average, mean or median scores for AAP-eligible kids in FCPS?

[Anonymous]

I doubt this information exists, but thought I would at least ask. Is there any published or known information on the average, mean, or median scores on the NNAT, CogAT, or WISC of the AAP-eligible (or AAP-admitted) kids? That seems like it would be a very useful data point that might help people decide whether to appeal or not appeal, to send to Center or stay at base school, etc.

While people may differ on their approaches, I think there is value to everyone in knowing where your kid would "place" in his/her class based on some relatively objective tests. Depending of course on personality, one kid might do better staying in a regular classroom if s/he is competitive and below the AAP average, whereas another kid with the same test scores might do better in the AAP class because s/he doesn't compare and just is always hungry to learn. But not knowing the objective data hampers many parents in making the most informed decision for their kids.

[Anonymous]

This is very dated, but it is published:

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/120/83440.page#699828

[Anonymous]

When you view that data, be aware that the highest possible score on both the NNAT and cogat was 150 until a couple years ago, so the data cannot be directly compared to current scoring.

[Anonymous]

It is quite simple really, regardless of all the test scores and evaluation criteria that are discussed on this forum ad nauseam, the current AAP level IV services are provided for about the top 17% of students. Lineup ten 2nd graders in a row and two of them will be eligible for level IV. If you think your child is in the top 25% of students, then appeal, prep, or whatever, and perhaps you may be able bump your child up one position in the line.

If you child gets, in the course work will not be much different or even very challenging but your child will be around bright, academically motivated kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is quite simple really, regardless of all the test scores and evaluation criteria that are discussed on this forum ad nauseam, the current AAP level IV services are provided for about the top 17% of students. Lineup ten 2nd graders in a row and two of them will be eligible for level IV. If you think your child is in the top 25% of students, then appeal, prep, or whatever, and perhaps you may be able bump your child up one position in the line.

If you child gets, in the course work will not be much different or even very challenging but your child will be around bright, academically motivated kids.

^^ well, most of them anyway. Some notable exceptions ... As one poster (a teacher) mentioned, some of these brainy types can be "quirky."

[Anonymous]

Just so you know, some of the AAP teachers can be extremely "hands off", starting from the philosophy that these kids are bright and you just need to give them an assignment and let them run with it in a process of discovery learning. It works great for some kids but not others.
With those teachers, kids who are motivated but are borderline cases and need a lot of guidance may not thrive in AAP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is quite simple really, regardless of all the test scores and evaluation criteria that are discussed on this forum ad nauseam, the current AAP level IV services are provided for about the top 17% of students. Lineup ten 2nd graders in a row and two of them will be eligible for level IV. If you think your child is in the top 25% of students, then appeal, prep, or whatever, and perhaps you may be able bump your child up one position in the line.

If you child gets, in the course work will not be much different or even very challenging but your child will be around bright, academically motivated kids.

If you have ever had one in AAP and one out of AAP you would know that there is a huge difference. The curriculum used, the teaching methods, and even the teachers themselves are worlds apart from general ed. There wasn't much of a difference in the 3rd grade homework load, but the acutal content of the work was very different.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is very dated, but it is published:

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/120/83440.page#699828

OP here. Thanks for the responses. The above post & linked statistics made it clear to me why everyone wants to get in. These average scores are very low for getting into an "advanced" program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: These average scores are very low for getting into an "advanced" program.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: These average scores are very low for getting into an "advanced" program.

Then why don't more kids make the cut? Why are so many parents scrambling to prep for tests if it's so easy. Some school districts use 90th percentile or 95th percentile criteria for in pool candidates.. Fairfax uses 98th percentile. It's not easy to get in to FFX AAP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: These average scores are very low for getting into an "advanced" program.

Then why don't more kids make the cut? Why are so many parents scrambling to prep for tests if it's so easy. Some school districts use 90th percentile or 95th percentile criteria for in pool candidates.. Fairfax uses 98th percentile. It's not easy to get in to FFX AAP.

But Fairfax lets people in from outside the pool, so it doesn't really use 98% as its cutoff. Most school districts with GT use straight testing, and students below 95% would most likely not get in like they can in Fairfax.