Forum Index
»
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)
Anyone transition to AAP in 4th grade?
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
| My ds was in pool last year, but not found eligible. This year, we parent referred in the hopes his GBRS would be better this year, and indeed, he was found eligible. Now of course I worry about how missing the first year will set him back. He is a strong student, mostly O's, and has really coasted through the year, but I imagine there will be some catching up to do, especially with math (assuming the math is a significantly higher level). Anyone have experience with a 4th grade transition? He has a great teacher, who also teaches the AAP math/science at his school, so I am sure she will give me suggestions. Any supplementing will all be parent directed, as I will not put him in classes all summer, but specific transition thoughts will be most helpful. |
Anonymous
| I would suggest that at the orientation you find someone to talk to about how to ease the transition. I would guess the main issue might be math. In my daughter's 3rd grade AAP class they covered all of the 3rd and 4th grade math curriculum. This year they seem do be doing mostly 5th, and a bit of 6th grade math. Larger centers typically have ability grouping for math among the AAP classes at each grade level...and at ours they pre-test before each unit and rearrange the kids. If your AAP center does something similar it might be beneficial for a newcomer. |
Anonymous
|
My DD moved to our center this year in 4th grade. She was in local Level IV at our base school in third, so not exactly the same situation. But I think any time you change schools, there are always differences in the curriculum pacing.
Like the PP said, the biggest difference will probably be math. Math is my DD's strongest subject and despite very high math scores, they put her in the lower math group at the center (only 2 groups). Which irritated me slightly, but I let it go. At the end of the first quarter they moved her to the higher group, so in retrospect, I'm glad I didn't say anything. This year they finished up 4th grade math in the first quarter and have spent the rest of the year in the 5th grade math book. The hardest adjustment for her was making new friends and learning the routines of the new school. |
Anonymous
|
Thanks all, I was most worried about math indeed. He is in a unique situation this year. He is in class with the AAP teachers (who share duties, one teaches math/science, the other teaches english/social studies. This year, he was in the "regular" group with both of these teachers. So, he still had the regular 3rd grade curriculum. Of course, he always got all O's in math, but was not terribly driven to do the extra work the teacher gave himm when he finished easily. This was a big reason we wanted AAP for him, he is all about coasting, and with the regular curriculum he has to make very little effort. I will be keeping him at his school for Local Level IV. I feel strongly this is the best fit for him, especially with social concerns of moving to a center, added to the late admission. I will get specifics where he should be at the beginning of grade 4. Makes me a bit frustrated about missing out last year (In pool, 9 GBRS) but, we will make the most of it.
Thanks again! |
Anonymous
| Got a very thorout from ds's teacher. She was very specific about where the AAP class is in math, compared to ds's class. Since she teaches both groups, she knows. She said she will give me some materials/ideas to use over the summer, but that since ds seems to learn very easily, she things he will catch up pretty well on his own. Also suggested I attend the AAP orientation to get more transition advice. Was very helpful. |
Anonymous
| DD started AAP in 4th grade (was in 3rd grade gen ed). She excelled in general ed and received all O's. I thought her grades would drop once she entered the AAP program since she missed 3rd grade AAP and math was a concern since I had heard the math was advanced. Over the summer, a tutor worked with her once a week for an hour. DD started 4th grade AAP and excelled. Her grades did not drop (all A's) and the AAP teacher commented that math is her strong point. DD is performing higher than kids that were in 3rd grade AAP. It all works out so do not worry. If the child is motivated, that is what makes the difference. |
Anonymous
Did your daughter took the Coagt test again this year? |
Anonymous
Similar situation here: I had DC work with a tutor once a week to catch up. No problems so far, getting all A's. |
Anonymous
No, I did not ask for a retest as he already had CogAt scores last year ranging from 125-148 with a 99%ile composite. Figured there was no need to submit him to further testing there, AAP at our school agreed scores had not kept him out...that said, without WISC, we lost on appeal last year. This year, they put last year's test scores in his parent referral file. With new work samples, higher GBRS (from 9 last year-11 this year) Thanks all. Thinking a once week tutor is not a bad idea, with the materials his teacher gives me. I would love to say i will be able to do it, but with two preschoolers home, might be a good idea to have one. Come to think of it, my babysitter is a HS senior and brilliant with Math. Ds loves her. I bet she would love to do it too. |
Anonymous
same here but basically everyone says this - ever hear of anyone who isn't "thriving" in AAP? Indeed DC gets higher grades than I think he deserves, and higher than he got at the base school.  
|
Anonymous
|