGSSS, followed by IMAST and a
Gifted Class. The majority of parents are sometimes satisfied with the middle school
gifted program. Only four surveys reported they were completely satisfied with it. The
Advanced Language Arts and Geography/History classes had the most criticism (14
respondents). One parent (Case #13) from Seminole Middle School wrote: "Advanced
classes are not the same as 'gifted only.' " This parent also states that her son is starting to
dislike science because he is so bored in his science class. The non-gifted classes are
considered boring and repetitive. Another parent (Case #54) from Safety Harbor Middle
School has to ask the Advanced Language Arts teacher for extra work because the class
is not challenging. There was a suggestion (Case #16, Safety Harbor Middle School) for
all gifted classes, elementary and middle schools, to be taught at two years above grade
level.
Seventeen respondents would like a gifted middle school. There were 2 respondents who
did not want the gifted middle school and 3 respondents did not answer the question.
There was some concern with a combine middle and high school because of the age
difference. Former Ridgecrest parents are especially supportive of a gifted middle school.
They would like a continuity of the full day gifted program. One parent (Case #1) from
Carwise Middle School wrote that there is a need for a gifted middle school program like
Ridgecrest. The Middle School IB Programme also had support, however, parents
reported they wanted a gifted middle school more than IB.
Parents would like more challenging classes, besides MEGSSS and IMAST. The
majority would like gifted classes for every subject. One survey, Case #71 representing a
high school graduate, stated a desire for an all day middle school gifted program with
honors classes. There is a concern that the children are "breezing" through classes
without much effort. There were also comments likening the Geography class to a
coloring class and being too easy for the gifted students. Parents would like gifted
Geography/History classes. There were mixed comments about the Gifted Class. Some
parents reported the class to be challenging but many said their children were bored with
it. One parent (Case #18) form Safety Harbor Middle School would like "logical
thinking, chess, other things to stimulate them [students]." This suggestion is echoed by
Case #26. The Largo Middle School parent wrote that an ideal program would be
"something that is more geared to a profession or logical thinking."
There was a correlation between challenging classes and disruptive behavior. The
consensus is that the children are not obtaining new information, especially in 6th grade.
One parent (Case #64) from Safety Harbor Middle School wrote, "The gifted programs in
elementary and middle school are not truly designed for children with high IQ's. [T]he
material and requirements offer no challenges which is dangerous for gifted students who
become bored and complacent as a result."
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