Why obsess over getting into gifted program?

[Anonymous]

I attended 6-7 non-GT classes in Fairfax county over many years in the GT program. Put bluntly, the non-GT classes were terrible. Kids not paying attention, teachers dealing with discipline issues rather than academics, or helping along student who didn't bother to do their homework. Very little writing and analysis expected, and no public speaking opportunities even attempted. I felt like I was at a different school from by regular GT classes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Even geneticists do not yet fully understand genetics. There is still much to be learned and our understanding of many topics in science is constantly growing. I don't think any scientist would come on here and say, "We know everything there is to know about DNA now and here's the facts, folks!"

Can you identify any geneticists who has come forward here to claim we do not fully understand genetics or "we know everything there is to know about DANA now and here's the facts, folks!"?

Do not create stories in your head (?)

It is common knowledge mind and body are plastic and not immutable at conception or birth. This is accepted dogma. You do not need to be a geneticist to understand this or interpret the rich scientific literature. It is well within the reach of the middle school and high school curricula in Virginia.

Really, scientists are learning new things every day. Otherwise, why would anyone want to go into any of the research sciences as a career?

(Also, look up the word dogma. I suspect it is not exactly the word you meant to use. Unless "arrogant conviction" was precisely what you were going for.)

[Anonymous]

Really, scientists are learning new things every day. Otherwise, why would anyone want to go into any of the research sciences as a career?

(Also, look up the word dogma. I suspect it is not exactly the word you meant to use. Unless "arrogant conviction" was precisely what you were going for.)

The many primary and secondary school students you attempt to throw under the bus because of your ignorance would disagree with you. Read the above article (link) kindly supplied by a poster then get back to us.

[Anonymous]

Really, scientists are learning new things every day. Otherwise, why would anyone want to go into any of the research sciences as a career?

(Also, look up the word dogma. I suspect it is not exactly the word you meant to use. Unless "arrogant conviction" was precisely what you were going for.)

Do you still believe all the nonsense you have contributed to this thread? Do you still believe intelligence is "fixed" and "immutable" at conception and birth?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Really, scientists are learning new things every day. Otherwise, why would anyone want to go into any of the research sciences as a career?

(Also, look up the word dogma. I suspect it is not exactly the word you meant to use. Unless "arrogant conviction" was precisely what you were going for.)

The many primary and secondary school students you attempt to throw under the bus because of your ignorance would disagree with you. Read the above article (link) kindly supplied by a poster then get back to us.

No one is throwing anyone under a bus. Read the quote carefully. No mention of children, just career scientists.

[Anonymous]

No one is throwing anyone under a bus. Read the quote carefully. No mention of children, just career scientists.

A while back a poster replied: Don't worry, be happy because you don't get it. In reference to the article you just read, your intelligence was certainly fixed at conception. This is not the norm!

[Anonymous]

In our anti-intellectual "dumb" downed world perhaps students should approach their studies and tests in the same way athletes approach their matches and tests for better performance. Labels such as "gifted" on "non-gifted" at conception, birth, 2nd or 4th grades should be dispensed with. This labelling verbage is useless in the long run.

[Anonymous]

It's funny how we keep getting back to the advertising phrases that test prep businesses use to sell their products. Interesting.

[Anonymous]

It's funny how we keep getting back to the advertising phrases that test prep businesses use to sell their products. Interesting.

It is even funnier that some believe it is ethical (even laudable) for an athlete to train and prepare for a test but unethical for a student to train and prepare for a test to improve physical or mental performance.

[Anonymous]

It's funny how we keep getting back to the advertising phrases that test prep businesses use to sell their products. Interesting.

I believe this poster believes our neuroscientists and geneticists all work for test prep businesses

[Anonymous]

I wonder how many different posters made the last four comments.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am the anti prep person. Prepping for me is preparing for the specific test, which is (IMHO) unethical, as the test is scaled assuming there is no prep. I can not site a reference for that.

There is a huge difference between prep for a specific test as a 2nd grader that should not be prepped, and activities that grow the overall mind. Reading, critical thinking, creative play, etc all can enhance ones mental capacity. Playing chess, checkers, even monopoly and risk will hav long term benifits, and can lead to increased intellectual capability.

Specific drill and practice for the CogAT will not; it may increase the score but will not accomplish anything else.

In addition, getting into AAP is not that hard.

BTW< you can also game the WISC: take it three times in two weeks. The kid will score a higher score. Most psychologists would consider that unethical.

[Anonymous]

Why obsess over getting into gifted program?

well, because it's there.
I kid you not - FCPS dangles out that carrot so it's only natural the overachievers around here will want that for their kids.

Having gotten in, Ive been less than impressed vis a vis the local school. Either would have been fine for DC.
I do think it is more a big deal in middle school than ES though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think there might be some high school kids with time on their hands before school starts posting on this thread. The name calling, the less than respectful tone toward other posters, calling people who disagree "wackadoodles" and "crazies", and just the overall tone of some of these posts don't really say "grown-up" to me. I love an intellectual discussion of an interesting topic as much as the next person, but sadly, this thread keeps veering away from that. It's too bad, because this is a good topic upon which reasonable, informed people may disagree, but could learn from each other in the right context.

I am the wackadoodle poster. I am actually in my 40s, thanks.

I posted a few other times on this thread in a much more reverent tone. There are several very interesting, thoughtful and thought-provoking posters on this thread and other AAP threads. However, I stand by my charges that there are a handful of out of control, militant posters who specialize in monopolizing any discussion about AAP and making it look like a circus full of people who want to feel smart through their children and by cutting other children down.

I came upon this forum as an out of state transfer family trying to find the best schools for my kids. From an outsider's perspective, a few of the parents posting here make themselves, the Fairfax County schools and AAP look like a horrible place filled with arrogant, mean spirited and self serving jerks. This dcum version of AAP is so far from our reality, as is this dcum stereotype of the general ed program. Both are filled with wonderful, dedicated, bright students, teachers and parents, with none of the awful behavior shown here.

So yes, that handful of crazy AAP posters who take over thoughtful and helpful discussion are nothing but a bunch of out of control nut jobs. If they would just take a step back, breathe, and get some perspective, maybe people wouldn't be begging Jeff to isolate us in some corner away from the sane people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Keep begging if you do not understand the concept of triage.

Are you suggesting the limitation of resources in the county prevents public schools from providing appropriate level of education for everyone? Is the AAP program more resource intensive than the general ed program? Does TJ have a bigger budget than the other high schools in the county?