What is it like being gen Ed at AAP center?

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:AAP goes out the door in 7th grade. I have had kids in both programs. When your child is young and the "first kid", this seems to be when most parents are more anxious about getting into AAP.. By the time they get to middle school and certainly high school you realize it wasn't worth the stress. One "possible" perk could be peer group but I will say, my middle child did not have the positive peer group in AAP that my older one did. So, at least for me, my belief is that is just depends on the class year as a whole. Youngest is not in AAP at a center and all has been fine. In fact it has been the smallest AAP class this school has had. 3rd grade GE teacher incorporated a ton of "AAP" curriculum-could be teacher dependent. Things seem to be really changing.

Funny, for our pyramid, 7th and 8th being separated is the biggest benefit

Yes. My kid can attend a better middle school due to AAP. Way less problems, drugs, behavior issues. More academic focus and kids on the right track. Thank God for AAP!

Then go to high school with those you done want in your middle school.

Nope, by then my kid will be in mostly AP classes and will rarely have to see those kids.

You do realize in high school, AP classes are open to all? Get a clue. Many former GE kids outshine their former AAP peers in high school. Brace yourself!
DP

LD kids will be in AP classes? Doubtful.

+1 or kids who can’t read/write? They won’t be in any of my kids’ core classes, sorry. No matter how much you like to parrot “but they’re open to anyone!” No, the reality is only certain types of students can handle those classes. A kid who can’t read isn’t signing up for an AP class.

We’re not talking about “a kid who can’t read.” We’re talking about all the bright, formerly GE kids who were indistinguishable from your AAP kid. They will all be in the same advanced classes in high school.

Well I am. I’m talking about kids who can’t read, special Ed, major issues. In AAP in elementary, and to an extent in middle, you get away from those kids. They won’t be in your classes. That is part of the draw of AAP in Elementary for many parents. And this will continue in high school. Those kids will never join honors of AP classes.

Interesting. Most of the poorly behaved kids at our elementary school are in AAP. I feel sorry for those teachers.

You’d like to think that to make yourself feel better but it just isn’t true. Teachers love teaching the AAP class. They have fewer behavioral issues and more kids who can do and have great family support and want to learn! They don’t have nearly as many IEP or 504 meetings to prepare for and sit in on. It is just so much easier teaching the AAP kids.

Hoo boy... here is someone who clearly doesn't have a clue what they're talking about. There is a much greater likelihood of an AAP kid having an IEP or 504 than a GE kid. Ask me how I know - my sister is an AAP 4th grade teacher and has told nightmare stories about some of the kids she has in her class. Every day, the principal has to take at least one or two out in the hall and let them have it. Their behavior is abysmal. Much more so than in the GE classes. My sister said she regrets getting the extra credential which allow her to teach AAP - it's just not worth it.

Well gosh darn it, if your sister says it, it must be true for all. Lol.

Actually, I have a couple AAP teacher friends and they say the same. Further, as someone who has volunteered in the ES for years (in both classes) the AAP kids have their own challenges. Hyper competitive. Overly focused on what's fair/not. Hyper-focused on rules. Stressed due to expectations of perfection. In short, many of them are really, really hard to deal with.

This is very true, but on the whole, AAP is easier to teach because you can move at a faster pace, the range of abilities isn’t as wide, and there are very little IEP meetings to attend. It is actually pretty rare to have the chair thrower in AAP. Also, parental support is extremely high. And having a friend who teaches isn’t the same as actually teaching. You don’t know how honest your teacher friend actually is considering you were also in the schools volunteering. Volunteers really don’t know everything.

I am also a family friend of one of the long-time AAP teachers and we have discussed many, many times (our kids are also friends). I don't feel the need to include every detail into every post. But since I obv do here since you're dismissing my volunteering as a knowledge point.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:AAP goes out the door in 7th grade. I have had kids in both programs. When your child is young and the "first kid", this seems to be when most parents are more anxious about getting into AAP.. By the time they get to middle school and certainly high school you realize it wasn't worth the stress. One "possible" perk could be peer group but I will say, my middle child did not have the positive peer group in AAP that my older one did. So, at least for me, my belief is that is just depends on the class year as a whole. Youngest is not in AAP at a center and all has been fine. In fact it has been the smallest AAP class this school has had. 3rd grade GE teacher incorporated a ton of "AAP" curriculum-could be teacher dependent. Things seem to be really changing.

Funny, for our pyramid, 7th and 8th being separated is the biggest benefit

Yes. My kid can attend a better middle school due to AAP. Way less problems, drugs, behavior issues. More academic focus and kids on the right track. Thank God for AAP!

Then go to high school with those you done want in your middle school.

Nope, by then my kid will be in mostly AP classes and will rarely have to see those kids.

You do realize in high school, AP classes are open to all? Get a clue. Many former GE kids outshine their former AAP peers in high school. Brace yourself!
DP

LD kids will be in AP classes? Doubtful.

+1 or kids who can’t read/write? They won’t be in any of my kids’ core classes, sorry. No matter how much you like to parrot “but they’re open to anyone!” No, the reality is only certain types of students can handle those classes. A kid who can’t read isn’t signing up for an AP class.

We’re not talking about “a kid who can’t read.” We’re talking about all the bright, formerly GE kids who were indistinguishable from your AAP kid. They will all be in the same advanced classes in high school.

Well I am. I’m talking about kids who can’t read, special Ed, major issues. In AAP in elementary, and to an extent in middle, you get away from those kids. They won’t be in your classes. That is part of the draw of AAP in Elementary for many parents. And this will continue in high school. Those kids will never join honors of AP classes.

Interesting. Most of the poorly behaved kids at our elementary school are in AAP. I feel sorry for those teachers.

You’d like to think that to make yourself feel better but it just isn’t true. Teachers love teaching the AAP class. They have fewer behavioral issues and more kids who can do and have great family support and want to learn! They don’t have nearly as many IEP or 504 meetings to prepare for and sit in on. It is just so much easier teaching the AAP kids.

Hoo boy... here is someone who clearly doesn't have a clue what they're talking about. There is a much greater likelihood of an AAP kid having an IEP or 504 than a GE kid. Ask me how I know - my sister is an AAP 4th grade teacher and has told nightmare stories about some of the kids she has in her class. Every day, the principal has to take at least one or two out in the hall and let them have it. Their behavior is abysmal. Much more so than in the GE classes. My sister said she regrets getting the extra credential which allow her to teach AAP - it's just not worth it.

Well gosh darn it, if your sister says it, it must be true for all. Lol.

Actually, I have a couple AAP teacher friends and they say the same. Further, as someone who has volunteered in the ES for years (in both classes) the AAP kids have their own challenges. Hyper competitive. Overly focused on what's fair/not. Hyper-focused on rules. Stressed due to expectations of perfection. In short, many of them are really, really hard to deal with.

This is very true, but on the whole, AAP is easier to teach because you can move at a faster pace, the range of abilities isn’t as wide, and there are very little IEP meetings to attend. It is actually pretty rare to have the chair thrower in AAP. Also, parental support is extremely high. And having a friend who teaches isn’t the same as actually teaching. You don’t know how honest your teacher friend actually is considering you were also in the schools volunteering. Volunteers really don’t know everything.

I am also a family friend of one of the long-time AAP teachers and we have discussed many, many times (our kids are also friends). I don't feel the need to include every detail into every post. But since I obv do here since you're dismissing my volunteering as a knowledge point.

Ok. But until you actually teach a class yourself for a full year or more, you still truly won’t understand teaching. Many parents who volunteer or have a friend on the inside like to think they know. AAP classes on the whole are easier to teach than Gen Ed. Why do you think most AAP teachers stay in AAP?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is some pretty gross ableism going on in this thread. Some of the smartest people I know as adults were thought to be “slow” as kids because they had undiagnosed dyslexia. And these people bragging about getting away from certain types of kids seem to be forgetting about the twice exceptional kids that can be quite challenging. I hope karma comes for some of you smug AAP parents.

Right? So much ignorance. My ADHD kid is in AAP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is some pretty gross ableism going on in this thread. Some of the smartest people I know as adults were thought to be “slow” as kids because they had undiagnosed dyslexia. And these people bragging about getting away from certain types of kids seem to be forgetting about the twice exceptional kids that can be quite challenging. I hope karma comes for some of you smug AAP parents.

Right? So much ignorance. My ADHD kid is in AAP.

You’re so funny. I’m not saying there aren’t kids with IEPs or 504s in AAP at all or that there are no issues at all. I’m saying on the whole, there are far fewer kids with them in AAP than in Gen Ed. And that does make it easier for the AAP teacher. Plus you have kids who are generally higher. My own kid is twice exceptional and in AAP.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:AAP goes out the door in 7th grade. I have had kids in both programs. When your child is young and the "first kid", this seems to be when most parents are more anxious about getting into AAP.. By the time they get to middle school and certainly high school you realize it wasn't worth the stress. One "possible" perk could be peer group but I will say, my middle child did not have the positive peer group in AAP that my older one did. So, at least for me, my belief is that is just depends on the class year as a whole. Youngest is not in AAP at a center and all has been fine. In fact it has been the smallest AAP class this school has had. 3rd grade GE teacher incorporated a ton of "AAP" curriculum-could be teacher dependent. Things seem to be really changing.

Funny, for our pyramid, 7th and 8th being separated is the biggest benefit

Can't gen ed kids elect to take honors classes at that point? BTW, My AAP 7th grader only has core AA classes; the rest of the classes are not "separated."

Yes, but the AAP classes are different and this is a school where everyone is encouraged to take honors

It depends on the MS school. Some AAP and honors are the same.

The students are separated. At schools with a lot of farms students encouraged to try honors, the classes will end up moving at very different paces.

I think the point people are trying to make is that IT DOES NOT Matter! By the time you get to MS and opt to take HN or in AAP, your day is MIXED with ALL kids. Math is completely separate-so that really can not be counted. LA, History, Sci may or may not be separated by AAP/HN/Regular BUT ALL other classes( PE, 2 electives or Foreign Language, "Mascot" Time, Lunch) are ALL MIXED. Plus by this point, your kids are friends with all kids from sports teams and other extra activities that the "peer" group thing becomes much less of a thing. By HS ALL kids can chose EVERY CLASS that they take regardless of in AAP,HN, GE etc. A ton of kids not in AAP(from ES) take Honors and AP or IB classes in HS.

I’m not counting lunch, study hall, those bullsh*t electives, or even PE as real classes. I don’t care if those classes are mixed. I only care about the core classes and I’m thankful my child is in AAP and surrounded by academically like minded peers.

Do you really believe that kids who can't come close to passing an SOL coming out of Hybla Valley taking honors because they were told everyone should try honors classes isn't going to slow classes?

No, and from my posts you would get that. I was saying I don’t care if those lower kids are in other classes like PE or lunch. I don’t want them in the core classes. How do you not get that?

Cringe. The way you refer to “lower kids” is cringe-worthy.

Lol. This is exactly how teachers talk in the lunchroom or at meetings. In fact, when making class placements, whether a kid is high, medium , or low is taken into consideration.

but at least a teacher, presumably, would be doing it with good intentions to balance a classroom. This parent is saying it on this board to remove their precious child from neurodiverse children or perceived less intelligent ones.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is some pretty gross ableism going on in this thread. Some of the smartest people I know as adults were thought to be “slow” as kids because they had undiagnosed dyslexia. And these people bragging about getting away from certain types of kids seem to be forgetting about the twice exceptional kids that can be quite challenging. I hope karma comes for some of you smug AAP parents.

Right? So much ignorance. My ADHD kid is in AAP.

You’re so funny. I’m not saying there aren’t kids with IEPs or 504s in AAP at all or that there are no issues at all. I’m saying on the whole, there are far fewer kids with them in AAP than in Gen Ed. And that does make it easier for the AAP teacher. Plus you have kids who are generally higher. My own kid is twice exceptional and in AAP.

+1 There is a big difference between and ADHD IEP that mommy basically purchased to get extra test time and a child with developmental delays being mainstreamed

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:AAP goes out the door in 7th grade. I have had kids in both programs. When your child is young and the "first kid", this seems to be when most parents are more anxious about getting into AAP.. By the time they get to middle school and certainly high school you realize it wasn't worth the stress. One "possible" perk could be peer group but I will say, my middle child did not have the positive peer group in AAP that my older one did. So, at least for me, my belief is that is just depends on the class year as a whole. Youngest is not in AAP at a center and all has been fine. In fact it has been the smallest AAP class this school has had. 3rd grade GE teacher incorporated a ton of "AAP" curriculum-could be teacher dependent. Things seem to be really changing.

Funny, for our pyramid, 7th and 8th being separated is the biggest benefit

Can't gen ed kids elect to take honors classes at that point? BTW, My AAP 7th grader only has core AA classes; the rest of the classes are not "separated."

Yes, but the AAP classes are different and this is a school where everyone is encouraged to take honors

It depends on the MS school. Some AAP and honors are the same.

The students are separated. At schools with a lot of farms students encouraged to try honors, the classes will end up moving at very different paces.

I think the point people are trying to make is that IT DOES NOT Matter! By the time you get to MS and opt to take HN or in AAP, your day is MIXED with ALL kids. Math is completely separate-so that really can not be counted. LA, History, Sci may or may not be separated by AAP/HN/Regular BUT ALL other classes( PE, 2 electives or Foreign Language, "Mascot" Time, Lunch) are ALL MIXED. Plus by this point, your kids are friends with all kids from sports teams and other extra activities that the "peer" group thing becomes much less of a thing. By HS ALL kids can chose EVERY CLASS that they take regardless of in AAP,HN, GE etc. A ton of kids not in AAP(from ES) take Honors and AP or IB classes in HS.

I’m not counting lunch, study hall, those bullsh*t electives, or even PE as real classes. I don’t care if those classes are mixed. I only care about the core classes and I’m thankful my child is in AAP and surrounded by academically like minded peers.

Do you really believe that kids who can't come close to passing an SOL coming out of Hybla Valley taking honors because they were told everyone should try honors classes isn't going to slow classes?

No, and from my posts you would get that. I was saying I don’t care if those lower kids are in other classes like PE or lunch. I don’t want them in the core classes. How do you not get that?

Cringe. The way you refer to “lower kids” is cringe-worthy.

Lol. This is exactly how teachers talk in the lunchroom or at meetings. In fact, when making class placements, whether a kid is high, medium , or low is taken into consideration.

but at least a teacher, presumably, would be doing it with good intentions to balance a classroom. This parent is saying it on this board to remove their precious child from neurodiverse children or perceived less intelligent ones.

I’m simply using the terms high and low as I did when I taught. There is no malice behind them. The higher kids will generally end up in honors or AP in high school. The lower kids will not. Many parents prefer to have their kids in with higher kids so group work is easier etc and that’s why they want AAP. They don’t want to deal with the issues that inevitable arise in some of the Gen Ed classes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is some pretty gross ableism going on in this thread. Some of the smartest people I know as adults were thought to be “slow” as kids because they had undiagnosed dyslexia. And these people bragging about getting away from certain types of kids seem to be forgetting about the twice exceptional kids that can be quite challenging. I hope karma comes for some of you smug AAP parents.

Right? So much ignorance. My ADHD kid is in AAP.

You’re so funny. I’m not saying there aren’t kids with IEPs or 504s in AAP at all or that there are no issues at all. I’m saying on the whole, there are far fewer kids with them in AAP than in Gen Ed. And that does make it easier for the AAP teacher. Plus you have kids who are generally higher. My own kid is twice exceptional and in AAP.

+1 There is a big difference between and ADHD IEP that mommy basically purchased to get extra test time and a child with developmental delays being mainstreamed

Correct. You generally won’t have kids with serious academic issues in AAP. ADHD is actually one of the easier things to deal with for a teacher.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is some pretty gross ableism going on in this thread. Some of the smartest people I know as adults were thought to be “slow” as kids because they had undiagnosed dyslexia. And these people bragging about getting away from certain types of kids seem to be forgetting about the twice exceptional kids that can be quite challenging. I hope karma comes for some of you smug AAP parents.

Right? So much ignorance. My ADHD kid is in AAP.

Guarantee your ADHD kid is less work than a kid in gen ed who hits, bites and throws things at the teacher. That child is in Gen Ed because (choose one)”

- the parent won’t sign the IEP
- the kid wasn’t identified because of the pandemic
- the child “never does that at home”
- the child’s one on one assistant hasn’t been hired
- the child is on grade level and is “fine”
- the parents are trying things “off medicine”
- the parents are switching medicine.
- the child spit out his medicine

I’m sure there are more reasons.
By the way, I don’t think this justifies having AAP. I think teachers should be told to teach top kids as well as low ones and that sped kids deserve more support in gen ed.

I just don’t buy that AAP sped is “just like” gen ed sped. Not for a second.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:AAP goes out the door in 7th grade. I have had kids in both programs. When your child is young and the "first kid", this seems to be when most parents are more anxious about getting into AAP.. By the time they get to middle school and certainly high school you realize it wasn't worth the stress. One "possible" perk could be peer group but I will say, my middle child did not have the positive peer group in AAP that my older one did. So, at least for me, my belief is that is just depends on the class year as a whole. Youngest is not in AAP at a center and all has been fine. In fact it has been the smallest AAP class this school has had. 3rd grade GE teacher incorporated a ton of "AAP" curriculum-could be teacher dependent. Things seem to be really changing.

Funny, for our pyramid, 7th and 8th being separated is the biggest benefit

Yes. My kid can attend a better middle school due to AAP. Way less problems, drugs, behavior issues. More academic focus and kids on the right track. Thank God for AAP!

Then go to high school with those you done want in your middle school.

Nope, by then my kid will be in mostly AP classes and will rarely have to see those kids.

You do realize in high school, AP classes are open to all? Get a clue. Many former GE kids outshine their former AAP peers in high school. Brace yourself!
DP

LD kids will be in AP classes? Doubtful.

+1 or kids who can’t read/write? They won’t be in any of my kids’ core classes, sorry. No matter how much you like to parrot “but they’re open to anyone!” No, the reality is only certain types of students can handle those classes. A kid who can’t read isn’t signing up for an AP class.

We’re not talking about “a kid who can’t read.” We’re talking about all the bright, formerly GE kids who were indistinguishable from your AAP kid. They will all be in the same advanced classes in high school.

Well I am. I’m talking about kids who can’t read, special Ed, major issues. In AAP in elementary, and to an extent in middle, you get away from those kids. They won’t be in your classes. That is part of the draw of AAP in Elementary for many parents. And this will continue in high school. Those kids will never join honors of AP classes.

Interesting. Most of the poorly behaved kids at our elementary school are in AAP. I feel sorry for those teachers.

You’d like to think that to make yourself feel better but it just isn’t true. Teachers love teaching the AAP class. They have fewer behavioral issues and more kids who can do and have great family support and want to learn! They don’t have nearly as many IEP or 504 meetings to prepare for and sit in on. It is just so much easier teaching the AAP kids.

Hoo boy... here is someone who clearly doesn't have a clue what they're talking about. There is a much greater likelihood of an AAP kid having an IEP or 504 than a GE kid. Ask me how I know - my sister is an AAP 4th grade teacher and has told nightmare stories about some of the kids she has in her class. Every day, the principal has to take at least one or two out in the hall and let them have it. Their behavior is abysmal. Much more so than in the GE classes. My sister said she regrets getting the extra credential which allow her to teach AAP - it's just not worth it.

Well gosh darn it, if your sister says it, it must be true for all. Lol.

Much like your statements, bolded above?

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:AAP goes out the door in 7th grade. I have had kids in both programs. When your child is young and the "first kid", this seems to be when most parents are more anxious about getting into AAP.. By the time they get to middle school and certainly high school you realize it wasn't worth the stress. One "possible" perk could be peer group but I will say, my middle child did not have the positive peer group in AAP that my older one did. So, at least for me, my belief is that is just depends on the class year as a whole. Youngest is not in AAP at a center and all has been fine. In fact it has been the smallest AAP class this school has had. 3rd grade GE teacher incorporated a ton of "AAP" curriculum-could be teacher dependent. Things seem to be really changing.

Funny, for our pyramid, 7th and 8th being separated is the biggest benefit

Yes. My kid can attend a better middle school due to AAP. Way less problems, drugs, behavior issues. More academic focus and kids on the right track. Thank God for AAP!

Then go to high school with those you done want in your middle school.

Nope, by then my kid will be in mostly AP classes and will rarely have to see those kids.

You do realize in high school, AP classes are open to all? Get a clue. Many former GE kids outshine their former AAP peers in high school. Brace yourself!
DP

LD kids will be in AP classes? Doubtful.

+1 or kids who can’t read/write? They won’t be in any of my kids’ core classes, sorry. No matter how much you like to parrot “but they’re open to anyone!” No, the reality is only certain types of students can handle those classes. A kid who can’t read isn’t signing up for an AP class.

We’re not talking about “a kid who can’t read.” We’re talking about all the bright, formerly GE kids who were indistinguishable from your AAP kid. They will all be in the same advanced classes in high school.

Well I am. I’m talking about kids who can’t read, special Ed, major issues. In AAP in elementary, and to an extent in middle, you get away from those kids. They won’t be in your classes. That is part of the draw of AAP in Elementary for many parents. And this will continue in high school. Those kids will never join honors of AP classes.

Interesting. Most of the poorly behaved kids at our elementary school are in AAP. I feel sorry for those teachers.

You’d like to think that to make yourself feel better but it just isn’t true. Teachers love teaching the AAP class. They have fewer behavioral issues and more kids who can do and have great family support and want to learn! They don’t have nearly as many IEP or 504 meetings to prepare for and sit in on. It is just so much easier teaching the AAP kids.

Hoo boy... here is someone who clearly doesn't have a clue what they're talking about. There is a much greater likelihood of an AAP kid having an IEP or 504 than a GE kid. Ask me how I know - my sister is an AAP 4th grade teacher and has told nightmare stories about some of the kids she has in her class. Every day, the principal has to take at least one or two out in the hall and let them have it. Their behavior is abysmal. Much more so than in the GE classes. My sister said she regrets getting the extra credential which allow her to teach AAP - it's just not worth it.

I know exactly what I’m talking about, having taught AAP myself in FCPS. Gen Ed deals with those kind of kids way more than AAP. Lol.

Not at our center - not by a long shot.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:AAP goes out the door in 7th grade. I have had kids in both programs. When your child is young and the "first kid", this seems to be when most parents are more anxious about getting into AAP.. By the time they get to middle school and certainly high school you realize it wasn't worth the stress. One "possible" perk could be peer group but I will say, my middle child did not have the positive peer group in AAP that my older one did. So, at least for me, my belief is that is just depends on the class year as a whole. Youngest is not in AAP at a center and all has been fine. In fact it has been the smallest AAP class this school has had. 3rd grade GE teacher incorporated a ton of "AAP" curriculum-could be teacher dependent. Things seem to be really changing.

Funny, for our pyramid, 7th and 8th being separated is the biggest benefit

Yes. My kid can attend a better middle school due to AAP. Way less problems, drugs, behavior issues. More academic focus and kids on the right track. Thank God for AAP!

Then go to high school with those you done want in your middle school.

Nope, by then my kid will be in mostly AP classes and will rarely have to see those kids.

You do realize in high school, AP classes are open to all? Get a clue. Many former GE kids outshine their former AAP peers in high school. Brace yourself!
DP

LD kids will be in AP classes? Doubtful.

+1 or kids who can’t read/write? They won’t be in any of my kids’ core classes, sorry. No matter how much you like to parrot “but they’re open to anyone!” No, the reality is only certain types of students can handle those classes. A kid who can’t read isn’t signing up for an AP class.

We’re not talking about “a kid who can’t read.” We’re talking about all the bright, formerly GE kids who were indistinguishable from your AAP kid. They will all be in the same advanced classes in high school.

Well I am. I’m talking about kids who can’t read, special Ed, major issues. In AAP in elementary, and to an extent in middle, you get away from those kids. They won’t be in your classes. That is part of the draw of AAP in Elementary for many parents. And this will continue in high school. Those kids will never join honors of AP classes.

Interesting. Most of the poorly behaved kids at our elementary school are in AAP. I feel sorry for those teachers.

You’d like to think that to make yourself feel better but it just isn’t true. Teachers love teaching the AAP class. They have fewer behavioral issues and more kids who can do and have great family support and want to learn! They don’t have nearly as many IEP or 504 meetings to prepare for and sit in on. It is just so much easier teaching the AAP kids.

Our school's resident third grade chair thrower will be at a center this year. The team isn't exactly upset they're gone. I wonder what the parents at the center will think of their kids' daily evacuations to the hall

+1
There seem to always be multiple tantrum-throwers in our AAP classes. I feel sorry for those teachers, having to deal with that behavior on a daily basis.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:AAP goes out the door in 7th grade. I have had kids in both programs. When your child is young and the "first kid", this seems to be when most parents are more anxious about getting into AAP.. By the time they get to middle school and certainly high school you realize it wasn't worth the stress. One "possible" perk could be peer group but I will say, my middle child did not have the positive peer group in AAP that my older one did. So, at least for me, my belief is that is just depends on the class year as a whole. Youngest is not in AAP at a center and all has been fine. In fact it has been the smallest AAP class this school has had. 3rd grade GE teacher incorporated a ton of "AAP" curriculum-could be teacher dependent. Things seem to be really changing.

Funny, for our pyramid, 7th and 8th being separated is the biggest benefit

Yes. My kid can attend a better middle school due to AAP. Way less problems, drugs, behavior issues. More academic focus and kids on the right track. Thank God for AAP!

Then go to high school with those you done want in your middle school.

Nope, by then my kid will be in mostly AP classes and will rarely have to see those kids.

You do realize in high school, AP classes are open to all? Get a clue. Many former GE kids outshine their former AAP peers in high school. Brace yourself!
DP

LD kids will be in AP classes? Doubtful.

+1 or kids who can’t read/write? They won’t be in any of my kids’ core classes, sorry. No matter how much you like to parrot “but they’re open to anyone!” No, the reality is only certain types of students can handle those classes. A kid who can’t read isn’t signing up for an AP class.

We’re not talking about “a kid who can’t read.” We’re talking about all the bright, formerly GE kids who were indistinguishable from your AAP kid. They will all be in the same advanced classes in high school.

Well I am. I’m talking about kids who can’t read, special Ed, major issues. In AAP in elementary, and to an extent in middle, you get away from those kids. They won’t be in your classes. That is part of the draw of AAP in Elementary for many parents. And this will continue in high school. Those kids will never join honors of AP classes.

Interesting. Most of the poorly behaved kids at our elementary school are in AAP. I feel sorry for those teachers.

You’d like to think that to make yourself feel better but it just isn’t true. Teachers love teaching the AAP class. They have fewer behavioral issues and more kids who can do and have great family support and want to learn! They don’t have nearly as many IEP or 504 meetings to prepare for and sit in on. It is just so much easier teaching the AAP kids.

Hoo boy... here is someone who clearly doesn't have a clue what they're talking about. There is a much greater likelihood of an AAP kid having an IEP or 504 than a GE kid. Ask me how I know - my sister is an AAP 4th grade teacher and has told nightmare stories about some of the kids she has in her class. Every day, the principal has to take at least one or two out in the hall and let them have it. Their behavior is abysmal. Much more so than in the GE classes. My sister said she regrets getting the extra credential which allow her to teach AAP - it's just not worth it.

Well gosh darn it, if your sister says it, it must be true for all. Lol.

Actually, I have a couple AAP teacher friends and they say the same. Further, as someone who has volunteered in the ES for years (in both classes) the AAP kids have their own challenges. Hyper competitive. Overly focused on what's fair/not. Hyper-focused on rules. Stressed due to expectations of perfection. In short, many of them are really, really hard to deal with.

+ a million
Longtime classroom volunteer, and this is SPOT.ON.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:AAP goes out the door in 7th grade. I have had kids in both programs. When your child is young and the "first kid", this seems to be when most parents are more anxious about getting into AAP.. By the time they get to middle school and certainly high school you realize it wasn't worth the stress. One "possible" perk could be peer group but I will say, my middle child did not have the positive peer group in AAP that my older one did. So, at least for me, my belief is that is just depends on the class year as a whole. Youngest is not in AAP at a center and all has been fine. In fact it has been the smallest AAP class this school has had. 3rd grade GE teacher incorporated a ton of "AAP" curriculum-could be teacher dependent. Things seem to be really changing.

Funny, for our pyramid, 7th and 8th being separated is the biggest benefit

Yes. My kid can attend a better middle school due to AAP. Way less problems, drugs, behavior issues. More academic focus and kids on the right track. Thank God for AAP!

Then go to high school with those you done want in your middle school.

Nope, by then my kid will be in mostly AP classes and will rarely have to see those kids.

You do realize in high school, AP classes are open to all? Get a clue. Many former GE kids outshine their former AAP peers in high school. Brace yourself!
DP

LD kids will be in AP classes? Doubtful.

+1 or kids who can’t read/write? They won’t be in any of my kids’ core classes, sorry. No matter how much you like to parrot “but they’re open to anyone!” No, the reality is only certain types of students can handle those classes. A kid who can’t read isn’t signing up for an AP class.

We’re not talking about “a kid who can’t read.” We’re talking about all the bright, formerly GE kids who were indistinguishable from your AAP kid. They will all be in the same advanced classes in high school.

Well I am. I’m talking about kids who can’t read, special Ed, major issues. In AAP in elementary, and to an extent in middle, you get away from those kids. They won’t be in your classes. That is part of the draw of AAP in Elementary for many parents. And this will continue in high school. Those kids will never join honors of AP classes.

Interesting. Most of the poorly behaved kids at our elementary school are in AAP. I feel sorry for those teachers.

You’d like to think that to make yourself feel better but it just isn’t true. Teachers love teaching the AAP class. They have fewer behavioral issues and more kids who can do and have great family support and want to learn! They don’t have nearly as many IEP or 504 meetings to prepare for and sit in on. It is just so much easier teaching the AAP kids.

Hoo boy... here is someone who clearly doesn't have a clue what they're talking about. There is a much greater likelihood of an AAP kid having an IEP or 504 than a GE kid. Ask me how I know - my sister is an AAP 4th grade teacher and has told nightmare stories about some of the kids she has in her class. Every day, the principal has to take at least one or two out in the hall and let them have it. Their behavior is abysmal. Much more so than in the GE classes. My sister said she regrets getting the extra credential which allow her to teach AAP - it's just not worth it.

Well gosh darn it, if your sister says it, it must be true for all. Lol.

Actually, I have a couple AAP teacher friends and they say the same. Further, as someone who has volunteered in the ES for years (in both classes) the AAP kids have their own challenges. Hyper competitive. Overly focused on what's fair/not. Hyper-focused on rules. Stressed due to expectations of perfection. In short, many of them are really, really hard to deal with.

This is very true, but on the whole, AAP is easier to teach because you can move at a faster pace, the range of abilities isn’t as wide, and there are very little IEP meetings to attend. It is actually pretty rare to have the chair thrower in AAP. Also, parental support is extremely high. And having a friend who teaches isn’t the same as actually teaching. You don’t know how honest your teacher friend actually is considering you were also in the schools volunteering. Volunteers really don’t know everything.

DP. Me thinks thou doth protest too much. Parental support is no higher in AAP than in GE. All of my kids' GE classes had waiting lists to volunteer, there were so many interested parents. Having a faster moving curriculum has nothing to do with behavioral issues, which many AAP kids have. The PP correctly listed just some of the issues seen frequently in AAP classrooms. Pretending this is simply not true makes you look like an unserious person.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:AAP goes out the door in 7th grade. I have had kids in both programs. When your child is young and the "first kid", this seems to be when most parents are more anxious about getting into AAP.. By the time they get to middle school and certainly high school you realize it wasn't worth the stress. One "possible" perk could be peer group but I will say, my middle child did not have the positive peer group in AAP that my older one did. So, at least for me, my belief is that is just depends on the class year as a whole. Youngest is not in AAP at a center and all has been fine. In fact it has been the smallest AAP class this school has had. 3rd grade GE teacher incorporated a ton of "AAP" curriculum-could be teacher dependent. Things seem to be really changing.

Funny, for our pyramid, 7th and 8th being separated is the biggest benefit

Yes. My kid can attend a better middle school due to AAP. Way less problems, drugs, behavior issues. More academic focus and kids on the right track. Thank God for AAP!

Then go to high school with those you done want in your middle school.

Nope, by then my kid will be in mostly AP classes and will rarely have to see those kids.

You do realize in high school, AP classes are open to all? Get a clue. Many former GE kids outshine their former AAP peers in high school. Brace yourself!
DP

LD kids will be in AP classes? Doubtful.

+1 or kids who can’t read/write? They won’t be in any of my kids’ core classes, sorry. No matter how much you like to parrot “but they’re open to anyone!” No, the reality is only certain types of students can handle those classes. A kid who can’t read isn’t signing up for an AP class.

We’re not talking about “a kid who can’t read.” We’re talking about all the bright, formerly GE kids who were indistinguishable from your AAP kid. They will all be in the same advanced classes in high school.

Well I am. I’m talking about kids who can’t read, special Ed, major issues. In AAP in elementary, and to an extent in middle, you get away from those kids. They won’t be in your classes. That is part of the draw of AAP in Elementary for many parents. And this will continue in high school. Those kids will never join honors of AP classes.

Interesting. Most of the poorly behaved kids at our elementary school are in AAP. I feel sorry for those teachers.

You’d like to think that to make yourself feel better but it just isn’t true. Teachers love teaching the AAP class. They have fewer behavioral issues and more kids who can do and have great family support and want to learn! They don’t have nearly as many IEP or 504 meetings to prepare for and sit in on. It is just so much easier teaching the AAP kids.

Hoo boy... here is someone who clearly doesn't have a clue what they're talking about. There is a much greater likelihood of an AAP kid having an IEP or 504 than a GE kid. Ask me how I know - my sister is an AAP 4th grade teacher and has told nightmare stories about some of the kids she has in her class. Every day, the principal has to take at least one or two out in the hall and let them have it. Their behavior is abysmal. Much more so than in the GE classes. My sister said she regrets getting the extra credential which allow her to teach AAP - it's just not worth it.

Well gosh darn it, if your sister says it, it must be true for all. Lol.

Actually, I have a couple AAP teacher friends and they say the same. Further, as someone who has volunteered in the ES for years (in both classes) the AAP kids have their own challenges. Hyper competitive. Overly focused on what's fair/not. Hyper-focused on rules. Stressed due to expectations of perfection. In short, many of them are really, really hard to deal with.

+ a million
Longtime classroom volunteer, and this is SPOT.ON.

Sure it may be SPOT ON but as a gen Ed teacher who has been bitten on the boob, had chairs thrown at her delay with kids on and then off meds who are literally playing don’t touch the ground on the tables while kids are trying to work dealing with whining and competition is annoying but it isn’t physically dangerous. Sure both have positives and negative there are kids on and off focus in both groups., but the SPED population in gen Ed is frequently more
physical.
If you are saying this to negate AAP I would go with a different argument. Like it isn’t equitable ( because it is not) or it could take out out peer language models, or it contributes to classism within FCPS. I’d agree with all, but the SPED angle just doesn’t fit.
-gen Ed teacher with a kid in each program