"AAP is not a gifted program"

[Anonymous]

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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)

This makes no sense. Where did you get this?? Based on what AAP parents are saying, this highlights that many AAP parents believe Centers are necessary to meet child's educational needs.

[Anonymous]

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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.

Some people have been saying this. But this one Colvin Run parent keeps coming on these boards to complain about AAP as if the entire county needs to get involved to fix things at that school. It can all be done within the Dranesville District with no impact to boundaries.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

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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.

Some people have been saying this. But this one Colvin Run parent keeps coming on these boards to complain about AAP as if the entire county needs to get involved to fix things at that school. It can all be done within the Dranesville District with no impact to boundaries.

+1

It is reminiscent of the "but we don't have any snow on the ground here so why are all FCPS schools closed?" posts ad infinitum.

[Anonymous]

Centers big or small, or separate classes, it doesn't matter. AAP/GT parents saying their child can't be educated alongside others is wrong and obnoxious. Parents from all over the county feel this way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Centers big or small, or separate classes, it doesn't matter. AAP/GT parents saying their child can't be educated alongside others is wrong and obnoxious. Parents from all over the county feel this way.

Never seen an AAP parent post that their DC can't learn in a school that is predominantly GE kids. Show me the link. Seen lots of posts from GE parents saying their GE kid is harmed by being in the same school as AAP kids (although many of these posts do seem to be by the on CR parent).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Centers big or small, or separate classes, it doesn't matter. AAP/GT parents saying their child can't be educated alongside others is wrong and obnoxious. Parents from all over the county feel this way.

Never seen an AAP parent post that their DC can't learn in a school that is predominantly GE kids. Show me the link. Seen lots of posts from GE parents saying their GE kid is harmed by being in the same school as AAP kids (although many of these posts do seem to be by the on CR parent).

+1

My kids are in AAP (each at a Center school) and have friends in many classes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Centers big or small, or separate classes, it doesn't matter. AAP/GT parents saying their child can't be educated alongside others is wrong and obnoxious. Parents from all over the county feel this way.

Never seen an AAP parent post that their DC can't learn in a school that is predominantly GE kids. Show me the link. Seen lots of posts from GE parents saying their GE kid is harmed by being in the same school as AAP kids (although many of these posts do seem to be by the on CR parent).

You've got to be kidding. AAP parents (at least on DCUM) are constantly complaining that their child "has" to have a center education because there's "no way" s/he could possibly learn at the base school. Read all the posts from parents who are crazed at the thought of centers going away because then (gasp!) their snowflake would have to go back to their base school. It's a perfect example of the AAP entitlement mentality.

[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.

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.

Some people have been saying this. But this one Colvin Run parent keeps coming on these boards to complain about AAP as if the entire county needs to get involved to fix things at that school. It can all be done within the Dranesville District with no impact to boundaries.

Umm... I'm a Colvin Run parent and I know several other CR parents who post here as we all talk about it IRL! So please stop trying to make it look like there's just "the one". I assure you, there are plenty of us who feel the same way. And we're not trying to change the entire county, just the areas already mentioned that are saturated with AAP kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Centers big or small, or separate classes, it doesn't matter. AAP/GT parents saying their child can't be educated alongside others is wrong and obnoxious. Parents from all over the county feel this way.

Never seen an AAP parent post that their DC can't learn in a school that is predominantly GE kids. Show me the link. Seen lots of posts from GE parents saying their GE kid is harmed by being in the same school as AAP kids (although many of these posts do seem to be by the on CR parent).

You've got to be kidding. AAP parents (at least on DCUM) are constantly complaining that their child "has" to have a center education because there's "no way" s/he could possibly learn at the base school. Read all the posts from parents who are crazed at the thought of centers going away because then (gasp!) their snowflake would have to go back to their base school. It's a perfect example of the AAP entitlement mentality.

Sure-- some AAP parents are concerned about the push back to base schools, because most base schools do not have enough AAP kids to fill a classroom per grade-- let alone 2 classrooms (50 kids) which is the recommended critical mass for ES. That's not the same thing as saying that AAP kids have to be in the majority or have their own school to succeed. If there are 2 AAP classes and 3-4 GE in a Center, most AAP parents are fine. Reverse those numbers, and GE parents get on this board on this board say their kids can't learn, or are somehow being harmed.

[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: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.

Some people have been saying this. But this one Colvin Run parent keeps coming on these boards to complain about AAP as if the entire county needs to get involved to fix things at that school. It can all be done within the Dranesville District with no impact to boundaries.

Umm... I'm a Colvin Run parent and I know several other CR parents who post here as we all talk about it IRL! So please stop trying to make it look like there's just "the one". I assure you, there are plenty of us who feel the same way. And we're not trying to change the entire county, just the areas already mentioned that are saturated with AAP kids.

First, there is one CR parent who is very angry, and has a very distinctive writing style. Second, even if CR were not a Center, there would be a lot of AAP base kids still there. And third, it sounds like CR is a miserable place for AAP and GE alike-- but that's a school leadership problem, not a systemic AAP problem.

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry CR is such a miserable school to attend. But did it ever occur to you that the problem lies with your school (one out of 100+) and not the entire AAP program?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Centers big or small, or separate classes, it doesn't matter. AAP/GT parents saying their child can't be educated alongside others is wrong and obnoxious. Parents from all over the county feel this way.

Never seen an AAP parent post that their DC can't learn in a school that is predominantly GE kids. Show me the link. Seen lots of posts from GE parents saying their GE kid is harmed by being in the same school as AAP kids (although many of these posts do seem to be by the on CR parent).

You've got to be kidding. AAP parents (at least on DCUM) are constantly complaining that their child "has" to have a center education because there's "no way" s/he could possibly learn at the base school. Read all the posts from parents who are crazed at the thought of centers going away because then (gasp!) their snowflake would have to go back to their base school. It's a perfect example of the AAP entitlement mentality.

Sure-- some AAP parents are concerned about the push back to base schools, because most base schools do not have enough AAP kids to fill a classroom per grade-- let alone 2 classrooms (50 kids) which is the recommended critical mass for ES. That's not the same thing as saying that AAP kids have to be in the majority or have their own school to succeed. If there are 2 AAP classes and 3-4 GE in a Center, most AAP parents are fine. Reverse those numbers, and GE parents get on this board on this board say their kids can't learn, or are somehow being harmed.

Curious how you would feel if your child was not in AAP and was in one of only two GE classes in his grade at a center in which there were four AAP classes in almost every grade (3-6). How would you honestly feel about this situation?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm sorry CR is such a miserable school to attend. But did it ever occur to you that the problem lies with your school (one out of 100+) and not the entire AAP program?

There are 28 elementary AAP centers. Quite a few of them have AAP/GE issues, according to posters on DCUM. Why do you assume there is only one school (Colvin Run), and where are you getting 100 from?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm sorry CR is such a miserable school to attend. But did it ever occur to you that the problem lies with your school (one out of 100+) and not the entire AAP program?

There are 28 elementary AAP centers. Quite a few of them have AAP/GE issues, according to posters on DCUM. Why do you assume there is only one school (Colvin Run), and where are you getting 100 from?

There are more than 100 schools in FCPS (AP, IB, TJ, base only, AAP, LLIVS, immersion, etc.). But by all means, if the "posters on DCUM say so," it must be true. On the other hand, I base my opinions on the schools my kids have actually attended (most weight) and the schools attended by the children of people I know well and really trust (less weight). They say the DCUM malcontents don't speak for the whole county.

[Anonymous]

I guess there are 2 possible responses. I could say that I'd feel the same way I do now, in our school with 2 AAP classes and 3-4 GE classes-- like my kid doesn't have to be in the majority to learn, and 50+ kids a grade on his/her track are fine. Or I could say what you seem to be implying-- that I really wish that everyone didn't know my kid just wasn't that bright (e.g., that 2/3 of the kids in the school are smarter). Seriously, what do you want to hear here? Because you're the one implying that your kid has something to be ashamed of, so is inferior to the AAP kids.