The most important lesson I've learned in my adventure with Cole is that I need to worry less about appearing like an over-proud parent and worry more that his needs are being met. In fact, I'm pulling together a stack of materials right now for my next meeting with his teacher and principal: curriculum suggestions from the National Association for Gifted Children, advice from the Davidson Institute for Talent Development, suggestions from Hoagies Gifted Education Page, as well as books from the Gifted and Talented list at Free Spirit Publishing. I'm also bringing examples of stuff Cole likes to read, draw, write, and study at home so that I have concrete examples of his abilities.

I started out the school year thinking my only option was to homeschool. I went to the first day of school with little hope, but I was honest. I told the teacher—in no uncertain terms—that Cole was very smart and that we were very disappointed with the experience we'd had in first grade. I also shared some of his current interests. She was able to use that knowledge—and the test from the psychiatrist—to build a relationship with him and a curriculum that suits him. He has to do more rote work and take more tests in school than he would have had to at home, but he does it out of affection for his teacher, even if he finds it boring. That seems to me like a good thing to learn. As a result, Cole has discovered a teacher he loves and has learned a very important lesson: He's not a bad kid, he's a smart kid.