Those of you with kids in both AAP and gen ed...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Because it divides the kids. It divides them socially. It divides them academically. It affect their friendships, and how they view themselves academically. In most cases, this division is based on rather infinitesimal differences. The students could be educated in the same classroom. And should be. NP here.

+1,000,000
There are rare cases - on both ends of the spectrum - where kids might need a special learning environment. The vast majority do not. Enough of this crazy segregation. Just improve the curriculum for ALL kids.

Guess what? The vast majority of kids are NOT in AAP. So there you go. It’s fine.

depending on the school, just under half are.

Yep. At center schools, it’s practically 50/50. Very divisive. And for no reason.

Teachers cannot provide the type of education that is needed to 4-5 groups of kids in their classroom. Kids who are advanced, whether that is because their parents read to them, played math games, and supplement or because they are bright or gifted, need to be challenged at school. Asking a Teacher to teach kids who are SPED, kids who are struggling, kids who are on grade level, and kids who are advanced when they have 25-30 kids in the classroom is inefficient. The kids who are advanced end up in reading groups/math groups that work solo and seldom work with the Teacher. Their needs are not met because they are going to pass exams and advance to the next grade with little help.

We wouldn't think of cutting SPED classes because the kids need those services, why would we cut AAP when there are kids who need those services. Or should we allow kids who are ahead of their classmates to be bored in a classroom and receive little instruction that challenges them?

Kids have options in Middle School and High School so that they can take classes that are more challenging while others take a class that is less in depth because that is a good fit for them. Elementary School kids do not have that choice. Why should kids who are ahead or advanced have to wait for Middle School be able to take classes that are interesting and challenging for them?

Which is why we need flexible groups in which ALL kids can get the instruction they need in the subjects they need it in - whether they’re advanced in some subjects but not in others. Many GE kids should be in advanced language arts and/or math, but are stuck in some “level 3” purgatory in which the school pretends to give them advanced instruction by way of pull-outs. This is nonsense. There need to be groups for all levels that kids can move in and out of as needed. Period.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a friend who has one child in AP. Their second child did not get in. It is absolutely crushing the family. The second child’s entire core of self-esteem and confidence has been obliterated and now they will be attending a different school than their sibling so it’s rubbed in on a daily basis. It’s really heartbreaking and makes me reconsider even desiring AAP in case it should it be some thing that only one of my kids got into.

That is on the family for not handling the situation well and putting way too much emphasis on a specific program. Neither kids identity should be determined based on being in a specific academic program, especially in ES. There was no reason to ever tell the first one that the program made them special, only that it met their academic needs. There is no reason the the second to feel lesser because they have different needs.

OMG. Kids talk about this ALL the time at center schools. The parents don’t have to say a word. The children are WELL aware of who is in AAP or not and the ones who aren’t are told they’re not smart - in subtle and not-so-subtle ways. You have no clue whatsoever.
DP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a friend who has one child in AP. Their second child did not get in. It is absolutely crushing the family. The second child’s entire core of self-esteem and confidence has been obliterated and now they will be attending a different school than their sibling so it’s rubbed in on a daily basis. It’s really heartbreaking and makes me reconsider even desiring AAP in case it should it be some thing that only one of my kids got into.

That is on the family for not handling the situation well and putting way too much emphasis on a specific program. Neither kids identity should be determined based on being in a specific academic program, especially in ES. There was no reason to ever tell the first one that the program made them special, only that it met their academic needs. There is no reason the the second to feel lesser because they have different needs.

OMG. Kids talk about this ALL the time at center schools. The parents don’t have to say a word. The children are WELL aware of who is in AAP or not and the ones who aren’t are told they’re not smart - in subtle and not-so-subtle ways. You have no clue whatsoever.
DP

this. The kids know it and, if they manage to be oblivious, the center kids make sure they correct that situation

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a friend who has one child in AP. Their second child did not get in. It is absolutely crushing the family. The second child’s entire core of self-esteem and confidence has been obliterated and now they will be attending a different school than their sibling so it’s rubbed in on a daily basis. It’s really heartbreaking and makes me reconsider even desiring AAP in case it should it be some thing that only one of my kids got into.

That is on the family for not handling the situation well and putting way too much emphasis on a specific program. Neither kids identity should be determined based on being in a specific academic program, especially in ES. There was no reason to ever tell the first one that the program made them special, only that it met their academic needs. There is no reason the the second to feel lesser because they have different needs.

This exactly. My child knew nothing about the committee process or admissions. He knows he’s in AAP bc he learns differently than some peers but it doesn’t make him special or better than anyone else. Have we now surrendered all parental responsibility in framing the narrative of such things for our children?

Of course not. You can frame it any way you like. But once those kids are at school - especially center schools, where there are as many AAP as GE classes - and the kids will take care of the rest. You’re kidding yourself to think otherwise.
DP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a friend who has one child in AP. Their second child did not get in. It is absolutely crushing the family. The second child’s entire core of self-esteem and confidence has been obliterated and now they will be attending a different school than their sibling so it’s rubbed in on a daily basis. It’s really heartbreaking and makes me reconsider even desiring AAP in case it should it be some thing that only one of my kids got into.

That is on the family for not handling the situation well and putting way too much emphasis on a specific program. Neither kids identity should be determined based on being in a specific academic program, especially in ES. There was no reason to ever tell the first one that the program made them special, only that it met their academic needs. There is no reason the the second to feel lesser because they have different needs.

This exactly. My child knew nothing about the committee process or admissions. He knows he’s in AAP bc he learns differently than some peers but it doesn’t make him special or better than anyone else. Have we now surrendered all parental responsibility in framing the narrative of such things for our children?

Not PP but it's become so bad though that the kids talk about it. Not sure if they get it from parents? teachers? both? In our school, it's a topic. Between ged ed and AAP ("the advanced class") and then also between our school (a lower rated school with local level IV) and "the center." I never mentioned anything about AAP to my kid and one day she came home talking about how she was in the advanced class. It's silly.

+1
And one day, my kid came home crying because most of the kids in her second grade class got in and were all talking about it, asking her why she didn’t. “Are you dumb? You should try harder.” We left for a different school not long after that - NON-FCPS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a friend who has one child in AP. Their second child did not get in. It is absolutely crushing the family. The second child’s entire core of self-esteem and confidence has been obliterated and now they will be attending a different school than their sibling so it’s rubbed in on a daily basis. It’s really heartbreaking and makes me reconsider even desiring AAP in case it should it be some thing that only one of my kids got into.

That is on the family for not handling the situation well and putting way too much emphasis on a specific program. Neither kids identity should be determined based on being in a specific academic program, especially in ES. There was no reason to ever tell the first one that the program made them special, only that it met their academic needs. There is no reason the the second to feel lesser because they have different needs.

OMG. Kids talk about this ALL the time at center schools. The parents don’t have to say a word. The children are WELL aware of who is in AAP or not and the ones who aren’t are told they’re not smart - in subtle and not-so-subtle ways. You have no clue whatsoever.
DP

this. The kids know it and, if they manage to be oblivious, the center kids make sure they correct that situation

+100

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Because it divides the kids. It divides them socially. It divides them academically. It affect their friendships, and how they view themselves academically. In most cases, this division is based on rather infinitesimal differences. The students could be educated in the same classroom. And should be. NP here.

+1,000,000
There are rare cases - on both ends of the spectrum - where kids might need a special learning environment. The vast majority do not. Enough of this crazy segregation. Just improve the curriculum for ALL kids.

Guess what? The vast majority of kids are NOT in AAP. So there you go. It’s fine.

depending on the school, just under half are.

Yep. At center schools, it’s practically 50/50. Very divisive. And for no reason.

Teachers cannot provide the type of education that is needed to 4-5 groups of kids in their classroom. Kids who are advanced, whether that is because their parents read to them, played math games, and supplement or because they are bright or gifted, need to be challenged at school. Asking a Teacher to teach kids who are SPED, kids who are struggling, kids who are on grade level, and kids who are advanced when they have 25-30 kids in the classroom is inefficient. The kids who are advanced end up in reading groups/math groups that work solo and seldom work with the Teacher. Their needs are not met because they are going to pass exams and advance to the next grade with little help.

We wouldn't think of cutting SPED classes because the kids need those services, why would we cut AAP when there are kids who need those services. Or should we allow kids who are ahead of their classmates to be bored in a classroom and receive little instruction that challenges them?

Kids have options in Middle School and High School so that they can take classes that are more challenging while others take a class that is less in depth because that is a good fit for them. Elementary School kids do not have that choice. Why should kids who are ahead or advanced have to wait for Middle School be able to take classes that are interesting and challenging for them?

then make aap a choice. Problem solved, no more complaint about admissions or appeals, no more bemoaning a lack of minorities. If a kid and their family want it, they request it and get it

DP. But that’s pretty much the process now. You can appeal every year. If you’re not getting in it’s because your kid really doesn’t belong in the program. Which is fine. Relax, you can push them to succeed in their gen Ed class. If they are far ahead in gen ed they’ll make it into level 4. If not, what is your problem exactly?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Because it divides the kids. It divides them socially. It divides them academically. It affect their friendships, and how they view themselves academically. In most cases, this division is based on rather infinitesimal differences. The students could be educated in the same classroom. And should be. NP here.

+1,000,000
There are rare cases - on both ends of the spectrum - where kids might need a special learning environment. The vast majority do not. Enough of this crazy segregation. Just improve the curriculum for ALL kids.

It’s not just the learning environment, it’s the pace of the program. Class sizes in FCPS are too large to successfully differentiate teaching for such a wide range if you were to do away with AAP. We have tryouts and special teams in our sports around here based on athletic ability but somehow it’s wrong to recognize this exists in academics as well? My child also finally found similarly quirky kids who process the world similarly and the improvement in his social success in this learning environment has been life-changing.

Same. If the program ends we will have to leave FCPS.

Not everyone has the option of private unfortunately.

We do if we make some significant life changes and sacrifices, and move to a lower cost neighborhood. Will do it in a heartbeat to make sure our child gets the education he deserves. But you’re right, it’s a pisser for families that can’t afford private but have really bright and hardworking kids that are ahead of their peers in school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a friend who has one child in AP. Their second child did not get in. It is absolutely crushing the family. The second child’s entire core of self-esteem and confidence has been obliterated and now they will be attending a different school than their sibling so it’s rubbed in on a daily basis. It’s really heartbreaking and makes me reconsider even desiring AAP in case it should it be some thing that only one of my kids got into.

That is on the family for not handling the situation well and putting way too much emphasis on a specific program. Neither kids identity should be determined based on being in a specific academic program, especially in ES. There was no reason to ever tell the first one that the program made them special, only that it met their academic needs. There is no reason the the second to feel lesser because they have different needs.

This exactly. My child knew nothing about the committee process or admissions. He knows he’s in AAP bc he learns differently than some peers but it doesn’t make him special or better than anyone else. Have we now surrendered all parental responsibility in framing the narrative of such things for our children?

Of course not. You can frame it any way you like. But once those kids are at school - especially center schools, where there are as many AAP as GE classes - and the kids will take care of the rest. You’re kidding yourself to think otherwise.
DP

I’m not “kidding myself” as my kids are at a particularly cut-throat center elementary as our base school. My child still doesn’t think he’s more special or better than anyone in GE and he has plenty of friends who aren’t in AAP. I’m sure there probably are kids who talk this way but i can guarantee it comes directly from their parents — so stop blaming centers for killing self-esteem, start looking in the mirror, and spend a little extra time on the message you’re sending as parents (I’m saying this in general terms, I make no assumptions in regards to the messaging you use w your kids). Perhaps FCPS should offer a parent primer during the AAP informational sessions on not being an a-hole.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Because it divides the kids. It divides them socially. It divides them academically. It affect their friendships, and how they view themselves academically. In most cases, this division is based on rather infinitesimal differences. The students could be educated in the same classroom. And should be. NP here.

+1,000,000
There are rare cases - on both ends of the spectrum - where kids might need a special learning environment. The vast majority do not. Enough of this crazy segregation. Just improve the curriculum for ALL kids.

Guess what? The vast majority of kids are NOT in AAP. So there you go. It’s fine.

depending on the school, just under half are.

Yep. At center schools, it’s practically 50/50. Very divisive. And for no reason.

Teachers cannot provide the type of education that is needed to 4-5 groups of kids in their classroom. Kids who are advanced, whether that is because their parents read to them, played math games, and supplement or because they are bright or gifted, need to be challenged at school. Asking a Teacher to teach kids who are SPED, kids who are struggling, kids who are on grade level, and kids who are advanced when they have 25-30 kids in the classroom is inefficient. The kids who are advanced end up in reading groups/math groups that work solo and seldom work with the Teacher. Their needs are not met because they are going to pass exams and advance to the next grade with little help.

We wouldn't think of cutting SPED classes because the kids need those services, why would we cut AAP when there are kids who need those services. Or should we allow kids who are ahead of their classmates to be bored in a classroom and receive little instruction that challenges them?

Kids have options in Middle School and High School so that they can take classes that are more challenging while others take a class that is less in depth because that is a good fit for them. Elementary School kids do not have that choice. Why should kids who are ahead or advanced have to wait for Middle School be able to take classes that are interesting and challenging for them?

then make aap a choice. Problem solved, no more complaint about admissions or appeals, no more bemoaning a lack of minorities. If a kid and their family want it, they request it and get it

DP. But that’s pretty much the process now. You can appeal every year. If you’re not getting in it’s because your kid really doesn’t belong in the program. Which is fine. Relax, you can push them to succeed in their gen Ed class. If they are far ahead in gen ed they’ll make it into level 4. If not, what is your problem exactly?

You really think that???? I guess AAP parents have to convince themselves the only reason their kids got in vs kids with same or better stats is bc their kid belonged in AAP. Child please. I have a kid in AAP and even I know the system is rigged.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Because it divides the kids. It divides them socially. It divides them academically. It affect their friendships, and how they view themselves academically. In most cases, this division is based on rather infinitesimal differences. The students could be educated in the same classroom. And should be. NP here.

+1,000,000
There are rare cases - on both ends of the spectrum - where kids might need a special learning environment. The vast majority do not. Enough of this crazy segregation. Just improve the curriculum for ALL kids.

Guess what? The vast majority of kids are NOT in AAP. So there you go. It’s fine.

depending on the school, just under half are.

Yep. At center schools, it’s practically 50/50. Very divisive. And for no reason.

Teachers cannot provide the type of education that is needed to 4-5 groups of kids in their classroom. Kids who are advanced, whether that is because their parents read to them, played math games, and supplement or because they are bright or gifted, need to be challenged at school. Asking a Teacher to teach kids who are SPED, kids who are struggling, kids who are on grade level, and kids who are advanced when they have 25-30 kids in the classroom is inefficient. The kids who are advanced end up in reading groups/math groups that work solo and seldom work with the Teacher. Their needs are not met because they are going to pass exams and advance to the next grade with little help.

We wouldn't think of cutting SPED classes because the kids need those services, why would we cut AAP when there are kids who need those services. Or should we allow kids who are ahead of their classmates to be bored in a classroom and receive little instruction that challenges them?

Kids have options in Middle School and High School so that they can take classes that are more challenging while others take a class that is less in depth because that is a good fit for them. Elementary School kids do not have that choice. Why should kids who are ahead or advanced have to wait for Middle School be able to take classes that are interesting and challenging for them?

then make aap a choice. Problem solved, no more complaint about admissions or appeals, no more bemoaning a lack of minorities. If a kid and their family want it, they request it and get it

DP. But that’s pretty much the process now. You can appeal every year. If you’re not getting in it’s because your kid really doesn’t belong in the program. Which is fine. Relax, you can push them to succeed in their gen Ed class. If they are far ahead in gen ed they’ll make it into level 4. If not, what is your problem exactly?

You really think that???? I guess AAP parents have to convince themselves the only reason their kids got in vs kids with same or better stats is bc their kid belonged in AAP. Child please. I have a kid in AAP and even I know the system is rigged.

Rigged how? Are there marginal cases where a kid didn’t get in that probably could keep up, sure. And vice versa. Appeal. Everyone I know who has appealed gets in! The only people I know who complain about AAP are parents whose kids are not ahead, and would not do well in an accelerated class—they’re not doing well in a regularly paced class! The reason the pace is faster is because the kids can keep up. Now, if you’re saying that’s not the case, that the kids aren’t actually more capable of a faster pace, then they wouldn’t actually be moving as fast as they do. It’s the peer group that makes the program work. If everyone was in, it’s be exactly the same pace as general Ed and exactly as inadequate for the 20% or so of kids who need a faster pace to stay engaged in learning. Ans yeah, my kid is one of those. You’re kid might have been fine in gen Ed, but maybe that’s because they are one of the marginal cases.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Because it divides the kids. It divides them socially. It divides them academically. It affect their friendships, and how they view themselves academically. In most cases, this division is based on rather infinitesimal differences. The students could be educated in the same classroom. And should be. NP here.

+1,000,000
There are rare cases - on both ends of the spectrum - where kids might need a special learning environment. The vast majority do not. Enough of this crazy segregation. Just improve the curriculum for ALL kids.

Guess what? The vast majority of kids are NOT in AAP. So there you go. It’s fine.

depending on the school, just under half are.

Yep. At center schools, it’s practically 50/50. Very divisive. And for no reason.

Teachers cannot provide the type of education that is needed to 4-5 groups of kids in their classroom. Kids who are advanced, whether that is because their parents read to them, played math games, and supplement or because they are bright or gifted, need to be challenged at school. Asking a Teacher to teach kids who are SPED, kids who are struggling, kids who are on grade level, and kids who are advanced when they have 25-30 kids in the classroom is inefficient. The kids who are advanced end up in reading groups/math groups that work solo and seldom work with the Teacher. Their needs are not met because they are going to pass exams and advance to the next grade with little help.

We wouldn't think of cutting SPED classes because the kids need those services, why would we cut AAP when there are kids who need those services. Or should we allow kids who are ahead of their classmates to be bored in a classroom and receive little instruction that challenges them?

Kids have options in Middle School and High School so that they can take classes that are more challenging while others take a class that is less in depth because that is a good fit for them. Elementary School kids do not have that choice. Why should kids who are ahead or advanced have to wait for Middle School be able to take classes that are interesting and challenging for them?

then make aap a choice. Problem solved, no more complaint about admissions or appeals, no more bemoaning a lack of minorities. If a kid and their family want it, they request it and get it

DP. But that’s pretty much the process now. You can appeal every year. If you’re not getting in it’s because your kid really doesn’t belong in the program. Which is fine. Relax, you can push them to succeed in their gen Ed class. If they are far ahead in gen ed they’ll make it into level 4. If not, what is your problem exactly?

You really think that???? I guess AAP parents have to convince themselves the only reason their kids got in vs kids with same or better stats is bc their kid belonged in AAP. Child please. I have a kid in AAP and even I know the system is rigged.

Rigged how? Are there marginal cases where a kid didn’t get in that probably could keep up, sure. And vice versa. Appeal. Everyone I know who has appealed gets in! The only people I know who complain about AAP are parents whose kids are not ahead, and would not do well in an accelerated class—they’re not doing well in a regularly paced class! The reason the pace is faster is because the kids can keep up. Now, if you’re saying that’s not the case, that the kids aren’t actually more capable of a faster pace, then they wouldn’t actually be moving as fast as they do. It’s the peer group that makes the program work. If everyone was in, it’s be exactly the same pace as general Ed and exactly as inadequate for the 20% or so of kids who need a faster pace to stay engaged in learning. Ans yeah, my kid is one of those. You’re kid might have been fine in gen Ed, but maybe that’s because they are one of the marginal cases.

What are you blabbering about PP? Your post makes no sense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Because it divides the kids. It divides them socially. It divides them academically. It affect their friendships, and how they view themselves academically. In most cases, this division is based on rather infinitesimal differences. The students could be educated in the same classroom. And should be. NP here.

+1,000,000
There are rare cases - on both ends of the spectrum - where kids might need a special learning environment. The vast majority do not. Enough of this crazy segregation. Just improve the curriculum for ALL kids.

Guess what? The vast majority of kids are NOT in AAP. So there you go. It’s fine.

depending on the school, just under half are.

Yep. At center schools, it’s practically 50/50. Very divisive. And for no reason.

Teachers cannot provide the type of education that is needed to 4-5 groups of kids in their classroom. Kids who are advanced, whether that is because their parents read to them, played math games, and supplement or because they are bright or gifted, need to be challenged at school. Asking a Teacher to teach kids who are SPED, kids who are struggling, kids who are on grade level, and kids who are advanced when they have 25-30 kids in the classroom is inefficient. The kids who are advanced end up in reading groups/math groups that work solo and seldom work with the Teacher. Their needs are not met because they are going to pass exams and advance to the next grade with little help.

We wouldn't think of cutting SPED classes because the kids need those services, why would we cut AAP when there are kids who need those services. Or should we allow kids who are ahead of their classmates to be bored in a classroom and receive little instruction that challenges them?

Kids have options in Middle School and High School so that they can take classes that are more challenging while others take a class that is less in depth because that is a good fit for them. Elementary School kids do not have that choice. Why should kids who are ahead or advanced have to wait for Middle School be able to take classes that are interesting and challenging for them?

then make aap a choice. Problem solved, no more complaint about admissions or appeals, no more bemoaning a lack of minorities. If a kid and their family want it, they request it and get it

DP. But that’s pretty much the process now. You can appeal every year. If you’re not getting in it’s because your kid really doesn’t belong in the program. Which is fine. Relax, you can push them to succeed in their gen Ed class. If they are far ahead in gen ed they’ll make it into level 4. If not, what is your problem exactly?

You really think that???? I guess AAP parents have to convince themselves the only reason their kids got in vs kids with same or better stats is bc their kid belonged in AAP. Child please. I have a kid in AAP and even I know the system is rigged.

Rigged how? Are there marginal cases where a kid didn’t get in that probably could keep up, sure. And vice versa. Appeal. Everyone I know who has appealed gets in! The only people I know who complain about AAP are parents whose kids are not ahead, and would not do well in an accelerated class—they’re not doing well in a regularly paced class! The reason the pace is faster is because the kids can keep up. Now, if you’re saying that’s not the case, that the kids aren’t actually more capable of a faster pace, then they wouldn’t actually be moving as fast as they do. It’s the peer group that makes the program work. If everyone was in, it’s be exactly the same pace as general Ed and exactly as inadequate for the 20% or so of kids who need a faster pace to stay engaged in learning. Ans yeah, my kid is one of those. You’re kid might have been fine in gen Ed, but maybe that’s because they are one of the marginal cases.

What are you blabbering about PP? Your post makes no sense.

This post makes sense to me. I’ll add for us that it’s the pace and the people — when your kid is in the percentage that truly needs it, trust me, it’s not a brag. There are usually some deficits that come along with a super high IQ and oftentimes it’s in the social realm. AAP has been a game-changer academically and socially for my child and quite a few others I know. My child’s needs are finally being met in the classroom in an environment where he’s accepted and appreciated by teacher and peers. That wasn’t the case in GE.

[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:Because it divides the kids. It divides them socially. It divides them academically. It affect their friendships, and how they view themselves academically. In most cases, this division is based on rather infinitesimal differences. The students could be educated in the same classroom. And should be. NP here.

+1,000,000
There are rare cases - on both ends of the spectrum - where kids might need a special learning environment. The vast majority do not. Enough of this crazy segregation. Just improve the curriculum for ALL kids.

Guess what? The vast majority of kids are NOT in AAP. So there you go. It’s fine.

depending on the school, just under half are.

Yep. At center schools, it’s practically 50/50. Very divisive. And for no reason.

Teachers cannot provide the type of education that is needed to 4-5 groups of kids in their classroom. Kids who are advanced, whether that is because their parents read to them, played math games, and supplement or because they are bright or gifted, need to be challenged at school. Asking a Teacher to teach kids who are SPED, kids who are struggling, kids who are on grade level, and kids who are advanced when they have 25-30 kids in the classroom is inefficient. The kids who are advanced end up in reading groups/math groups that work solo and seldom work with the Teacher. Their needs are not met because they are going to pass exams and advance to the next grade with little help.

We wouldn't think of cutting SPED classes because the kids need those services, why would we cut AAP when there are kids who need those services. Or should we allow kids who are ahead of their classmates to be bored in a classroom and receive little instruction that challenges them?

Kids have options in Middle School and High School so that they can take classes that are more challenging while others take a class that is less in depth because that is a good fit for them. Elementary School kids do not have that choice. Why should kids who are ahead or advanced have to wait for Middle School be able to take classes that are interesting and challenging for them?

then make aap a choice. Problem solved, no more complaint about admissions or appeals, no more bemoaning a lack of minorities. If a kid and their family want it, they request it and get it

DP. But that’s pretty much the process now. You can appeal every year. If you’re not getting in it’s because your kid really doesn’t belong in the program. Which is fine. Relax, you can push them to succeed in their gen Ed class. If they are far ahead in gen ed they’ll make it into level 4. If not, what is your problem exactly?

You really think that???? I guess AAP parents have to convince themselves the only reason their kids got in vs kids with same or better stats is bc their kid belonged in AAP. Child please. I have a kid in AAP and even I know the system is rigged.

Rigged how? Are there marginal cases where a kid didn’t get in that probably could keep up, sure. And vice versa. Appeal. Everyone I know who has appealed gets in! The only people I know who complain about AAP are parents whose kids are not ahead, and would not do well in an accelerated class—they’re not doing well in a regularly paced class! The reason the pace is faster is because the kids can keep up. Now, if you’re saying that’s not the case, that the kids aren’t actually more capable of a faster pace, then they wouldn’t actually be moving as fast as they do. It’s the peer group that makes the program work. If everyone was in, it’s be exactly the same pace as general Ed and exactly as inadequate for the 20% or so of kids who need a faster pace to stay engaged in learning. Ans yeah, my kid is one of those. You’re kid might have been fine in gen Ed, but maybe that’s because they are one of the marginal cases.

What are you blabbering about PP? Your post makes no sense.

This post makes sense to me. I’ll add for us that it’s the pace and the people — when your kid is in the percentage that truly needs it, trust me, it’s not a brag. There are usually some deficits that come along with a super high IQ and oftentimes it’s in the social realm. AAP has been a game-changer academically and socially for my child and quite a few others I know. My child’s needs are finally being met in the classroom in an environment where he’s accepted and appreciated by teacher and peers. That wasn’t the case in GE.

Yes no is arguing that AAP isn’t needed but rather that who gets in is quite arbitrary at times. There are nerdy type kids in gen ed who suffer as a result.

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Anonymous wrote:Because it divides the kids. It divides them socially. It divides them academically. It affect their friendships, and how they view themselves academically. In most cases, this division is based on rather infinitesimal differences. The students could be educated in the same classroom. And should be. NP here.

+1,000,000
There are rare cases - on both ends of the spectrum - where kids might need a special learning environment. The vast majority do not. Enough of this crazy segregation. Just improve the curriculum for ALL kids.

Guess what? The vast majority of kids are NOT in AAP. So there you go. It’s fine.

depending on the school, just under half are.

Yep. At center schools, it’s practically 50/50. Very divisive. And for no reason.

Teachers cannot provide the type of education that is needed to 4-5 groups of kids in their classroom. Kids who are advanced, whether that is because their parents read to them, played math games, and supplement or because they are bright or gifted, need to be challenged at school. Asking a Teacher to teach kids who are SPED, kids who are struggling, kids who are on grade level, and kids who are advanced when they have 25-30 kids in the classroom is inefficient. The kids who are advanced end up in reading groups/math groups that work solo and seldom work with the Teacher. Their needs are not met because they are going to pass exams and advance to the next grade with little help.

We wouldn't think of cutting SPED classes because the kids need those services, why would we cut AAP when there are kids who need those services. Or should we allow kids who are ahead of their classmates to be bored in a classroom and receive little instruction that challenges them?

Kids have options in Middle School and High School so that they can take classes that are more challenging while others take a class that is less in depth because that is a good fit for them. Elementary School kids do not have that choice. Why should kids who are ahead or advanced have to wait for Middle School be able to take classes that are interesting and challenging for them?

then make aap a choice. Problem solved, no more complaint about admissions or appeals, no more bemoaning a lack of minorities. If a kid and their family want it, they request it and get it

DP. But that’s pretty much the process now. You can appeal every year. If you’re not getting in it’s because your kid really doesn’t belong in the program. Which is fine. Relax, you can push them to succeed in their gen Ed class. If they are far ahead in gen ed they’ll make it into level 4. If not, what is your problem exactly?

You really think that???? I guess AAP parents have to convince themselves the only reason their kids got in vs kids with same or better stats is bc their kid belonged in AAP. Child please. I have a kid in AAP and even I know the system is rigged.

Rigged how? Are there marginal cases where a kid didn’t get in that probably could keep up, sure. And vice versa. Appeal. Everyone I know who has appealed gets in! The only people I know who complain about AAP are parents whose kids are not ahead, and would not do well in an accelerated class—they’re not doing well in a regularly paced class! The reason the pace is faster is because the kids can keep up. Now, if you’re saying that’s not the case, that the kids aren’t actually more capable of a faster pace, then they wouldn’t actually be moving as fast as they do. It’s the peer group that makes the program work. If everyone was in, it’s be exactly the same pace as general Ed and exactly as inadequate for the 20% or so of kids who need a faster pace to stay engaged in learning. Ans yeah, my kid is one of those. You’re kid might have been fine in gen Ed, but maybe that’s because they are one of the marginal cases.

What are you blabbering about PP? Your post makes no sense.

This post makes sense to me. I’ll add for us that it’s the pace and the people — when your kid is in the percentage that truly needs it, trust me, it’s not a brag. There are usually some deficits that come along with a super high IQ and oftentimes it’s in the social realm. AAP has been a game-changer academically and socially for my child and quite a few others I know. My child’s needs are finally being met in the classroom in an environment where he’s accepted and appreciated by teacher and peers. That wasn’t the case in GE.

Yes no is arguing that AAP isn’t needed but rather that who gets in is quite arbitrary at times. There are nerdy type kids in gen ed who suffer as a result.

Actually, there are a few ppl arguing on this thread that AAP should either be eliminated or opened up to all.