Sound off if you think AAP is BS

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:When you have 25 - 50% in AAP, the term "gifted" has lost all meaning.

There are NOT 25-50% of fcps kids in AAP centers/level IV.

You need to try to brush up on facts.

No, you need to brush up on your facts. Of the three schools closest to my house: One has 35%, one has 33% and the other has 25%. There are schools with up to 50% kids in AAP. That is a fact.

If you you know that the three schools closest to your home have these specific numbers, several things are true: (1) you live in a very specific area in the Western part of the county that's a TJ feeder zone, (2) you have way too much time on your hands, (3) which you spend on some weird obsession you have with a program that your child doesn't even attend, and (4) you would be a lot happier if you just moved somewhere like Lake Braddock. Or heck-- try a Stuart zoned school. Your kid will look like a rocket scientist by virtue of the fact they speak English. If your kids can't keep up, you should definately teach them that the solution is just to surround themselves with lower performing people.

^^ beyond any issues related to the children, here is another reason why people dislike AAP: the parents.

Same reason people with gifted kids want to run to centers and out of Gen. Ed. - the parents.

Really? Are you that socially awkward that you need a special school? Sorry if normal folks intimidate you.

Very few of the handful of butthurt Gen Ed parents who latch on to threads like this would seem to fit any commonly accepted definition of "normal."

"Butthurt"? Yes, definitely awkward. My kid just started 2nd and these threads really just make me want to avoid AAP altogether.

NP here: I haven't been in on these ridiculous posts, but I have to say that you don't seem like you have any intention of avoiding AAP if you have a brand new 2nd grader and are already on this forum. I'm really not trying to be mean at all...just seems like you are actually wanting your child in (as opposed to perhaps someone who starts posting and reviewing this section after the pool letters are mailed.)

Huh? It popped up on Recent Topics. We are probably moving in the next year or so and we are keeping schools in mind. After hearing about AAP from our neighbors we are definitely questioning FCPS overall. OP's post caught my eye since we've been thinking that the whole way G&T is handled here is BS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When you have 25 - 50% in AAP, the term "gifted" has lost all meaning.

There are NOT 25-50% of fcps kids in AAP centers/level IV.

You need to try to brush up on facts.

No, you need to brush up on your facts. Of the three schools closest to my house: One has 35%, one has 33% and the other has 25%. There are schools with up to 50% kids in AAP. That is a fact.

If you you know that the three schools closest to your home have these specific numbers, several things are true: (1) you live in a very specific area in the Western part of the county that's a TJ feeder zone, (2) you have way too much time on your hands, (3) which you spend on some weird obsession you have with a program that your child doesn't even attend, and (4) you would be a lot happier if you just moved somewhere like Lake Braddock. Or heck-- try a Stuart zoned school. Your kid will look like a rocket scientist by virtue of the fact they speak English. If your kids can't keep up, you should definately teach them that the solution is just to surround themselves with lower performing people.

^^ beyond any issues related to the children, here is another reason why people dislike AAP: the parents.

Same reason people with gifted kids want to run to centers and out of Gen. Ed. - the parents.

Really? Are you that socially awkward that you need a special school? Sorry if normal folks intimidate you.

Very few of the handful of butthurt Gen Ed parents who latch on to threads like this would seem to fit any commonly accepted definition of "normal."

"Butthurt"? Yes, definitely awkward. My kid just started 2nd and these threads really just make me want to avoid AAP altogether.

NP here: I haven't been in on these ridiculous posts, but I have to say that you don't seem like you have any intention of avoiding AAP if you have a brand new 2nd grader and are already on this forum. I'm really not trying to be mean at all...just seems like you are actually wanting your child in (as opposed to perhaps someone who starts posting and reviewing this section after the pool letters are mailed.)

Huh? It popped up on Recent Topics. We are probably moving in the next year or so and we are keeping schools in mind. After hearing about AAP from our neighbors we are definitely questioning FCPS overall. OP's post caught my eye since we've been thinking that the whole way G&T is handled here is BS.

We have had kids in schools all over the USA and fcps AAP program is definitely one of the best models for gifted education.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When you have 25 - 50% in AAP, the term "gifted" has lost all meaning.

There are NOT 25-50% of fcps kids in AAP centers/level IV.

You need to try to brush up on facts.

No, you need to brush up on your facts. Of the three schools closest to my house: One has 35%, one has 33% and the other has 25%. There are schools with up to 50% kids in AAP. That is a fact.

If you you know that the three schools closest to your home have these specific numbers, several things are true: (1) you live in a very specific area in the Western part of the county that's a TJ feeder zone, (2) you have way too much time on your hands, (3) which you spend on some weird obsession you have with a program that your child doesn't even attend, and (4) you would be a lot happier if you just moved somewhere like Lake Braddock. Or heck-- try a Stuart zoned school. Your kid will look like a rocket scientist by virtue of the fact they speak English. If your kids can't keep up, you should definately teach them that the solution is just to surround themselves with lower performing people.

^^ beyond any issues related to the children, here is another reason why people dislike AAP: the parents.

Same reason people with gifted kids want to run to centers and out of Gen. Ed. - the parents.

Really? Are you that socially awkward that you need a special school? Sorry if normal folks intimidate you.

Very few of the handful of butthurt Gen Ed parents who latch on to threads like this would seem to fit any commonly accepted definition of "normal."

"Butthurt"? Yes, definitely awkward. My kid just started 2nd and these threads really just make me want to avoid AAP altogether.

NP here: I haven't been in on these ridiculous posts, but I have to say that you don't seem like you have any intention of avoiding AAP if you have a brand new 2nd grader and are already on this forum. I'm really not trying to be mean at all...just seems like you are actually wanting your child in (as opposed to perhaps someone who starts posting and reviewing this section after the pool letters are mailed.)

Huh? It popped up on Recent Topics. We are probably moving in the next year or so and we are keeping schools in mind. After hearing about AAP from our neighbors we are definitely questioning FCPS overall. OP's post caught my eye since we've been thinking that the whole way G&T is handled here is BS.

It's very different, at least. It's not a 45 minute per week pull out, or one day a week of different classes, the way other districts implement GT programs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:When you have 25 - 50% in AAP, the term "gifted" has lost all meaning.

There are NOT 25-50% of fcps kids in AAP centers/level IV.

You need to try to brush up on facts.

No, you need to brush up on your facts. Of the three schools closest to my house: One has 35%, one has 33% and the other has 25%. There are schools with up to 50% kids in AAP. That is a fact.

If you you know that the three schools closest to your home have these specific numbers, several things are true: (1) you live in a very specific area in the Western part of the county that's a TJ feeder zone, (2) you have way too much time on your hands, (3) which you spend on some weird obsession you have with a program that your child doesn't even attend, and (4) you would be a lot happier if you just moved somewhere like Lake Braddock. Or heck-- try a Stuart zoned school. Your kid will look like a rocket scientist by virtue of the fact they speak English. If your kids can't keep up, you should definately teach them that the solution is just to surround themselves with lower performing people.

^^ beyond any issues related to the children, here is another reason why people dislike AAP: the parents.

+100
Perfect example, too.

[Anonymous]

"Butthurt"? Yes, definitely awkward. My kid just started 2nd and these threads really just make me want to avoid AAP altogether.



NP here: I haven't been in on these ridiculous posts, but I have to say that you don't seem like you have any intention of avoiding AAP if you have a brand new 2nd grader and are already on this forum. I'm really not trying to be mean at all...just seems like you are actually wanting your child in (as opposed to perhaps someone who starts posting and reviewing this section after the pool letters are mailed.)

Huh? It popped up on Recent Topics. We are probably moving in the next year or so and we are keeping schools in mind. After hearing about AAP from our neighbors we are definitely questioning FCPS overall. OP's post caught my eye since we've been thinking that the whole way G&T is handled here is BS.



Strongly suggest you avoid fcps overall for you

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The funny part is, IRL, everyone seems to play together fine. On DCUM, the GE parents complain about how badly GE kids and parents are treated-- while saying really mean spirited nasty things about both. And the AAP parents take the high road.

If the AAP parents on this thread (and so many others) are your standard for "high road," I'd hate to see what the low road looks like.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:" Schools have between 25% - 50% gifted students across the board."

Very, very rare (meaning almost no schools are like this)

"Time and time again, those gifted in sports become our brilliant leaders of the future?"

Time and time again? Um, name 50 people in a American history who were "gifted" in sports who later became our "brilliant" leaders? I can't think of a single one. Reagan played football, but wasn't gifted in it. Schwartzenegger? Neither gifted as a bodybuilder nor a leader. Do name 50, please, which should be easily done if has happened time and time again.

You're using gross exaggerations which dilutes your message, which message has been rehashed extensively on this site.

No, you are SO right PP. Athleticism doesn't matter, EQ doesn't matter, creativity doesn't matter, writing doesn't matter, physical appearance doesn't matter, artistic expression doesn't matter. Gosh! really nothing is an indicator of success or worthiness to superior resources than a really high math score come to think of it! The only REAL factor that matters is a high ability in math.

You must be so smart PP. I bet you have a gigantic IQ. Do people routinely stop you on the street and ask to 'pet' your brain? And no doubt, you are a HUGE success in life PP.

Exactly who's the "nutter"??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How many of these AAP kids go on to TJ?

Almost all of the kids at TJ went through AAP.

But only a tiny fraction of AAP kids actually get into TJ. The wheat is definitely separated from the chaff during the TJ admissions process.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a child that just started in the AAP program this year. My initial thoughts are that it is a good program. I like the higher expectations and focus on critical thinking, however I don't think it is all that much of a gifted program. My DC is one of those kids that tests in the highly gifted range but is lazy and will rise to only to whatever expectations are set for the class unless he is interested in the what he is doing. He needs a class that is more in depth and accelerated than what the current AAP program offers.

That said I think the Aap extensions that focus on critical thinking would benefit all kids and should be provided as part of the general education curriculum.
I do think the current program is bloated and clearly includes kids who don't belong in a traditional gifted classroom. I know lots of kids that got in without the requisite test or GBRS scores. I am all for offering the current AAP curriculum as the general education curriculum and reducing the current AAP cohort to the top 2% of FCPS takers and offering a truly accelerated and gifted program. That way the vast majority of kids can benefit from the AAP focus on critical thinking that I think that most generally bright kids can handle.

This is absolutely true and why AAP is so watered down - it can't be a real gifted program, because so few of the kids in it are actually gifted! Instead, it's just a slightly accelerated regular curriculum, that could easily be done by most kids. It boggles the mind why it's considered a "test-in" program, when it could just be open to all. That would allow a REAL gifted program to be developed for exceptionally gifted kids - who are few and far between.

[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:When you have 25 - 50% in AAP, the term "gifted" has lost all meaning.

There are NOT 25-50% of fcps kids in AAP centers/level IV.

You need to try to brush up on facts.

No, you need to brush up on your facts. Of the three schools closest to my house: One has 35%, one has 33% and the other has 25%. There are schools with up to 50% kids in AAP. That is a fact.

If you you know that the three schools closest to your home have these specific numbers, several things are true: (1) you live in a very specific area in the Western part of the county that's a TJ feeder zone, (2) you have way too much time on your hands, (3) which you spend on some weird obsession you have with a program that your child doesn't even attend, and (4) you would be a lot happier if you just moved somewhere like Lake Braddock. Or heck-- try a Stuart zoned school. Your kid will look like a rocket scientist by virtue of the fact they speak English. If your kids can't keep up, you should definately teach them that the solution is just to surround themselves with lower performing people.

^^ beyond any issues related to the children, here is another reason why people dislike AAP: the parents.

Same reason people with gifted kids want to run to centers and out of Gen. Ed. - the parents.

Really? Are you that socially awkward that you need a special school? Sorry if normal folks intimidate you.

Very few of the handful of butthurt Gen Ed parents who latch on to threads like this would seem to fit any commonly accepted definition of "normal."

"Butthurt"? Yes, definitely awkward. My kid just started 2nd and these threads really just make me want to avoid AAP altogether.

NP here: I haven't been in on these ridiculous posts, but I have to say that you don't seem like you have any intention of avoiding AAP if you have a brand new 2nd grader and are already on this forum. I'm really not trying to be mean at all...just seems like you are actually wanting your child in (as opposed to perhaps someone who starts posting and reviewing this section after the pool letters are mailed.)

Huh? It popped up on Recent Topics. We are probably moving in the next year or so and we are keeping schools in mind. After hearing about AAP from our neighbors we are definitely questioning FCPS overall. OP's post caught my eye since we've been thinking that the whole way G&T is handled here is BS.

We have had kids in schools all over the USA and fcps AAP program is definitely one of the best models for gifted education.

+1000.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think anyone would say that being in an AAP center program is a bad thing for a student who is identified as gifted, via the usual tests and observation.

I don't think anyone would say that special programs are a bad thing for kids with learning disabilities, autism, or who don't speak much English.

So leave those programs alone, as they are doing the job in helping meet those students' needs.

Change your focus to the kids in gen ed who desperately need the attention and more differentiation and more challenging work. Stop trying to blame the one program you can blame and still feel PC. It's misguided.

Lots of people have said that on this thread.

+1
And they've also pointed out that AAP isn't a real gifted program - so it's not even servicing the kids who most need it. Instead, it's just taking half of the mainstream student population, and slapping a gifted label on them. It's utterly obnoxious.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think anyone would say that being in an AAP center program is a bad thing for a student who is identified as gifted, via the usual tests and observation.

I don't think anyone would say that special programs are a bad thing for kids with learning disabilities, autism, or who don't speak much English.

So leave those programs alone, as they are doing the job in helping meet those students' needs.

Change your focus to the kids in gen ed who desperately need the attention and more differentiation and more challenging work. Stop trying to blame the one program you can blame and still feel PC. It's misguided.

This is a great point. ELL has to have as many kids as AAP, and certainly makes huge demands on the resources. Special Ed is smaller, but again, is very resource intensive. AAP cost nothing extra except busing. And certainly there is an argument to be made that it brings in tax dollars that more than offset it's cost if parents and business move here, instead of MD, Alington, DC, Loudon, PW County, etc because of AAP. As the Arlington vs FCPS NMSF debate on the other thread (why is FCPS so much more successful than Arlington at having kids get NMSFs?). AAP also creates a successful pipeline to TJ and produces students who make the whole school system look good. Nevertheless, it's the program GE parents want to target-- because it looks bad to gripe about Special Ed and ELL. And because they aren't jealous of the kids in Special Ed and ELL.

Uh, no. The reason AAP is such a target is because ALL taxpayers are funding this program, but unlike Special Ed, most kids admitted to AAP are not gifted and don't need special services. No one is arguing that we need to do away with programs like Special Ed - obviously, there's a tremendous need for those kids to receive services. Taxpayers are happy to help. What we're not happy to do, however, is spend money on frivolous programs for enormous groups of mostly average kids who don't need special intervention at all. In fact, that "enrichment" we're paying for could easily benefit ALL kids, but isn't. If calling inequity "jealousy" makes you feel better, then so be it. But as long as we're all footing the bill for your kid's extra (and unnecessary) enrichment, expect some push back by those of us who realize this is a PUBLIC school system, not an exclusive private school within a school for some but not all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm the previous poster with the highly gifted but lazy DC. I actually think the AAP program could be better. I think the current AAP program really isn't that much of gifted program so that the current curriculum could be used for the vast majority of bright kids that may or may not be currently in AAP. As it stands I don't think the program actually meets the need of the highly gifted. I think the current program could be used for most GE population and a more in depth and more accelerated program be developed for the highly gifted. I proposed top 2% of FCPS test takers. It would be a hard limit. A much more selective program would eliminate much, but not all the angst that currently exists. For those that complain that it might be one bad test day, they would have multiple times to try to meet the top 2% cut off but it must be top 2% for that administration. But no matter what the cut off I realize there will be a certain percentage of parents that will try to get in the program come hell or high water. But you can never completely eliminate it.

So until a truly gifted program exists AAP is the best we have got but I think most AAP parents know it is not really a gifted program but it is the best there is right now.

I agree. But at least with a much higher cutoff, the vast majority of kids (and their parents) would realize that most kids are pretty similar in abilities. It's only the kids at the very, very top and very, very bottom who need these special programs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think anyone would say that being in an AAP center program is a bad thing for a student who is identified as gifted, via the usual tests and observation.

I don't think anyone would say that special programs are a bad thing for kids with learning disabilities, autism, or who don't speak much English.

So leave those programs alone, as they are doing the job in helping meet those students' needs.

Change your focus to the kids in gen ed who desperately need the attention and more differentiation and more challenging work. Stop trying to blame the one program you can blame and still feel PC. It's misguided.

This is a great point. ELL has to have as many kids as AAP, and certainly makes huge demands on the resources. Special Ed is smaller, but again, is very resource intensive. AAP cost nothing extra except busing. And certainly there is an argument to be made that it brings in tax dollars that more than offset it's cost if parents and business move here, instead of MD, Alington, DC, Loudon, PW County, etc because of AAP. As the Arlington vs FCPS NMSF debate on the other thread (why is FCPS so much more successful than Arlington at having kids get NMSFs?). AAP also creates a successful pipeline to TJ and produces students who make the whole school system look good. Nevertheless, it's the program GE parents want to target-- because it looks bad to gripe about Special Ed and ELL. And because they aren't jealous of the kids in Special Ed and ELL.

Uh, no. The reason AAP is such a target is because ALL taxpayers are funding this program, but unlike Special Ed, most kids admitted to AAP are not gifted and don't need special services. No one is arguing that we need to do away with programs like Special Ed - obviously, there's a tremendous need for those kids to receive services. Taxpayers are happy to help. What we're not happy to do, however, is spend money on frivolous programs for enormous groups of mostly average kids who don't need special intervention at all. In fact, that "enrichment" we're paying for could easily benefit ALL kids, but isn't. If calling inequity "jealousy" makes you feel better, then so be it. But as long as we're all footing the bill for your kid's extra (and unnecessary) enrichment, expect some push back by those of us who realize this is a PUBLIC school system, not an exclusive private school within a school for some but not all.

However, this is how FCPS chooses to provide state mandated gifted education. Do away with AAP and you still have to figure out how to provide gifted children an education. There's a tremendous need at both ends of the spectrum.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This thread playing out the way you hoped, OP? Seems like rather than a bunch of bitter GE parents in a circle jerk, they've ended up have their asses handed to them.

Although I do like the PP who said AAP was destroying the social fabric of Fairfax County. Hard to think of which is worse, AAP or meth.

Reading comprehension failure. I'm that PP and what I said was that centers are destroying our communities. And I absolutely stand by that statement.

As for "having their asses handed to them," we must be reading different threads. Seems there have been so many insightful and spot-on posts regarding the absurdity of AAP and the way it's administered today.