AAP Parent referral for a rising 6th grader

[Anonymous]

We retested in a later grade and there was a significant increase in scores. FCPS will do one retest or you can take to George Mason. I think they do group testing in Jan in time for Feb parent referral. I do think the early tests miss some kids and wish they would reevaluate in later grades.

[Anonymous]

No, it wasn't loaded, at all. I was just curious. My kids teachers know what I am like, I am in the school or classroom 3 days a week. I was truly just curious. Perhaps you ask loaded questions, I don't. If I wanted to ask for something specific, I am they type who does just that. I don't hide behind my words.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:new poster here. I decided to read your thread because DD is a 6th grader and in a similar situation (although she complains that her coursework is too easy, she NEVER asks for wishes for extra work like your child, OP

Anyhow, I was curious as to what benefit you see if referring a 6th grader into AAP. I've toyed with the idea, but decided I didn't see any real benefit, so I decided not to. I'm just wondering what your perspective is on this. I'd be interested to hear. I'm thinking DD can just take honors courses in 7th and 8th and have the same opportunities as the AAP kids once she gets to HS. The only thing I think could make a difference is the math and being able to qualify to take algebra next year - but I'm not sure if that's right for DD anyhow.

OP here, thanks for sharing your experience. In our case, DS is strong in math, so we do want him to have a chance to take Algebra in 7th grade. But he won't get the advance math to prepare him for the IOWA test unless he's in AAP. We have LL4 at our ES so he would not have to change school.

Even then, I was not committed to parent referral but at the start of this school year, DS actually asked why I didn't "get" him in AAP. He said he can do the harder work. So what else can I do ? He really wants the challenge.

[Anonymous]

I parent-referred our 5th grader after retaking CogAT (no change in original score, which was not screening pool), and providing NEW information, which was key according to our AAP resource teacher. DS had been receiving Level 3 services and was not sufficiently challenged. I'm aware DS is not "gifted" compared to everyone else's genius children but gen ed was too easy, so I thought it was worth a try.

DS was approved through central office for AAP, starting this year/6th grade. It's great to see him actually have to work for grades for a change!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I parent-referred our 5th grader after retaking CogAT (no change in original score, which was not screening pool), and providing NEW information, which was key according to our AAP resource teacher. DS had been receiving Level 3 services and was not sufficiently challenged. I'm aware DS is not "gifted" compared to everyone else's genius children but gen ed was too easy, so I thought it was worth a try.

DS was approved through central office for AAP, starting this year/6th grade. It's great to see him actually have to work for grades for a change!

OP here, thank you, that's very helpful info. May I ask when you say NEW information, do you mean work samples ? Great to hear your DS is doing well in (and get to work a little harder ) in 6th grade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I parent-referred our 5th grader after retaking CogAT (no change in original score, which was not screening pool), and providing NEW information, which was key according to our AAP resource teacher. DS had been receiving Level 3 services and was not sufficiently challenged. I'm aware DS is not "gifted" compared to everyone else's genius children but gen ed was too easy, so I thought it was worth a try.

DS was approved through central office for AAP, starting this year/6th grade. It's great to see him actually have to work for grades for a change!

OP here, thank you, that's very helpful info. May I ask when you say NEW information, do you mean work samples ? Great to hear your DS is doing well in (and get to work a little harder ) in 6th grade.

new info was 1) moving from Level 2 to Level 3 services for 5th grade, 2) 4th and 5th grade teacher recommendations/GBRS (I don't know his score)
Work samples help, but the teachers and AAP resource teacher provide samples as well. DS is a voracious reader, and I photographed the stacks of books (including the titles) he had read in one year and submitted as one 8x11 sheet. If you look at the parent questionnaire for the referral, you may get some ideas for what your child excels at, and send in 4 sheets of 8x11 work/photos that you think would help. (they don't accept videos)