[Taualumna]

Originally posted by AGDee
When I worked in adolescent pscych, I found that the kids coming from school districts that were 7-12 did everything a little bit earlier. Granted, I was exposed to a special population, but when the 7th graders were exposed to the smoking, drinking, drugs, dating scene, gang involvement, etc. earlier, they tended to start these things earlier. Their idea of who their peer group is definitely changed as they identified with the older kids. From a social/emotional development view point, I believe they are better off separated. I also think that K-8, conversely, would stifle the social/emotional development of those 7th and 8th graders. The school district my kids attend has K-5, 6-8, and 9-12 and I like it that way.

On a side note, my daughter is in 4th grade, tested out at a 12th grade reading level and is encouraged to read 7th/8th grade level books in school (of which there are plenty). There are also public libraries for more advanced books. As one of her teachers pointed out (when she was in second grade).. just because a child is capable of reading at a much higher level, doesn't mean the content/subject matter of much higher level books is appropriate for them. She told a story of a 2nd grade boy who was working in the 5th grade level for reading and picked out "Are You There God, It's Me, Margaret?" to read. She got a call from that young boy's mom!

Dee

Dee,

What do you have to say about kids who attend small schools that go K-12?