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Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)
1st Grade NNAT and GBRS
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Anonymous
| My DS scored at 146 on the NNAT and I am scared that he won't get into the AAP program. I am worried about the GBRS/teacher recommendation. While he does well, as in generally "G" student, he is not "exceptional". I do think that there is a factor of boredom in his schooling and I am worried that he is shutting down. Grades went down in 2nd quarter. The school at one point told me he was bored in the beginning of 1st grade, but when I pushed them on it, they backed off of that comment. What can I do now? |
Anonymous
| I wouldn't worry about it yet. They don't fill out a GBRS on first graders. That is done only for second graders. Your son won't be considered for AAP placement until next year. |
Anonymous
|
Maybe find him some challenging after-school activities to keep him engaged. AAP doesn't start until 3rd grade so you still have another year anyway. You might as well get him involved in things. Also, do outside research with him on the things he's studying in class. It will make class more interesting.
FWIW, the AART at our base school said that gifted kids don't get bored in school because they see things differently and look for different aspects of the topic. Not sure I'm buying it. |
Anonymous
| OP Here: I guess I should rephrase. I think that my son gets bored with all the worksheets that they do. He rushes through them, not paying attention to directions, and is not careful. For 2nd quarter, the teacher indicated that he needs to slow down and review his work. That is her goal for him this quarter, which I can see and agree with. I think he may need a different learning approach -something more interactive and we have begun to look at private schools. I do wonder if the AAP program would help with that. Is it more of an interactive program than having a list of "have to" worksheet assignments on a board? Would it be helpful to have a conversation with 1st grade teacher to see if she think he is AAP material? It might be help us in making the decision about private school. |
Anonymous
It varies by school, by teacher, and even by class. Teachers have a suite of materials/approaches to use to help teach a particular content area, and sometimes there will be worksheets and sometimes there will be projects that are more interactive.
Having a conversation with the teacher (and perhaps as well as the AART) would be good. |
Anonymous
|
OP, with a score of 146 I find it hard to imagine he's not going to qualify for AAP.
Funny, my kid is in the pool, and we have very similar problems with her in the classroom - sloppy, rushing, ot following directions, etc. Did your son get a report card this week? If so, perhaps you could use that as an opportunity to ask for a conference. While there ask the teacher what she thinks about your son's chances for AAP. The Principal at my school told me they work very hard to present every child in the best possible light, and the teacher's GRBS is reviewed by a committee within the school. I also had my child's IQ tested. You may want to have this done (but save the results so you can appeal if necessary). It was very eye opening for us. |
Anonymous
from schools perspectives... gifted kids need to show motivation to take on the extras, and the ability to produce exceptional work, for the school to pick them out as gifted. IQ is only one of the three factors. |
Anonymous
|
Thanks to all who responded!
His current teacher does indicate that he is motivated in math and that he is trying the reasoning worksheets (yes, more worksheets) given as extra credit. She also says that he gets right to work in the morning and is an independent worker. Is the work exceptional? I would say not so much. But maybe based on 9:16 responses, there is a chance. We had his IQ tested (WISC-IV) as part of the entrance to private school. We are currently awaiting the results and will get them next week. Based on those results, I think that I will try to arrange a conference with his teacher and get a sense from her what her thoughts are regarding his chances at AAP. I will also preface it that his current teacher does not believe in the AAP pullout in 1st grade. The AART does puzzles with the kids while the rest of the class does math lessons. She feels that the students need to learn the math basics and that she can challenge them within the classroom. I do agree with her as long as she can keep him challenged. Thanks again! |
Anonymous
Actually I have been reading up on this topic since I have a kid who seems to be a paradox - off the chart test scores, unwilling to work hard. I found some of the info in this book to be helpful: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=emotional+intensity+in+gifted+students+helping+kids+cope+with+explosive+feelings&x=5&y=24 Gifted kids may be afraid to go out on a limb, afraid to get things wrong, afraid to hand in work or complete work, because their self identity is so wrapped up in being smart, being right. Met with the principal of my school and she said at this age (7) expecting strong work habits and motivation may not be reasonable. |
Anonymous
| I think the mom in first grade should really take a step back. You are a year away from AAP consideration. The first grade teacher will have very little if any impact on your dc's GBRS score next year. But pushing too hard with the teachers could get you a negative reputation as 'that woman' which could negatively impact your child later. |