GT

 In elementary school I went to Kahala Elementary School. Several of my classmates would leave the class in 5th grade. This would make them stand out because they would leave in the 10 to 15 minutes into class. It was odd to see since in my previous grades my classmates would rarely leave the classroom unless they had to go see the nurse or the principle. I did not even know what GT was until I asked one of my classmates I remember her telling me, "Oh, GT is for the smart kids." They were instantly labeled the "smart kids" in our grade. In my current placement they had a GT program in place which is different from my last two placement. One of placements did not have a GT program at all but they had a support reading group to provide extra support for the students who were having trouble reading or comprehending the material. In my first placement they had a STAR program which I really liked. In this program students who were not doing well in a certain subject (Math/English)  they would receive extra help. The groups tended to be smaller to give one-one help. Students who were doing well would be able to projects to help expand their learning while challenging them. My current placement pulls students from their Language Art, Hawaiian Studies and Math classes. I'm still unsure how I feel about this. I think it's wonderful to be able to challenge students who are not being challenged enough in the classroom. To them it's a breath of fresh air. But, to be pulled out 3 classes...my mentor and I find ourselves with half of the class gone especially on Mondays. For most of her lessons they are short and concise because the GT students will have to leave. And, my mentor needs to find other activities for the other students who do not go to GT to do. And, to miss Hawaiian Studies upsets me because I feel it is so important to know the history and culture of where you live. I always enjoyed when my Kumu would visit our classroom to teach us about the Hawaiian islands and the Legends of O'ahu. I always found it exciting. 
With most of my GT students they have good work habits. Often they will come after school to make sure they didn't miss anything else or to make up a test. This does not apply to all the GT students. Some students even if you give them the homework the students will not complete the homework or make-up the test or quiz that they have missed. Which I talked to my Field Supervisor about, I always thought in my mind GT students were perfect model students stereotype. This is not true at all. Some students may have good habits other may not. But, it does not necessarily mean that they are "bad" student. Another question was brought up, "Do they really need homework?" I'm not sure...maybe the material does not  challenge the student enough. It would probably have to depend on the student. 
All in all I still have mixed feelings about it. I plan to visit the a GT class to learn more about what they do and to gain a better perspective.