The application system allows parents to upload documents. Sometimes, especially in the cases of private schools or homeschool programs, the parent may not have a physical document to upload. Instead, the private school or homeschool program provides the parents with access to an online grade site.
Unfortunately, there is no way for the parent to link the site to the application system my district uses. In those cases, parents often send me a link to their child's grades on the grade site. Success with this is about 60/40. 60% of the grade sites are protected in such a way that I can't see anything. 40% allow me to use the link to get to the grades I need for the matrix.
I was expecting a grade page when I clicked on a link a parent sent me regarding their child's application. What I got was their child's personal website. The website was filled with pictures, awards, and videos of the child. It was obviously professionally done and carefully choreographed to "sell" me on admitting the child to my program.
I have to admit, this was the first time I had seen an entire website dedicated to getting a kid into second grade.
I will also admit that I clicked around a bit, just to see what all was there. - How much effort went into the website was astounding.
In the end though, I am not allowed to consider anything outside the G/T matrix to determine if a child qualifies for my program or not. I sent a reply to the parent with a link to district policy which states in no uncertain terms that a child has to apply, qualify as G/T, and win a seat in the lottery for admittance to my program.
I also may or may not have shared the link with a few close friends. I mean, really, how often do you see a seven year old that can play the guitar with his hands while playing the piano with his feet?
Unfortunately, there is no way for the parent to link the site to the application system my district uses. In those cases, parents often send me a link to their child's grades on the grade site. Success with this is about 60/40. 60% of the grade sites are protected in such a way that I can't see anything. 40% allow me to use the link to get to the grades I need for the matrix.
I was expecting a grade page when I clicked on a link a parent sent me regarding their child's application. What I got was their child's personal website. The website was filled with pictures, awards, and videos of the child. It was obviously professionally done and carefully choreographed to "sell" me on admitting the child to my program.
I have to admit, this was the first time I had seen an entire website dedicated to getting a kid into second grade.
I will also admit that I clicked around a bit, just to see what all was there. - How much effort went into the website was astounding.
In the end though, I am not allowed to consider anything outside the G/T matrix to determine if a child qualifies for my program or not. I sent a reply to the parent with a link to district policy which states in no uncertain terms that a child has to apply, qualify as G/T, and win a seat in the lottery for admittance to my program.
I also may or may not have shared the link with a few close friends. I mean, really, how often do you see a seven year old that can play the guitar with his hands while playing the piano with his feet?