Prepping/Scamming the Cogat

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Here's a quote from the article:

Bill Clinton has a pithier formulation: “If you work hard and play by the rules, you’ll have the freedom and opportunity to pursue your own dreams.” That’s entitlement. “Responsible” Americans should be able to attain realistic ambitions.

This article refers to the idea of all people being entitled to equal opportunity as long as they are willing to work hard. No reference to being entitled through race or class, but instead being entitled by the willingness to "work hard and play by the rules," in other words, the idea that anyone can succeed, no matter what their background. In this definition, all can succeed, whether native-born or immigrant, rich or poor, or of any color.

Samuelson goes on to delineate obstacles to this ideal in today's world and his sense of what the future can hold. In his view, the end of entitlement, or endless opportunity for all, is a bad thing, not a positive by any means.

The playing by the rules quote was brought into this through an article link provided by the poster who is very concerned about the "entitled." The article's definition of "entitled" was the opposite of what the poster was thinking. "Play by the rules" in this case refers to keeping to good ethical standards, but the more important part of the full quote was referring to opportunity for all.
"Test prep" has been defined numerous times in this thread. It refers to going over questions that are so like the questions on the test that the child comes out of the test feeling that he has seen and almost memorized the questions in advance. It leads to a result that is not a true reflection of a child's abilities to quickly understand new material.

And, yes, trying to confuse the issue with multiple possible alternative definitions is a very Clintonian thing to do!

[Anonymous]

The playing by the rules quote was brought into this through an article link provided by the poster who is very concerned about the "entitled." The article's definition of "entitled" was the opposite of what the poster was thinking. "Play by the rules" in this case refers to keeping to good ethical standards, but the more important part of the full quote was referring to opportunity for all.
"Test prep" has been defined numerous times in this thread. It refers to going over questions that are so like the questions on the test that the child comes out of the test feeling that he has seen and almost memorized the questions in advance. It leads to a result that is not a true reflection of a child's abilities to quickly understand new material.

And, yes, trying to confuse the issue with multiple possible alternative definitions is a very Clintonian thing to do!

Thank you for providing the definitive and operative definition as well as your clarification.

By that definition, the highly learned and academically motivated Fairfax County, would qualify with a majority of their children as well ..."test prepped". Thanks for you clarification. Most from my community in remote Montana would fall into the category of "test unprepped".

[Anonymous]

Most people in Fairfax County do not engage in "prepping" their children for the tests given in first and second grades that are used for AAP identification. But I can understand that one might think otherwise if one's own circle of acquaintances did do so.

And it will all be a moot point when Fairfax County ends up dropping the AAP program.

[Anonymous]

On the contrary, most children in the County are engaged in educational activities mimicking the tests -- whether formally or informally.

This is not quantum mechanics. Simply ask the children taking the tests year in and year out.

[Anonymous]

Again, those who do extensive prepping are the borderline kids or average kids whose parents are really crazy committed. I don't think it's good for the kids, but they are not my kids

[Anonymous]

my son practices basketball constantly because he loves it. I figure if he plays in the NBA one day he can buy himself a school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:my son practices basketball constantly because he loves it. I figure if he plays in the NBA one day he can buy himself a school.

Hope he's tall enough.

[Anonymous]

Again, those who do extensive prepping are the borderline kids or average kids whose parents are really crazy committed. I don't think it's good for the kids, but they are not my kids

By nature of the community, there are many children engaged in extensive academic engagement, enrichment and preparation year round mimicking most K-12 tests. It matters not whether you think this is good or not for kids. It's simply the reality today in Farifax County.

[Anonymous]

This engagement is not too different from the many in our County on the merry go round of extensive lacrosse, swimming, baseball, gymnastics and dance activities with their children.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:my son practices basketball constantly because he loves it. I figure if he plays in the NBA one day he can buy himself a school.

Hope he's tall enough.

that's the only concern I have really, he's a short white kid. Please no comments on "racism."

[Anonymous]

Is he good at basketball?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is he good at basketball?

really good, yes, thanks for asking. Due to the love he has for it and hundreds of hours practicing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is he good at basketball?

really good, yes, thanks for asking. Due to the love he has for it and hundreds of hours practicing.

Go to VA Public ABP thread.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is he good at basketball?

really good, yes, thanks for asking. Due to the love he has for it and hundreds of hours practicing.

Go to VA Public ABP thread.

ABP

[Anonymous]

My kid is a top age group swimmer today and loves it; however 4 and 1/2 years ago he cried incessantly when he went for swim lessons to the point we had to stop. As parents, we felt he needed these life skills in the water and we went back again to the lessons with several instructors (some told us it was hopeless) and the screaming. Finally, he overcame his fears, developed growing confidence and stroke mechanics in the water, and now swims 1 to 2 hours per day 4 to 5 times per week and loves it. I suspect the results of his effort feeds his confidence and love for the sport. In retrospect, I glad we as parents followed our instincts and guts with this and not the kids wishes early on.

Oh the "real and true" benefits of "swim prep"