"AAP is not a gifted program"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a child in AAP. And before anyone starts with the "you didn't have to enroll her if you think base schools are fine" our center is in our base school.

This entire artificial construct that "gifted" children's needs couldn't be met in a non-AAP classroom is ridiculous. If AAP didn't exist, I guarantee schools would adjust as need to be accommodate the more advanced learners. Thousands of really terrific school districts across the country do just that. It's a fact.

Of course removing top-performing kids from base schools will change the base schools. But it's ludicrous for parents not to recognize those schools would also change if AAP kids moved back.

The people who defend AAP are trying to protect their ability to overtly show their child is "gifted."

Our experience is exactly the same - our base school is the center. Your description of it being an "an artificial construct" is right on the money. Nearly half the kids (3-6) are in AAP. It's really become such a joke. Lake Wobegon, VA.

Half the 3-6 graders are in AAP? You center school only has students from the base school? Our center school has students from 6 other schools.

Of course our center draws plenty of other students from other schools (five at last count). But about 2/3 of the second graders for whom this is their base school, wind up in AAP in 3rd grade. Why so incredulous? It's one of the huge problem centers, in that it's dominated by mainstream AAP kids.

There are several "huge problem centers" but they are not the majority.

Doesn't really matter if they're in the majority or not. They're problems and those of us with kids in those schools would like something done about it. As in, no more centers in those areas.

Wow. Your kid can't keep up academically, with some of his classmates (is e in the bottom half!!) and you think the solution is to create a school with less academic rigor and lowered expectations, where no one out performs your child academically? I guess if your child was tone deaf, band and strings should go? And no art, because snowflake can't draw? Guess what, your kid doesn't get to be the best at everything. W
.

You make zero sense.

Don't feel bad. Not everyone can follow a 2-3 step logical argument. I'll simplify: why should FCPS dumb down a school? Just so your kids can feel smarter?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a child in AAP. And before anyone starts with the "you didn't have to enroll her if you think base schools are fine" our center is in our base school.

This entire artificial construct that "gifted" children's needs couldn't be met in a non-AAP classroom is ridiculous. If AAP didn't exist, I guarantee schools would adjust as need to be accommodate the more advanced learners. Thousands of really terrific school districts across the country do just that. It's a fact.

Of course removing top-performing kids from base schools will change the base schools. But it's ludicrous for parents not to recognize those schools would also change if AAP kids moved back.

The people who defend AAP are trying to protect their ability to overtly show their child is "gifted."

Our experience is exactly the same - our base school is the center. Your description of it being an "an artificial construct" is right on the money. Nearly half the kids (3-6) are in AAP. It's really become such a joke. Lake Wobegon, VA.

Half the 3-6 graders are in AAP? You center school only has students from the base school? Our center school has students from 6 other schools.

There are several "huge problem centers" but they are not the majority.

Doesn't really matter if they're in the majority or not. They're problems and those of us with kids in those schools would like something done about it. As in, no more centers in those areas.

Maybe teach And I'd really like to get rid of travel soccer in our area, because the talented Soccer. Kids just dominate our ES and my DS can't keep up. Oh well, that's not going to happen either, I guess

The tired travel soccer analogy is comparing apples to oranges. Travel soccer is an optional, privately funded, after-school activity. AAP is a public, taxpayer funded academic program, and as such, should be available to all students - or none. Personally, I'm happy to have my tax dollars spent on special education for any child who needs it, at either end of the spectrum. AAP is not special ed, in any way, shape, or form.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a child in AAP. And before anyone starts with the "you didn't have to enroll her if you think base schools are fine" our center is in our base school.

This entire artificial construct that "gifted" children's needs couldn't be met in a non-AAP classroom is ridiculous. If AAP didn't exist, I guarantee schools would adjust as need to be accommodate the more advanced learners. Thousands of really terrific school districts across the country do just that. It's a fact.

Of course removing top-performing kids from base schools will change the base schools. But it's ludicrous for parents not to recognize those schools would also change if AAP kids moved back.

The people who defend AAP are trying to protect their ability to overtly show their child is "gifted."

Our experience is exactly the same - our base school is the center. Your description of it being an "an artificial construct" is right on the money. Nearly half the kids (3-6) are in AAP. It's really become such a joke. Lake Wobegon, VA.

Half the 3-6 graders are in AAP? You center school only has students from the base school? Our center school has students from 6 other schools.

Of course our center draws plenty of other students from other schools (five at last count). But about 2/3 of the second graders for whom this is their base school, wind up in AAP in 3rd grade. Why so incredulous? It's one of the huge problem centers, in that it's dominated by mainstream AAP kids.

There are several "huge problem centers" but they are not the majority.

Doesn't really matter if they're in the majority or not. They're problems and those of us with kids in those schools would like something done about it. As in, no more centers in those areas.

There are parts of the county that need Centers because there are only a handful of Center eligible kids at the base school.

See bolded, above. It's been clearly stated again and again that certain areas (Great Falls, McLean, Vienna, Oakton, Chantilly) in the county DO NOT need center schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a child in AAP. And before anyone starts with the "you didn't have to enroll her if you think base schools are fine" our center is in our base school.

This entire artificial construct that "gifted" children's needs couldn't be met in a non-AAP classroom is ridiculous. If AAP didn't exist, I guarantee schools would adjust as need to be accommodate the more advanced learners. Thousands of really terrific school districts across the country do just that. It's a fact.

Of course removing top-performing kids from base schools will change the base schools. But it's ludicrous for parents not to recognize those schools would also change if AAP kids moved back.

The people who defend AAP are trying to protect their ability to overtly show their child is "gifted."

Our experience is exactly the same - our base school is the center. Your description of it being an "an artificial construct" is right on the money. Nearly half the kids (3-6) are in AAP. It's really become such a joke. Lake Wobegon, VA.

Half the 3-6 graders are in AAP? You center school only has students from the base school? Our center school has students from 6 other schools.

Of course our center draws plenty of other students from other schools (five at last count). But about 2/3 of the second graders for whom this is their base school, wind up in AAP in 3rd grade. Why so incredulous? It's one of the huge problem centers, in that it's dominated by mainstream AAP kids.

There are several "huge problem centers" but they are not the majority.

Doesn't really matter if they're in the majority or not. They're problems and those of us with kids in those schools would like something done about it. As in, no more centers in those areas.

Wow. Your kid can't keep up academically, with some of his classmates (is e in the bottom half!!) and you think the solution is to create a school with less academic rigor and lowered expectations, where no one out performs your child academically? I guess if your child was tone deaf, band and strings should go? And no art, because snowflake can't draw? Guess what, your kid doesn't get to be the best at everything. W
.

Not at all, but thanks for twisting my words completely into something I never said. Also, nice that you equate General Ed to being "the bottom half". And you wonder why there is a pervasive stereotype of utter arrogance when it comes to AAP parents.

The point is that AAP kids being the majority - such as in a center - gives the impression to all students that somehow this is the norm, that AAP (or "gifted," if you really want to stretch) people in general outnumber all others. Which, as we all know, is simply untrue. Truly gifted people are in the minority within society. Teaching our children that the kids who aren't in AAP are somehow less-than, or "inferior," sends a horrible - and false - message to everyone.

This is why many of us advocate a return to the GT program. There was no resentment among students or parents because so few kids were in GT and those who were, clearly needed an alternative educational program.

No one is suggesting creating a school with "less academic rigor". Frankly, I think FCPS has accomplished that already, both in Gen Ed and AAP. The point is to raise the curriculum for ALL, not just kids in AAP. And to stop dividing one mass of very similar kids right down the middle for no apparent reason.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a child in AAP. And before anyone starts with the "you didn't have to enroll her if you think base schools are fine" our center is in our base school.

This entire artificial construct that "gifted" children's needs couldn't be met in a non-AAP classroom is ridiculous. If AAP didn't exist, I guarantee schools would adjust as need to be accommodate the more advanced learners. Thousands of really terrific school districts across the country do just that. It's a fact.

Of course removing top-performing kids from base schools will change the base schools. But it's ludicrous for parents not to recognize those schools would also change if AAP kids moved back.

The people who defend AAP are trying to protect their ability to overtly show their child is "gifted."

Our experience is exactly the same - our base school is the center. Your description of it being an "an artificial construct" is right on the money. Nearly half the kids (3-6) are in AAP. It's really become such a joke. Lake Wobegon, VA.

Half the 3-6 graders are in AAP? You center school only has students from the base school? Our center school has students from 6 other schools.

Of course our center draws plenty of other students from other schools (five at last count). But about 2/3 of the second graders for whom this is their base school, wind up in AAP in 3rd grade. Why so incredulous? It's one of the huge problem centers, in that it's dominated by mainstream AAP kids.

There are several "huge problem centers" but they are not the majority.

Doesn't really matter if they're in the majority or not. They're problems and those of us with kids in those schools would like something done about it. As in, no more centers in those areas.

Wow. Your kid can't keep up academically, with some of his classmates (is e in the bottom half!!) and you think the solution is to create a school with less academic rigor and lowered expectations, where no one out performs your child academically? I guess if your child was tone deaf, band and strings should go? And no art, because snowflake can't draw? Guess what, your kid doesn't get to be the best at everything. W
.

You make zero sense.

Don't feel bad. Not everyone can follow a 2-3 step logical argument. I'll simplify: why should FCPS dumb down a school? Just so your kids can feel smarter?

Not the PP, but you seem to be extremely dense. No one is advocating "dumbing down" a school. We're saying there's no need for centers in certain parts of the county (see previous posts if you're having trouble following along). AAP kids can easily be sent back to their base schools in these areas of the county, with no need whatsoever for centers. "Critical mass" has been achieved - and then some. Got it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a child in AAP. And before anyone starts with the "you didn't have to enroll her if you think base schools are fine" our center is in our base school.

This entire artificial construct that "gifted" children's needs couldn't be met in a non-AAP classroom is ridiculous. If AAP didn't exist, I guarantee schools would adjust as need to be accommodate the more advanced learners. Thousands of really terrific school districts across the country do just that. It's a fact.

Of course removing top-performing kids from base schools will change the base schools. But it's ludicrous for parents not to recognize those schools would also change if AAP kids moved back.

The people who defend AAP are trying to protect their ability to overtly show their child is "gifted."

Our experience is exactly the same - our base school is the center. Your description of it being an "an artificial construct" is right on the money. Nearly half the kids (3-6) are in AAP. It's really become such a joke. Lake Wobegon, VA.

Half the 3-6 graders are in AAP? You center school only has students from the base school? Our center school has students from 6 other schools.

Of course our center draws plenty of other students from other schools (five at last count). But about 2/3 of the second graders for whom this is their base school, wind up in AAP in 3rd grade. Why so incredulous? It's one of the huge problem centers, in that it's dominated by mainstream AAP kids.

There are several "huge problem centers" but they are not the majority.

Doesn't really matter if they're in the majority or not. They're problems and those of us with kids in those schools would like something done about it. As in, no more centers in those areas.

There are parts of the county that need Centers because there are only a handful of Center eligible kids at the base school.

See bolded, above. It's been clearly stated again and again that certain areas (Great Falls, McLean, Vienna, Oakton, Chantilly) in the county DO NOT need center schools.

Not everyone agrees with you. (This dissenting opinion has also been clearly stated again and again.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Half the 3-6 graders are in AAP? You center school only has students from the base school? Our center school has students from 6 other schools.

Of course our center draws plenty of other students from other schools (five at last count). But about 2/3 of the second graders for whom this is their base school, wind up in AAP in 3rd grade. Why so incredulous? It's one of the huge problem centers, in that it's dominated by mainstream AAP kids.

There are several "huge problem centers" but they are not the majority.

Doesn't really matter if they're in the majority or not. They're problems and those of us with kids in those schools would like something done about it. As in, no more centers in those areas.

Wow. Your kid can't keep up academically, with some of his classmates (is e in the bottom half!!) and you think the solution is to create a school with less academic rigor and lowered expectations, where no one out performs your child academically? I guess if your child was tone deaf, band and strings should go? And no art, because snowflake can't draw? Guess what, your kid doesn't get to be the best at everything. W
.

You make zero sense.

Don't feel bad. Not everyone can follow a 2-3 step logical argument. I'll simplify: why should FCPS dumb down a school? Just so your kids can feel smarter?

Heh. My child is in AAP. And someone else already pointed out the fallacy in your reasoning anyway.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I'll play, because I can tell that the AAP stalker poster is trying to hijack another thread with his issues with the partiCular AAP Center that his GE child attends.



So anyone who agrees with your definition of a "gifted program" is considered a stalker and hijacker? Do you have this reaction with anyone who dares to disagree with you? If so, I imagine you're pretty short on friends.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a child in AAP. And before anyone starts with the "you didn't have to enroll her if you think base schools are fine" our center is in our base school.

This entire artificial construct that "gifted" children's needs couldn't be met in a non-AAP classroom is ridiculous. If AAP didn't exist, I guarantee schools would adjust as need to be accommodate the more advanced learners. Thousands of really terrific school districts across the country do just that. It's a fact.

Of course removing top-performing kids from base schools will change the base schools. But it's ludicrous for parents not to recognize those schools would also change if AAP kids moved back.

The people who defend AAP are trying to protect their ability to overtly show their child is "gifted."

Our experience is exactly the same - our base school is the center. Your description of it being an "an artificial construct" is right on the money. Nearly half the kids (3-6) are in AAP. It's really become such a joke. Lake Wobegon, VA.

Half the 3-6 graders are in AAP? You center school only has students from the base school? Our center school has students from 6 other schools.

Of course our center draws plenty of other students from other schools (five at last count). But about 2/3 of the second graders for whom this is their base school, wind up in AAP in 3rd grade. Why so incredulous? It's one of the huge problem centers, in that it's dominated by mainstream AAP kids.

There are several "huge problem centers" but they are not the majority.

Doesn't really matter if they're in the majority or not. They're problems and those of us with kids in those schools would like something done about it. As in, no more centers in those areas.

There are parts of the county that need Centers because there are only a handful of Center eligible kids at the base school.

See bolded, above. It's been clearly stated again and again that certain areas (Great Falls, McLean, Vienna, Oakton, Chantilly) in the county DO NOT need center schools.

Not everyone agrees with you. (This dissenting opinion has also been clearly stated again and again.)

Do you have a child who attends a center in one of these areas? If so, then you'd know from talking to other parents there (both AAP and Gen Ed) that most people agree those centers are redundant and unnecessary. If not, then your opinion is irrelevant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a child in AAP. And before anyone starts with the "you didn't have to enroll her if you think base schools are fine" our center is in our base school.

This entire artificial construct that "gifted" children's needs couldn't be met in a non-AAP classroom is ridiculous. If AAP didn't exist, I guarantee schools would adjust as need to be accommodate the more advanced learners. Thousands of really terrific school districts across the country do just that. It's a fact.

Of course removing top-performing kids from base schools will change the base schools. But it's ludicrous for parents not to recognize those schools would also change if AAP kids moved back.

The people who defend AAP are trying to protect their ability to overtly show their child is "gifted."

Our experience is exactly the same - our base school is the center. Your description of it being an "an artificial construct" is right on the money. Nearly half the kids (3-6) are in AAP. It's really become such a joke. Lake Wobegon, VA.

Half the 3-6 graders are in AAP? You center school only has students from the base school? Our center school has students from 6 other schools.

Of course our center draws plenty of other students from other schools (five at last count). But about 2/3 of the second graders for whom this is their base school, wind up in AAP in 3rd grade. Why so incredulous? It's one of the huge problem centers, in that it's dominated by mainstream AAP kids.

There are several "huge problem centers" but they are not the majority.

Doesn't really matter if they're in the majority or not. They're problems and those of us with kids in those schools would like something done about it. As in, no more centers in those areas.

There are parts of the county that need Centers because there are only a handful of Center eligible kids at the base school.

See bolded, above. It's been clearly stated again and again that certain areas (Great Falls, McLean, Vienna, Oakton, Chantilly) in the county DO NOT need center schools.

Not everyone agrees with you. (This dissenting opinion has also been clearly stated again and again.)

Do you have a child who attends a center in one of these areas? If so, then you'd know from talking to other parents there (both AAP and Gen Ed) that most people agree those centers are redundant and unnecessary. If not, then your opinion is irrelevant.

Not the PP, but yes, I do. In one of the areas listed above- one ES, one MS. And no that is not my experience based on what parents at out center are saying.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

I'll play, because I can tell that the AAP stalker poster is trying to hijack another thread with his issues with the partiCular AAP Center that his GE child attends.

So anyone who agrees with your definition of a "gifted program" is considered a stalker and hijacker? Do you have this reaction with anyone who dares to disagree with you? If so, I imagine you're pretty short on friends.

No. I have this reaction to someone who routinely takes AAP threads completely off topic, and makes it impossible to talk about anything except his or her hatred of AAP Centers. That is not what this thread is about, and not what OP asked. Start your own thread to air your off topic grievances.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a child in AAP. And before anyone starts with the "you didn't have to enroll her if you think base schools are fine" our center is in our base school.

This entire artificial construct that "gifted" children's needs couldn't be met in a non-AAP classroom is ridiculous. If AAP didn't exist, I guarantee schools would adjust as need to be accommodate the more advanced learners. Thousands of really terrific school districts across the country do just that. It's a fact.

Of course removing top-performing kids from base schools will change the base schools. But it's ludicrous for parents not to recognize those schools would also change if AAP kids moved back.

The people who defend AAP are trying to protect their ability to overtly show their child is "gifted."

Our experience is exactly the same - our base school is the center. Your description of it being an "an artificial construct" is right on the money. Nearly half the kids (3-6) are in AAP. It's really become such a joke. Lake Wobegon, VA.

Half the 3-6 graders are in AAP? You center school only has students from the base school? Our center school has students from 6 other schools.

Of course our center draws plenty of other students from other schools (five at last count). But about 2/3 of the second graders for whom this is their base school, wind up in AAP in 3rd grade. Why so incredulous? It's one of the huge problem centers, in that it's dominated by mainstream AAP kids.

There are several "huge problem centers" but they are not the majority.

Doesn't really matter if they're in the majority or not. They're problems and those of us with kids in those schools would like something done about it. As in, no more centers in those areas.

There are parts of the county that need Centers because there are only a handful of Center eligible kids at the base school.

See bolded, above. It's been clearly stated again and again that certain areas (Great Falls, McLean, Vienna, Oakton, Chantilly) in the county DO NOT need center schools.

Chantilly, Oakton, and Vienna have already dispersed their centers I thought. The centers there, especially in Vienna are doing fine. Each grade at the centers has 2 AAP classes. Yes, Stenwood should have switched to Lemon Road instead of Westbriar for the commute to school, not to overrun Westbriar, and to better balance out AAP students in that area, but that's a individual school's issue. What schools in Chantilly and Oakton will be overcrowded still within 2 year's time?

The only schools I keep hearing about that are overcrowded with AAP students are Colvin Run, Haycock, and Churchhill. Colvin Run only has one other school, Great Falls, feeding into it and that school is under capacity. Simple fix to make both schools LLIV and you don't need to involve the entire county to fix this. Just work with your Dranesville supervisor. Mclean seems to be the only place where every school has a LLIV program that can fill close to one class or more in each school. So change things there and leave the rest of the county alone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a child in AAP. And before anyone starts with the "you didn't have to enroll her if you think base schools are fine" our center is in our base school.

This entire artificial construct that "gifted" children's needs couldn't be met in a non-AAP classroom is ridiculous. If AAP didn't exist, I guarantee schools would adjust as need to be accommodate the more advanced learners. Thousands of really terrific school districts across the country do just that. It's a fact.

Of course removing top-performing kids from base schools will change the base schools. But it's ludicrous for parents not to recognize those schools would also change if AAP kids moved back.

The people who defend AAP are trying to protect their ability to overtly show their child is "gifted."

Our experience is exactly the same - our base school is the center. Your description of it being an "an artificial construct" is right on the money. Nearly half the kids (3-6) are in AAP. It's really become such a joke. Lake Wobegon, VA.

Half the 3-6 graders are in AAP? You center school only has students from the base school? Our center school has students from 6 other schools.

Of course our center draws plenty of other students from other schools (five at last count). But about 2/3 of the second graders for whom this is their base school, wind up in AAP in 3rd grade. Why so incredulous? It's one of the huge problem centers, in that it's dominated by mainstream AAP kids.

There are several "huge problem centers" but they are not the majority.

Doesn't really matter if they're in the majority or not. They're problems and those of us with kids in those schools would like something done about it. As in, no more centers in those areas.

Wow. Your kid can't keep up academically, with some of his classmates (is e in the bottom half!!) and you think the solution is to create a school with less academic rigor and lowered expectations, where no one out performs your child academically? I guess if your child was tone deaf, band and strings should go? And no art, because snowflake can't draw? Guess what, your kid doesn't get to be the best at everything. W
.

Not at all, but thanks for twisting my words completely into something I never said. Also, nice that you equate General Ed to being "the bottom half". And you wonder why there is a pervasive stereotype of utter arrogance when it comes to AAP parents.

The point is that AAP kids being the majority - such as in a center - gives the impression to all students that somehow this is the norm, that AAP (or "gifted," if you really want to stretch) people in general outnumber all others. Which, as we all know, is simply untrue. Truly gifted people are in the minority within society. Teaching our children that the kids who aren't in AAP are somehow less-than, or "inferior," sends a horrible - and false - message to everyone.

This is why many of us advocate a return to the GT program. There was no resentment among students or parents because so few kids were in GT and those who were, clearly needed an alternative educational program.

No one is suggesting creating a school with "less academic rigor". Frankly, I think FCPS has accomplished that already, both in Gen Ed and AAP. The point is to raise the curriculum for ALL, not just kids in AAP. And to stop dividing one mass of very similar kids right down the middle for no apparent reason.

And that just highlights for some parents, centers aren't about the quality of education but getting to say "my kid is in a center."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a child in AAP. And before anyone starts with the "you didn't have to enroll her if you think base schools are fine" our center is in our base school.

This entire artificial construct that "gifted" children's needs couldn't be met in a non-AAP classroom is ridiculous. If AAP didn't exist, I guarantee schools would adjust as need to be accommodate the more advanced learners. Thousands of really terrific school districts across the country do just that. It's a fact.

Of course removing top-performing kids from base schools will change the base schools. But it's ludicrous for parents not to recognize those schools would also change if AAP kids moved back.

The people who defend AAP are trying to protect their ability to overtly show their child is "gifted."

Our experience is exactly the same - our base school is the center. Your description of it being an "an artificial construct" is right on the money. Nearly half the kids (3-6) are in AAP. It's really become such a joke. Lake Wobegon, VA.

Half the 3-6 graders are in AAP? You center school only has students from the base school? Our center school has students from 6 other schools.

Of course our center draws plenty of other students from other schools (five at last count). But about 2/3 of the second graders for whom this is their base school, wind up in AAP in 3rd grade. Why so incredulous? It's one of the huge problem centers, in that it's dominated by mainstream AAP kids.

There are several "huge problem centers" but they are not the majority.

Doesn't really matter if they're in the majority or not. They're problems and those of us with kids in those schools would like something done about it. As in, no more centers in those areas.

There are parts of the county that need Centers because there are only a handful of Center eligible kids at the base school.

See bolded, above. It's been clearly stated again and again that certain areas (Great Falls, McLean, Vienna, Oakton, Chantilly) in the county DO NOT need center schools.

Chantilly, Oakton, and Vienna have already dispersed their centers I thought. The centers there, especially in Vienna are doing fine. Each grade at the centers has 2 AAP classes. Yes, Stenwood should have switched to Lemon Road instead of Westbriar for the commute to school, not to overrun Westbriar, and to better balance out AAP students in that area, but that's a individual school's issue. What schools in Chantilly and Oakton will be overcrowded still within 2 year's time?

The only schools I keep hearing about that are overcrowded with AAP students are Colvin Run, Haycock, and Churchhill. Colvin Run only has one other school, Great Falls, feeding into it and that school is under capacity. Simple fix to make both schools LLIV and you don't need to involve the entire county to fix this. Just work with your Dranesville supervisor. Mclean seems to be the only place where every school has a LLIV program that can fill close to one class or more in each school. So change things there and leave the rest of the county alone.

THAT'S WHAT WEVE BEEN SAYING.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a child in AAP. And before anyone starts with the "you didn't have to enroll her if you think base schools are fine" our center is in our base school.

This entire artificial construct that "gifted" children's needs couldn't be met in a non-AAP classroom is ridiculous. If AAP didn't exist, I guarantee schools would adjust as need to be accommodate the more advanced learners. Thousands of really terrific school districts across the country do just that. It's a fact.

Of course removing top-performing kids from base schools will change the base schools. But it's ludicrous for parents not to recognize those schools would also change if AAP kids moved back.

The people who defend AAP are trying to protect their ability to overtly show their child is "gifted."

Our experience is exactly the same - our base school is the center. Your description of it being an "an artificial construct" is right on the money. Nearly half the kids (3-6) are in AAP. It's really become such a joke. Lake Wobegon, VA.

Half the 3-6 graders are in AAP? You center school only has students from the base school? Our center school has students from 6 other schools.

Of course our center draws plenty of other students from other schools (five at last count). But about 2/3 of the second graders for whom this is their base school, wind up in AAP in 3rd grade. Why so incredulous? It's one of the huge problem centers, in that it's dominated by mainstream AAP kids.

There are several "huge problem centers" but they are not the majority.

Doesn't really matter if they're in the majority or not. They're problems and those of us with kids in those schools would like something done about it. As in, no more centers in those areas.

There are parts of the county that need Centers because there are only a handful of Center eligible kids at the base school.

See bolded, above. It's been clearly stated again and again that certain areas (Great Falls, McLean, Vienna, Oakton, Chantilly) in the county DO NOT need center schools.

Not everyone agrees with you. (This dissenting opinion has also been clearly stated again and again.)

Do you have a child who attends a center in one of these areas? If so, then you'd know from talking to other parents there (both AAP and Gen Ed) that most people agree those centers are redundant and unnecessary. If not, then your opinion is irrelevant.

Not the PP, but yes, I do. In one of the areas listed above- one ES, one MS. And no that is not my experience based on what parents at out center are saying.

And that just highlights for some parents, centers aren't about the quality of education but getting to say "my kid is in a center."

(quoted wrong thread before)