To the Administration at Great Valley:

"A great problem in U.S. education is that gifted students are rarely pushed to achieve their full potential. It is no secret that American students overall lag their international peers." Wall Street Journal, 8/19/15

We are asking that the dismantling of the advanced (math) and LA-G for the gifted students at the middle school be stopped immediately.

We believe that the curriculum changes were done without any parental input, feedback, or transparency.

Some limited graphs were shown at a meeting, which were unclear which variables were used to derive outcomes. When more in-depth and detailed information were requested, it was not provided.

1. We definitely support some differentiation in the classroom, as not all students are the same and would certainly benefit from some modified and personalized instruction!

2. However, we ask that the existing advanced math classes NOT be dismantled, as these high-ability and gifted students are capable of moving through math content at a quicker and deeper pace in line with their ability.

3. We ask that the existing LA-G for gifted students in the middle school NOT be dismantled. Many parents and students find benefit from gifted peer interaction and the unique and challenging projects.

We support and love our teachers at Great Valley, who are already working very hard. We are simply asking you to keep the classes that already currently exist in place, and we are also looking to build a stronger high-ability and gifted student program at Great Valley as well.

“Gifted children are a precious human-capital resource. They are the future creators of modern art, culture, leaders in business, health care, law, the professoriate, and STEM.” David Lubinski - Vanderbilt University.

Sincerely,

The Parents of Great Valley

(as signed below)