AAP experience from a repeat process

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op, you mean well. Your post, however, the length of it, just reenforces that the existence of AAP causes an unnecessary emotional burden.

You are absolutely correct. I really meant to offer a pure experience we went through. I stated the facts. We were emotionally invested in 2nd grade and repeated the process with much better support system. I am now leaving this mean-spirited post and all the other AAP threads which prove that FCPS does disservice to all kids. there are no geniuses in FCPS AAP programs. Geniuses are far and in between. Every single child has potential.

Thank you for sharing your experience, OP.

I also find this experience refreshing, although it was looong this parent looks at this AAP process through different lens an appreciates what she has learned. good for her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am glad you see it as asinine. Please do not use big words you do not understand and dilute the experience and this conversation for others. I hope your superior child, who is too good for FCPS and its AAP program, gets in and you can check off the AAP from your list of accomplishments. AAP is not an end to your child's academic journey. This is why your child does not belong there.

Im sorry, but I would use "chaotic, disorienting, and debilitating" to describe a family member going through chemo or cancer, not the stupid AAP process. Get some perspective and take a breath. Yes, your post is asinine. And I have seen many kids get perfect scores on math SOLs in 3rd grade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS has magnet schools? That end in 5th grade? I'm so confused.

FCPS has two magnet elementary schools (unless OP is referring to something else).

https://www.fcps.edu/index.php/academics/elementary-school-academics-k-6/elementary-magnet-schools

If OP is at Bailey's, I'm glad she's having an excellent experience there.

What's wrong with Bailey's?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am glad you see it as asinine. Please do not use big words you do not understand and dilute the experience and this conversation for others. I hope your superior child, who is too good for FCPS and its AAP program, gets in and you can check off the AAP from your list of accomplishments. AAP is not an end to your child's academic journey. This is why your child does not belong there.

Im sorry, but I would use "chaotic, disorienting, and debilitating" to describe a family member going through chemo or cancer, not the stupid AAP process. Get some perspective and take a breath. Yes, your post is asinine. And I have seen many kids get perfect scores on math SOLs in 3rd grade.

Since you called the AAP process 'stupid', I am sure you are not participating because you find the program completely ridiculous. can you please explain why? What is asinine about the post? OP posted her experience. Do we now haze people about that?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am glad you see it as asinine. Please do not use big words you do not understand and dilute the experience and this conversation for others. I hope your superior child, who is too good for FCPS and its AAP program, gets in and you can check off the AAP from your list of accomplishments. AAP is not an end to your child's academic journey. This is why your child does not belong there.

Im sorry, but I would use "chaotic, disorienting, and debilitating" to describe a family member going through chemo or cancer, not the stupid AAP process. Get some perspective and take a breath. Yes, your post is asinine. And I have seen many kids get perfect scores on math SOLs in 3rd grade.

Since you called the AAP process 'stupid', I am sure you are not participating because you find the program completely ridiculous. can you please explain why? What is asinine about the post? OP posted her experience. Do we now haze people about that?

No, I merely point out when over the top posters like yourself are being dramatic. Your wording to describe your experience was over the top. if that experience is the most “chaotic, disorienting, and debilitating” thing you have ever gone through, then consider yourself lucky.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am glad you see it as asinine. Please do not use big words you do not understand and dilute the experience and this conversation for others. I hope your superior child, who is too good for FCPS and its AAP program, gets in and you can check off the AAP from your list of accomplishments. AAP is not an end to your child's academic journey. This is why your child does not belong there.

OP, are you on drugs?

No, not on drugs. I won't even validate you. My kid is not genius, neither is yours. They both have potential.

Actually, my kid is a genius. But my response to your posts has nothing to do with my kid. I just find these to be really odd, rambling posts. Not sure who is stranger--you or the OP whose "dtr" flew through a 5th grade math workbook.

you are the strangest of all
and a FW racist!

[Anonymous]

so many moronic parents in here including this asinine parent with a "genius" son.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS has magnet schools? That end in 5th grade? I'm so confused.

FCPS has two magnet elementary schools (unless OP is referring to something else).

https://www.fcps.edu/index.php/academics/elementary-school-academics-k-6/elementary-magnet-schools

If OP is at Bailey's, I'm glad she's having an excellent experience there.

neither of those schools end at 5th grade. The plot thickens...

Bailey's absolutely ends in 5th grade.

[Anonymous]

While OP's post may be long, it does show the subjective nature of the AAP selection process. The dramatic difference in perception at the two schools points out how flawed the GBRS can be as a significant deciding factor. A 4 vs. a 15 is a huge gap. Also, I'm sure the 4 GBRS probably had something to do with the principal telling OP the AAP ship had sailed for OP's child. I can understand why OP found the process debilitating (even if it's an exaggerated emotion for something like this). Imagine knowing your child is completely capable of handling AAP or that AAP is a better fit than gen ed. Then imagine the people in charge of your child's education giving a 4 GBRS, submitting poor work samples, then losing the originals of the good ones you picked out and submitted to support your parent referral, and then brushing you off multiple times when you are trying to figure out what fix the fact that they lost your submissions. Then imagine having your views of your child validated by other educators the subsequent school year. Are you saying you wouldn't be a bit bitter about the process? I think the takeaway is, if you feel your child belongs somewhere, don't be steamrolled by the school because even those who are supposed to be qualified to make these determinations can be wrong and/or biased. The other takeaway is if your child isn't found eligible, keep trying to get the best possible outcome for your child (which may or may not include referring in a subsequent year). OP tried to give an honest account of her feelings, give her credit for her honesty.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:While OP's post may be long, it does show the subjective nature of the AAP selection process. The dramatic difference in perception at the two schools points out how flawed the GBRS can be as a significant deciding factor. A 4 vs. a 15 is a huge gap. Also, I'm sure the 4 GBRS probably had something to do with the principal telling OP the AAP ship had sailed for OP's child. I can understand why OP found the process debilitating (even if it's an exaggerated emotion for something like this). Imagine knowing your child is completely capable of handling AAP or that AAP is a better fit than gen ed. Then imagine the people in charge of your child's education giving a 4 GBRS, submitting poor work samples, then losing the originals of the good ones you picked out and submitted to support your parent referral, and then brushing you off multiple times when you are trying to figure out what fix the fact that they lost your submissions. Then imagine having your views of your child validated by other educators the subsequent school year. Are you saying you wouldn't be a bit bitter about the process? I think the takeaway is, if you feel your child belongs somewhere, don't be steamrolled by the school because even those who are supposed to be qualified to make these determinations can be wrong and/or biased. The other takeaway is if your child isn't found eligible, keep trying to get the best possible outcome for your child (which may or may not include referring in a subsequent year). OP tried to give an honest account of her feelings, give her credit for her honesty.

Please just stop with the drama. You’re embarrassing yourself now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:While OP's post may be long, it does show the subjective nature of the AAP selection process. The dramatic difference in perception at the two schools points out how flawed the GBRS can be as a significant deciding factor. A 4 vs. a 15 is a huge gap. Also, I'm sure the 4 GBRS probably had something to do with the principal telling OP the AAP ship had sailed for OP's child. I can understand why OP found the process debilitating (even if it's an exaggerated emotion for something like this). Imagine knowing your child is completely capable of handling AAP or that AAP is a better fit than gen ed. Then imagine the people in charge of your child's education giving a 4 GBRS, submitting poor work samples, then losing the originals of the good ones you picked out and submitted to support your parent referral, and then brushing you off multiple times when you are trying to figure out what fix the fact that they lost your submissions. Then imagine having your views of your child validated by other educators the subsequent school year. Are you saying you wouldn't be a bit bitter about the process? I think the takeaway is, if you feel your child belongs somewhere, don't be steamrolled by the school because even those who are supposed to be qualified to make these determinations can be wrong and/or biased. The other takeaway is if your child isn't found eligible, keep trying to get the best possible outcome for your child (which may or may not include referring in a subsequent year). OP tried to give an honest account of her feelings, give her credit for her honesty.

Please just stop with the drama. You’re embarrassing yourself now.

This is an anonymous board. I feel no embarrassment for anything I post

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The SOL scores for this magnet school are just fine. SOL scores are but one tiny element of who your child is. I am shocked you are shocked.

Well you were the one who mentioned the principal “regularly hosts him for his achievement scores” so obviously they mean something. This whole post was kind of a weird back door brag that infered a child can get into AAP if their parents are on the PTA. Odd...

There is no bragging. My child naturally evolved academically. It proves the principal in the neighborhood school is complicit in the AAP process. My child hangs out with principal because she appreciates his academic achievements. I do not hang out with principal. I am not that kind of a person. I am not on PTA and never will be.

This is so weird that you are super hung up on this. You do know, OP, that the principal is just a regular human who happens to have a job, just like you, right? And I'm sorry that you don't value him as a person, but the "kind of people" who "hang out with the principal" are just....other people. And the PTA stands for Parent Teacher Association. The fact that you would boast proudly about your intention to NEVER be on the PTA is so strange. *shrugs* so don't be on it. No one cares. It's just a group that works together to provide financial and volunteer support for the school and community that educates your child--no big deal. I'm sorry that you have so much baggage tied to your perception of this group. It's a shame, as maybe if you removed the seriously large chip off your shoulder, you might enjoy both the PTA and a friendly relationship with the principal. Ah well...your loss I guess.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The SOL scores for this magnet school are just fine. SOL scores are but one tiny element of who your child is. I am shocked you are shocked.

Well you were the one who mentioned the principal “regularly hosts him for his achievement scores” so obviously they mean something. This whole post was kind of a weird back door brag that infered a child can get into AAP if their parents are on the PTA. Odd...

There is no bragging. My child naturally evolved academically. It proves the principal in the neighborhood school is complicit in the AAP process. My child hangs out with principal because she appreciates his academic achievements. I do not hang out with principal. I am not that kind of a person. I am not on PTA and never will be.

This is so weird that you are super hung up on this. You do know, OP, that the principal is just a regular human who happens to have a job, just like you, right? And I'm sorry that you don't value him as a person, but the "kind of people" who "hang out with the principal" are just....other people. And the PTA stands for Parent Teacher Association. The fact that you would boast proudly about your intention to NEVER be on the PTA is so strange. *shrugs* so don't be on it. No one cares. It's just a group that works together to provide financial and volunteer support for the school and community that educates your child--no big deal. I'm sorry that you have so much baggage tied to your perception of this group. It's a shame, as maybe if you removed the seriously large chip off your shoulder, you might enjoy both the PTA and a friendly relationship with the principal. Ah well...your loss I guess.

+1, So
Original samples are never needed to to submit for AAP package. Had OP read the instruction , would have known it!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The SOL scores for this magnet school are just fine. SOL scores are but one tiny element of who your child is. I am shocked you are shocked.

Well you were the one who mentioned the principal “regularly hosts him for his achievement scores” so obviously they mean something. This whole post was kind of a weird back door brag that infered a child can get into AAP if their parents are on the PTA. Odd...

There is no bragging. My child naturally evolved academically. It proves the principal in the neighborhood school is complicit in the AAP process. My child hangs out with principal because she appreciates his academic achievements. I do not hang out with principal. I am not that kind of a person. I am not on PTA and never will be.

This is so weird that you are super hung up on this. You do know, OP, that the principal is just a regular human who happens to have a job, just like you, right? And I'm sorry that you don't value him as a person, but the "kind of people" who "hang out with the principal" are just....other people. And the PTA stands for Parent Teacher Association. The fact that you would boast proudly about your intention to NEVER be on the PTA is so strange. *shrugs* so don't be on it. No one cares. It's just a group that works together to provide financial and volunteer support for the school and community that educates your child--no big deal. I'm sorry that you have so much baggage tied to your perception of this group. It's a shame, as maybe if you removed the seriously large chip off your shoulder, you might enjoy both the PTA and a friendly relationship with the principal. Ah well...your loss I guess.

+1, So
Original samples are never needed to to submit for AAP package. Had OP read the instruction , would have known it!

Can you just leave her alone?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wanted to post this in hopes that this experience helps other parents. This is a factual, not subjective account. I believe in facts.

We went through the AAP Level IV process when my son was in second grade (he is now in 4th), at his local neighborhood school which also offers Level IV services but is not an AAP center. It was the most chaotic, disorientating and debilitating process I have experienced as a parent. But I could not have compared it at the time to anything else as this was my only experience for our oldest son. The AART teacher split her time between two schools, incl ours, and her lack of organizational skills, passion, commitment defined our experience. She put together a file of extremely weak school samples. We had very strong home samples (from various enrichment programs), writing samples, recommendation and character letters. She lost the originally submitted home samples and rescheduled our meeting 3 times. I firmly believe that everything depends on your second grade teacher. We had above average (bot not great) NNAT scores from 1st grade but good CoGAT scores (though not in pool, just 1 point under cut-off). GBRS very extremely low (4). My son was not the favorite of the second grade teacher. I am not on PTA. Through my observations of the cliques of parents in the school, every single kid whose mother was on PTA got into the AAP starting in third grade. Only 2 extra kids got in. My theories were confirmed. I did not socialize with principal or vice principal or AART teacher. I did not lobby to pick the second grade teacher whose kids are KNOWN REGULARLY to get into AAP in 3rd grade. We were rejected. We did appeal (with strong WISC done at GMU and some other recommendations and samples). When I met with the principal of the neighborhood school, at the end of the third grade to get his opinion whether we should repeat this AAP process a year later, he said, verbatim "The AAP train has moved on, you cannot catch it anymore".

In hindsight, I firmly believe that if you have strong scores (Cogats and WISCs are better in my opinion than NNATs) but disproportionately low GBRS, strong home samples but disproportionately weak school samples, showing overall imbalance, you will be very lucky to get in. In hindsight, I am glad I got my son out of that school where principal believes that the AAP group is somehow unique and when you do not get into the program in 3rd grade, you will never get in. AAP kids are not unique. Every single child has potential. We also tried to apply, in 2nd grade, for Level II and Level III services and my son was found ineligible. Not good enough. He was deemed to have no potential.

As the second year was evolving, we applied for a lottery magnet program and got in. We pulled our son out of the neighborhood school and started a new journey in the magnet school, starting in 3rd grade. And we have never looked back. We got the best math teacher I have ever seen - he was placed with her on the basis of the profile which we completed that was meant to let the school know that, as a new incoming kid, he is extremely strong in quantitative subjects. That same fall, in 3rd grade, my son retook his CoGAT through school and got a perfect score. His passion for math evolved naturally. We knew he had POTENTIAL, as the AAP program leads you to believe. Then we sat on this for a year, did not apply for Level IV AAP in his third grade to get into fourth grade AAP - we wanted to see if this school is a good match for us and we wanted teachers to get to know our son and enable his academic strengths. AAP was not an end result we were seeking. We were on a new academic journey. We wanted our son to be passionate about something and he naturally gravitated toward math. At the end of third grade, he got a perfect SOL score in math (principal said she has never seen it in the school's history) and a very strong score in language/arts. He ended up, together with 5 more students with strong SOL scores, in a separate full-time AAP math program, created by this magnet school for the 4th grade. We could not have hoped for a better outcome. In his neighborhood school, he would have been in a trailer with 29 other kids, as opposed to now, being in a class of 6, in the best equipped classroom for STEM I have ever seen. The 4th grade full-time AAP math teacher was my son's 3rd grade home class teacher and she also became the school AART teacher, full-time. The best teacher ever. His home class 4th grade teacher cannot say enough good things about him. He is regularly hosted by the principal for his test achievements.
We did not do any more testings, based on the advice of the AART teacher at this magnet school, going into the AAP process again. We submitted that repeat CoGAT score from 2 years ago, 3rd grade math SOL score, character letters, recommendations from enrichment programs, home writing samples, school samples matched the quality of home samples. GBRS was 15. (note the significant imbalance between GBRS of 4, 2 years ago.).

This package was BALANCED and showed my kid's true potential. We love the magnet school and will finish it in 5th grade and defer the AAP until middle school, to start a new journey.

I hope this experience is helpful to some parents and I am happy to provide more details if desirable.

This is NOT a factual account but an overly emotional, subjective account .

And NO to your argument that every kid should get into AAP if they try.

From your own explanation, it sounds like developmentally in 2nd grads your DS was not at a place for advanced academic work mad that is the way development works.