APS Advanced Academics Parent Referral

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can someone tell me what the gifted kids are offered compared to the other kids in the classroom?

For my dd: In elementary it was mostly required extension work that was optional for the general class, a book “club” with the gifted cluster, and some required projects. In middle it was intensified classes, which are available to all but gifted kids are guided to take. In hs (she is a freshman now) it is choices of intensified, AP, and DE classes plus the Capstone program. Gifted kids receive a letter before choosing classes to point out which classes are appropriately challenging, but the choice is theirs.

I wish people wouldn't give old information. APS doesn't allow small group differentiation any more for those tagged as gifted. It's considered inequitable. Only whole class activities are permitted. So no more gifted book clubs, math groups or other extra projects in elementary.

It’s unclear where you are getting your information. Here is a sample differentiation report from this year.
https://innovation.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2024/11/Q1-Differentiation-Report-SY24-25.pdf

They are pulling it out of their MAGA a-hole.

There are extra book clubs, math groups, and projects. The difference now is that they are open to all kids who want to join, not just those who are tagged.

If an NFL team lets a bunch of high schoolers join them, they’re no longer playing at an elite level.

You want to gate keep out the engaged, bright kids who enjoy a subject just because they didn’t do quite as well one day in 2nd grade on a screening test?

GTFO.

They test at least twice and there are parent and teacher referrals for anyone who tests poorly.

Ok....

You want to gate keep out the engaged, bright kids who enjoy a subject even if they aren't tagged GT for whatever reason?

Why is that?

No one has said that. About 30% of APS students are tagged, so it's far from an exclusive club and there are several ways to get tagged.

The request is that that there be real differentiation for kids who are currently not being challenged and not only activities that are at a level that is appropriate for all students. For instance, book clubs last year in my kid's 5th grade were on below grade level books so all kids could participate. That's bunk. At least one book club should have had a more challenging book to challenge those who can read more challenging materials. Teachers can gatekeep or not who joins that book club, but they shouldn't refuse to offer a more challenging option because not everyone is able to read that book.

And I really hate the APS system where math is endlessly boring in elementary but then they cram three years of math into 6th grade prealgebra. There should be a math track where kids get to start to do more challenging math by at least 4th grade with a ramp up to 7th grade Algebra, sort of like FCPS. It wouldnt be enough for super advanced kids, but would be better.

Great - so no gate keeping. That’s not exactly in line with the earlier NFL comment, but ok.

You shouldn’t base your entire opinion on that one book club for one class - that’s not representative of everything that is happening.

There are extra book clubs, math groups, and projects. The difference now is that they are open to all kids who want to join, not just those who are tagged.

And there is a lot more differentiation in middle school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can someone tell me what the gifted kids are offered compared to the other kids in the classroom?

For my dd: In elementary it was mostly required extension work that was optional for the general class, a book “club” with the gifted cluster, and some required projects. In middle it was intensified classes, which are available to all but gifted kids are guided to take. In hs (she is a freshman now) it is choices of intensified, AP, and DE classes plus the Capstone program. Gifted kids receive a letter before choosing classes to point out which classes are appropriately challenging, but the choice is theirs.

I wish people wouldn't give old information. APS doesn't allow small group differentiation any more for those tagged as gifted. It's considered inequitable. Only whole class activities are permitted. So no more gifted book clubs, math groups or other extra projects in elementary.

It’s unclear where you are getting your information. Here is a sample differentiation report from this year.
https://innovation.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2024/11/Q1-Differentiation-Report-SY24-25.pdf

They are pulling it out of their MAGA a-hole.

There are extra book clubs, math groups, and projects. The difference now is that they are open to all kids who want to join, not just those who are tagged.

If an NFL team lets a bunch of high schoolers join them, they’re no longer playing at an elite level.

You want to gate keep out the engaged, bright kids who enjoy a subject just because they didn’t do quite as well one day in 2nd grade on a screening test?

GTFO.

They test at least twice and there are parent and teacher referrals for anyone who tests poorly.

Ok....

You want to gate keep out the engaged, bright kids who enjoy a subject even if they aren't tagged GT for whatever reason?

Why is that?

No one has said that. About 30% of APS students are tagged, so it's far from an exclusive club and there are several ways to get tagged.

The request is that that there be real differentiation for kids who are currently not being challenged and not only activities that are at a level that is appropriate for all students. For instance, book clubs last year in my kid's 5th grade were on below grade level books so all kids could participate. That's bunk. At least one book club should have had a more challenging book to challenge those who can read more challenging materials. Teachers can gatekeep or not who joins that book club, but they shouldn't refuse to offer a more challenging option because not everyone is able to read that book.

And I really hate the APS system where math is endlessly boring in elementary but then they cram three years of math into 6th grade prealgebra. There should be a math track where kids get to start to do more challenging math by at least 4th grade with a ramp up to 7th grade Algebra, sort of like FCPS. It wouldnt be enough for super advanced kids, but would be better.

Great - so no gate keeping. That’s not exactly in line with the earlier NFL comment, but ok.

You shouldn’t base your entire opinion on that one book club for one class - that’s not representative of everything that is happening.

There are extra book clubs, math groups, and projects. The difference now is that they are open to all kids who want to join, not just those who are tagged.

And there is a lot more differentiation in middle school.

I'm not basing my opinion on one book club. That's just one example. I'm basing my opinion on the fact my kids did a lot less sitting around waiting before APS decided that every activity had to be offered to every student. They used to get other things to do when they finished their work. Now the options are to read silently, do Lexia or do Dreambox. That's it and it stinks.

[Anonymous]

Guess who isn’t dumbing down their curriculum so no one gets their feelings hurt?

Our foreign adversaries.

[Anonymous]

Should we allow students to move on to 5th grade when they haven’t mastered 4th grade level content?

Seems like it, otherwise we are gatekeeeeeeping

[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:Can someone tell me what the gifted kids are offered compared to the other kids in the classroom?

For my dd: In elementary it was mostly required extension work that was optional for the general class, a book “club” with the gifted cluster, and some required projects. In middle it was intensified classes, which are available to all but gifted kids are guided to take. In hs (she is a freshman now) it is choices of intensified, AP, and DE classes plus the Capstone program. Gifted kids receive a letter before choosing classes to point out which classes are appropriately challenging, but the choice is theirs.

I wish people wouldn't give old information. APS doesn't allow small group differentiation any more for those tagged as gifted. It's considered inequitable. Only whole class activities are permitted. So no more gifted book clubs, math groups or other extra projects in elementary.

It’s unclear where you are getting your information. Here is a sample differentiation report from this year.
https://innovation.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2024/11/Q1-Differentiation-Report-SY24-25.pdf

They are pulling it out of their MAGA a-hole.

There are extra book clubs, math groups, and projects. The difference now is that they are open to all kids who want to join, not just those who are tagged.

If an NFL team lets a bunch of high schoolers join them, they’re no longer playing at an elite level.

You want to gate keep out the engaged, bright kids who enjoy a subject just because they didn’t do quite as well one day in 2nd grade on a screening test?

GTFO.

They test at least twice and there are parent and teacher referrals for anyone who tests poorly.

Ok....

You want to gate keep out the engaged, bright kids who enjoy a subject even if they aren't tagged GT for whatever reason?

Why is that?

No one has said that. About 30% of APS students are tagged, so it's far from an exclusive club and there are several ways to get tagged.

The request is that that there be real differentiation for kids who are currently not being challenged and not only activities that are at a level that is appropriate for all students. For instance, book clubs last year in my kid's 5th grade were on below grade level books so all kids could participate. That's bunk. At least one book club should have had a more challenging book to challenge those who can read more challenging materials. Teachers can gatekeep or not who joins that book club, but they shouldn't refuse to offer a more challenging option because not everyone is able to read that book.

And I really hate the APS system where math is endlessly boring in elementary but then they cram three years of math into 6th grade prealgebra. There should be a math track where kids get to start to do more challenging math by at least 4th grade with a ramp up to 7th grade Algebra, sort of like FCPS. It wouldnt be enough for super advanced kids, but would be better.

Great - so no gate keeping. That’s not exactly in line with the earlier NFL comment, but ok.

You shouldn’t base your entire opinion on that one book club for one class - that’s not representative of everything that is happening.

There are extra book clubs, math groups, and projects. The difference now is that they are open to all kids who want to join, not just those who are tagged.

And there is a lot more differentiation in middle school.

I'm not basing my opinion on one book club. That's just one example. I'm basing my opinion on the fact my kids did a lot less sitting around waiting before APS decided that every activity had to be offered to every student. They used to get other things to do when they finished their work. Now the options are to read silently, do Lexia or do Dreambox. That's it and it stinks.

Again, you are drawing conclusions based on limited information. APS still offers differentiation.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:Can someone tell me what the gifted kids are offered compared to the other kids in the classroom?

For my dd: In elementary it was mostly required extension work that was optional for the general class, a book “club” with the gifted cluster, and some required projects. In middle it was intensified classes, which are available to all but gifted kids are guided to take. In hs (she is a freshman now) it is choices of intensified, AP, and DE classes plus the Capstone program. Gifted kids receive a letter before choosing classes to point out which classes are appropriately challenging, but the choice is theirs.

I wish people wouldn't give old information. APS doesn't allow small group differentiation any more for those tagged as gifted. It's considered inequitable. Only whole class activities are permitted. So no more gifted book clubs, math groups or other extra projects in elementary.

It’s unclear where you are getting your information. Here is a sample differentiation report from this year.
https://innovation.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2024/11/Q1-Differentiation-Report-SY24-25.pdf

They are pulling it out of their MAGA a-hole.

There are extra book clubs, math groups, and projects. The difference now is that they are open to all kids who want to join, not just those who are tagged.

If an NFL team lets a bunch of high schoolers join them, they’re no longer playing at an elite level.

You want to gate keep out the engaged, bright kids who enjoy a subject just because they didn’t do quite as well one day in 2nd grade on a screening test?

GTFO.

They test at least twice and there are parent and teacher referrals for anyone who tests poorly.

Ok....

You want to gate keep out the engaged, bright kids who enjoy a subject even if they aren't tagged GT for whatever reason?

Why is that?

No one has said that. About 30% of APS students are tagged, so it's far from an exclusive club and there are several ways to get tagged.

The request is that that there be real differentiation for kids who are currently not being challenged and not only activities that are at a level that is appropriate for all students. For instance, book clubs last year in my kid's 5th grade were on below grade level books so all kids could participate. That's bunk. At least one book club should have had a more challenging book to challenge those who can read more challenging materials. Teachers can gatekeep or not who joins that book club, but they shouldn't refuse to offer a more challenging option because not everyone is able to read that book.

And I really hate the APS system where math is endlessly boring in elementary but then they cram three years of math into 6th grade prealgebra. There should be a math track where kids get to start to do more challenging math by at least 4th grade with a ramp up to 7th grade Algebra, sort of like FCPS. It wouldnt be enough for super advanced kids, but would be better.

Great - so no gate keeping. That’s not exactly in line with the earlier NFL comment, but ok.

You shouldn’t base your entire opinion on that one book club for one class - that’s not representative of everything that is happening.

There are extra book clubs, math groups, and projects. The difference now is that they are open to all kids who want to join, not just those who are tagged.

And there is a lot more differentiation in middle school.

I'm not basing my opinion on one book club. That's just one example. I'm basing my opinion on the fact my kids did a lot less sitting around waiting before APS decided that every activity had to be offered to every student. They used to get other things to do when they finished their work. Now the options are to read silently, do Lexia or do Dreambox. That's it and it stinks.

Again, you are drawing conclusions based on limited information. APS still offers differentiation.

It’s highly dependent on your individual teacher and your AAC coach

[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:

Anonymous wrote:Can someone tell me what the gifted kids are offered compared to the other kids in the classroom?

For my dd: In elementary it was mostly required extension work that was optional for the general class, a book “club” with the gifted cluster, and some required projects. In middle it was intensified classes, which are available to all but gifted kids are guided to take. In hs (she is a freshman now) it is choices of intensified, AP, and DE classes plus the Capstone program. Gifted kids receive a letter before choosing classes to point out which classes are appropriately challenging, but the choice is theirs.

I wish people wouldn't give old information. APS doesn't allow small group differentiation any more for those tagged as gifted. It's considered inequitable. Only whole class activities are permitted. So no more gifted book clubs, math groups or other extra projects in elementary.

It’s unclear where you are getting your information. Here is a sample differentiation report from this year.
https://innovation.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2024/11/Q1-Differentiation-Report-SY24-25.pdf

They are pulling it out of their MAGA a-hole.

There are extra book clubs, math groups, and projects. The difference now is that they are open to all kids who want to join, not just those who are tagged.

If an NFL team lets a bunch of high schoolers join them, they’re no longer playing at an elite level.

You want to gate keep out the engaged, bright kids who enjoy a subject just because they didn’t do quite as well one day in 2nd grade on a screening test?

GTFO.

They test at least twice and there are parent and teacher referrals for anyone who tests poorly.

Ok....

You want to gate keep out the engaged, bright kids who enjoy a subject even if they aren't tagged GT for whatever reason?

Why is that?

No one has said that. About 30% of APS students are tagged, so it's far from an exclusive club and there are several ways to get tagged.

The request is that that there be real differentiation for kids who are currently not being challenged and not only activities that are at a level that is appropriate for all students. For instance, book clubs last year in my kid's 5th grade were on below grade level books so all kids could participate. That's bunk. At least one book club should have had a more challenging book to challenge those who can read more challenging materials. Teachers can gatekeep or not who joins that book club, but they shouldn't refuse to offer a more challenging option because not everyone is able to read that book.

And I really hate the APS system where math is endlessly boring in elementary but then they cram three years of math into 6th grade prealgebra. There should be a math track where kids get to start to do more challenging math by at least 4th grade with a ramp up to 7th grade Algebra, sort of like FCPS. It wouldnt be enough for super advanced kids, but would be better.

Great - so no gate keeping. That’s not exactly in line with the earlier NFL comment, but ok.

You shouldn’t base your entire opinion on that one book club for one class - that’s not representative of everything that is happening.

There are extra book clubs, math groups, and projects. The difference now is that they are open to all kids who want to join, not just those who are tagged.

And there is a lot more differentiation in middle school.

I'm not basing my opinion on one book club. That's just one example. I'm basing my opinion on the fact my kids did a lot less sitting around waiting before APS decided that every activity had to be offered to every student. They used to get other things to do when they finished their work. Now the options are to read silently, do Lexia or do Dreambox. That's it and it stinks.

Again, you are drawing conclusions based on limited information. APS still offers differentiation.

Yeah, via Lexia and Dreambox. That doesn’t count.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:Can someone tell me what the gifted kids are offered compared to the other kids in the classroom?

For my dd: In elementary it was mostly required extension work that was optional for the general class, a book “club” with the gifted cluster, and some required projects. In middle it was intensified classes, which are available to all but gifted kids are guided to take. In hs (she is a freshman now) it is choices of intensified, AP, and DE classes plus the Capstone program. Gifted kids receive a letter before choosing classes to point out which classes are appropriately challenging, but the choice is theirs.

I wish people wouldn't give old information. APS doesn't allow small group differentiation any more for those tagged as gifted. It's considered inequitable. Only whole class activities are permitted. So no more gifted book clubs, math groups or other extra projects in elementary.

It’s unclear where you are getting your information. Here is a sample differentiation report from this year.
https://innovation.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2024/11/Q1-Differentiation-Report-SY24-25.pdf

They are pulling it out of their MAGA a-hole.

There are extra book clubs, math groups, and projects. The difference now is that they are open to all kids who want to join, not just those who are tagged.

If an NFL team lets a bunch of high schoolers join them, they’re no longer playing at an elite level.

You want to gate keep out the engaged, bright kids who enjoy a subject just because they didn’t do quite as well one day in 2nd grade on a screening test?

GTFO.

They test at least twice and there are parent and teacher referrals for anyone who tests poorly.

Ok....

You want to gate keep out the engaged, bright kids who enjoy a subject even if they aren't tagged GT for whatever reason?

Why is that?

No one has said that. About 30% of APS students are tagged, so it's far from an exclusive club and there are several ways to get tagged.

The request is that that there be real differentiation for kids who are currently not being challenged and not only activities that are at a level that is appropriate for all students. For instance, book clubs last year in my kid's 5th grade were on below grade level books so all kids could participate. That's bunk. At least one book club should have had a more challenging book to challenge those who can read more challenging materials. Teachers can gatekeep or not who joins that book club, but they shouldn't refuse to offer a more challenging option because not everyone is able to read that book.

And I really hate the APS system where math is endlessly boring in elementary but then they cram three years of math into 6th grade prealgebra. There should be a math track where kids get to start to do more challenging math by at least 4th grade with a ramp up to 7th grade Algebra, sort of like FCPS. It wouldnt be enough for super advanced kids, but would be better.

Great - so no gate keeping. That’s not exactly in line with the earlier NFL comment, but ok.

You shouldn’t base your entire opinion on that one book club for one class - that’s not representative of everything that is happening.

There are extra book clubs, math groups, and projects. The difference now is that they are open to all kids who want to join, not just those who are tagged.

And there is a lot more differentiation in middle school.

I'm not basing my opinion on one book club. That's just one example. I'm basing my opinion on the fact my kids did a lot less sitting around waiting before APS decided that every activity had to be offered to every student. They used to get other things to do when they finished their work. Now the options are to read silently, do Lexia or do Dreambox. That's it and it stinks.

Again, you are drawing conclusions based on limited information. APS still offers differentiation.

I'm sharing my experience in APS with more than one student at more than one school. APS has greatly reduced what they offer to advanced/gifted students with the new AAC model. It's not a change for the better.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can someone tell me what the gifted kids are offered compared to the other kids in the classroom?

For my dd: In elementary it was mostly required extension work that was optional for the general class, a book “club” with the gifted cluster, and some required projects. In middle it was intensified classes, which are available to all but gifted kids are guided to take. In hs (she is a freshman now) it is choices of intensified, AP, and DE classes plus the Capstone program. Gifted kids receive a letter before choosing classes to point out which classes are appropriately challenging, but the choice is theirs.

I wish people wouldn't give old information. APS doesn't allow small group differentiation any more for those tagged as gifted. It's considered inequitable. Only whole class activities are permitted. So no more gifted book clubs, math groups or other extra projects in elementary.

It’s unclear where you are getting your information. Here is a sample differentiation report from this year.
https://innovation.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2024/11/Q1-Differentiation-Report-SY24-25.pdf

They are pulling it out of their MAGA a-hole.

There are extra book clubs, math groups, and projects. The difference now is that they are open to all kids who want to join, not just those who are tagged.

If an NFL team lets a bunch of high schoolers join them, they’re no longer playing at an elite level.

You want to gate keep out the engaged, bright kids who enjoy a subject just because they didn’t do quite as well one day in 2nd grade on a screening test?

GTFO.

They test at least twice and there are parent and teacher referrals for anyone who tests poorly.

Ok....

You want to gate keep out the engaged, bright kids who enjoy a subject even if they aren't tagged GT for whatever reason?

Why is that?

No one has said that. About 30% of APS students are tagged, so it's far from an exclusive club and there are several ways to get tagged.

The request is that that there be real differentiation for kids who are currently not being challenged and not only activities that are at a level that is appropriate for all students. For instance, book clubs last year in my kid's 5th grade were on below grade level books so all kids could participate. That's bunk. At least one book club should have had a more challenging book to challenge those who can read more challenging materials. Teachers can gatekeep or not who joins that book club, but they shouldn't refuse to offer a more challenging option because not everyone is able to read that book.

And I really hate the APS system where math is endlessly boring in elementary but then they cram three years of math into 6th grade prealgebra. There should be a math track where kids get to start to do more challenging math by at least 4th grade with a ramp up to 7th grade Algebra, sort of like FCPS. It wouldnt be enough for super advanced kids, but would be better.

Great - so no gate keeping. That’s not exactly in line with the earlier NFL comment, but ok.

You shouldn’t base your entire opinion on that one book club for one class - that’s not representative of everything that is happening.

There are extra book clubs, math groups, and projects. The difference now is that they are open to all kids who want to join, not just those who are tagged.

And there is a lot more differentiation in middle school.

I'm not basing my opinion on one book club. That's just one example. I'm basing my opinion on the fact my kids did a lot less sitting around waiting before APS decided that every activity had to be offered to every student. They used to get other things to do when they finished their work. Now the options are to read silently, do Lexia or do Dreambox. That's it and it stinks.

Again, you are drawing conclusions based on limited information. APS still offers differentiation.

It’s highly dependent on your individual teacher and your AAC coach

Ok. But PP’s experiences aren’t universal. There are still book clubs, projects, etc. They are just more open about who joins them.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can someone tell me what the gifted kids are offered compared to the other kids in the classroom?

For my dd: In elementary it was mostly required extension work that was optional for the general class, a book “club” with the gifted cluster, and some required projects. In middle it was intensified classes, which are available to all but gifted kids are guided to take. In hs (she is a freshman now) it is choices of intensified, AP, and DE classes plus the Capstone program. Gifted kids receive a letter before choosing classes to point out which classes are appropriately challenging, but the choice is theirs.

I wish people wouldn't give old information. APS doesn't allow small group differentiation any more for those tagged as gifted. It's considered inequitable. Only whole class activities are permitted. So no more gifted book clubs, math groups or other extra projects in elementary.

It’s unclear where you are getting your information. Here is a sample differentiation report from this year.
https://innovation.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2024/11/Q1-Differentiation-Report-SY24-25.pdf

They are pulling it out of their MAGA a-hole.

There are extra book clubs, math groups, and projects. The difference now is that they are open to all kids who want to join, not just those who are tagged.

If an NFL team lets a bunch of high schoolers join them, they’re no longer playing at an elite level.

You want to gate keep out the engaged, bright kids who enjoy a subject just because they didn’t do quite as well one day in 2nd grade on a screening test?

GTFO.

They test at least twice and there are parent and teacher referrals for anyone who tests poorly.

Ok....

You want to gate keep out the engaged, bright kids who enjoy a subject even if they aren't tagged GT for whatever reason?

Why is that?

No one has said that. About 30% of APS students are tagged, so it's far from an exclusive club and there are several ways to get tagged.

The request is that that there be real differentiation for kids who are currently not being challenged and not only activities that are at a level that is appropriate for all students. For instance, book clubs last year in my kid's 5th grade were on below grade level books so all kids could participate. That's bunk. At least one book club should have had a more challenging book to challenge those who can read more challenging materials. Teachers can gatekeep or not who joins that book club, but they shouldn't refuse to offer a more challenging option because not everyone is able to read that book.

And I really hate the APS system where math is endlessly boring in elementary but then they cram three years of math into 6th grade prealgebra. There should be a math track where kids get to start to do more challenging math by at least 4th grade with a ramp up to 7th grade Algebra, sort of like FCPS. It wouldnt be enough for super advanced kids, but would be better.

Great - so no gate keeping. That’s not exactly in line with the earlier NFL comment, but ok.

You shouldn’t base your entire opinion on that one book club for one class - that’s not representative of everything that is happening.

There are extra book clubs, math groups, and projects. The difference now is that they are open to all kids who want to join, not just those who are tagged.

And there is a lot more differentiation in middle school.

I'm not basing my opinion on one book club. That's just one example. I'm basing my opinion on the fact my kids did a lot less sitting around waiting before APS decided that every activity had to be offered to every student. They used to get other things to do when they finished their work. Now the options are to read silently, do Lexia or do Dreambox. That's it and it stinks.

Again, you are drawing conclusions based on limited information. APS still offers differentiation.

I'm sharing my experience in APS with more than one student at more than one school. APS has greatly reduced what they offer to advanced/gifted students with the new AAC model. It's not a change for the better.

Greatly reduced? It was never all that much in ES. If you want that for ES you go to FCPS.

At the MS level, APS has been adding differentiation - intensified is new.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can someone tell me what the gifted kids are offered compared to the other kids in the classroom?

For my dd: In elementary it was mostly required extension work that was optional for the general class, a book “club” with the gifted cluster, and some required projects. In middle it was intensified classes, which are available to all but gifted kids are guided to take. In hs (she is a freshman now) it is choices of intensified, AP, and DE classes plus the Capstone program. Gifted kids receive a letter before choosing classes to point out which classes are appropriately challenging, but the choice is theirs.

I wish people wouldn't give old information. APS doesn't allow small group differentiation any more for those tagged as gifted. It's considered inequitable. Only whole class activities are permitted. So no more gifted book clubs, math groups or other extra projects in elementary.

It’s unclear where you are getting your information. Here is a sample differentiation report from this year.
https://innovation.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2024/11/Q1-Differentiation-Report-SY24-25.pdf

They are pulling it out of their MAGA a-hole.

There are extra book clubs, math groups, and projects. The difference now is that they are open to all kids who want to join, not just those who are tagged.

If an NFL team lets a bunch of high schoolers join them, they’re no longer playing at an elite level.

You want to gate keep out the engaged, bright kids who enjoy a subject just because they didn’t do quite as well one day in 2nd grade on a screening test?

GTFO.

They test at least twice and there are parent and teacher referrals for anyone who tests poorly.

Ok....

You want to gate keep out the engaged, bright kids who enjoy a subject even if they aren't tagged GT for whatever reason?

Why is that?

No one has said that. About 30% of APS students are tagged, so it's far from an exclusive club and there are several ways to get tagged.

The request is that that there be real differentiation for kids who are currently not being challenged and not only activities that are at a level that is appropriate for all students. For instance, book clubs last year in my kid's 5th grade were on below grade level books so all kids could participate. That's bunk. At least one book club should have had a more challenging book to challenge those who can read more challenging materials. Teachers can gatekeep or not who joins that book club, but they shouldn't refuse to offer a more challenging option because not everyone is able to read that book.

And I really hate the APS system where math is endlessly boring in elementary but then they cram three years of math into 6th grade prealgebra. There should be a math track where kids get to start to do more challenging math by at least 4th grade with a ramp up to 7th grade Algebra, sort of like FCPS. It wouldnt be enough for super advanced kids, but would be better.

Great - so no gate keeping. That’s not exactly in line with the earlier NFL comment, but ok.

You shouldn’t base your entire opinion on that one book club for one class - that’s not representative of everything that is happening.

There are extra book clubs, math groups, and projects. The difference now is that they are open to all kids who want to join, not just those who are tagged.

And there is a lot more differentiation in middle school.

I'm not basing my opinion on one book club. That's just one example. I'm basing my opinion on the fact my kids did a lot less sitting around waiting before APS decided that every activity had to be offered to every student. They used to get other things to do when they finished their work. Now the options are to read silently, do Lexia or do Dreambox. That's it and it stinks.

Again, you are drawing conclusions based on limited information. APS still offers differentiation.

It’s highly dependent on your individual teacher and your AAC coach

Ok. But PP’s experiences aren’t universal. There are still book clubs, projects, etc. They are just more open about who joins them.

They're just part of the normal curriculum now. They've been adjusted to be grade level work with grade level expectations. After you finish you have to read silently while you wait for others to finish. They are no longer something extra that helps to fill time when you finish grade level work early and they are no longer more challenging (e.g., harder books).

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can someone tell me what the gifted kids are offered compared to the other kids in the classroom?

For my dd: In elementary it was mostly required extension work that was optional for the general class, a book “club” with the gifted cluster, and some required projects. In middle it was intensified classes, which are available to all but gifted kids are guided to take. In hs (she is a freshman now) it is choices of intensified, AP, and DE classes plus the Capstone program. Gifted kids receive a letter before choosing classes to point out which classes are appropriately challenging, but the choice is theirs.

I wish people wouldn't give old information. APS doesn't allow small group differentiation any more for those tagged as gifted. It's considered inequitable. Only whole class activities are permitted. So no more gifted book clubs, math groups or other extra projects in elementary.

It’s unclear where you are getting your information. Here is a sample differentiation report from this year.
https://innovation.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2024/11/Q1-Differentiation-Report-SY24-25.pdf

They are pulling it out of their MAGA a-hole.

There are extra book clubs, math groups, and projects. The difference now is that they are open to all kids who want to join, not just those who are tagged.

If an NFL team lets a bunch of high schoolers join them, they’re no longer playing at an elite level.

You want to gate keep out the engaged, bright kids who enjoy a subject just because they didn’t do quite as well one day in 2nd grade on a screening test?

GTFO.

They test at least twice and there are parent and teacher referrals for anyone who tests poorly.

Ok....

You want to gate keep out the engaged, bright kids who enjoy a subject even if they aren't tagged GT for whatever reason?

Why is that?

No one has said that. About 30% of APS students are tagged, so it's far from an exclusive club and there are several ways to get tagged.

The request is that that there be real differentiation for kids who are currently not being challenged and not only activities that are at a level that is appropriate for all students. For instance, book clubs last year in my kid's 5th grade were on below grade level books so all kids could participate. That's bunk. At least one book club should have had a more challenging book to challenge those who can read more challenging materials. Teachers can gatekeep or not who joins that book club, but they shouldn't refuse to offer a more challenging option because not everyone is able to read that book.

And I really hate the APS system where math is endlessly boring in elementary but then they cram three years of math into 6th grade prealgebra. There should be a math track where kids get to start to do more challenging math by at least 4th grade with a ramp up to 7th grade Algebra, sort of like FCPS. It wouldnt be enough for super advanced kids, but would be better.

Great - so no gate keeping. That’s not exactly in line with the earlier NFL comment, but ok.

You shouldn’t base your entire opinion on that one book club for one class - that’s not representative of everything that is happening.

There are extra book clubs, math groups, and projects. The difference now is that they are open to all kids who want to join, not just those who are tagged.

And there is a lot more differentiation in middle school.

I'm not basing my opinion on one book club. That's just one example. I'm basing my opinion on the fact my kids did a lot less sitting around waiting before APS decided that every activity had to be offered to every student. They used to get other things to do when they finished their work. Now the options are to read silently, do Lexia or do Dreambox. That's it and it stinks.

Again, you are drawing conclusions based on limited information. APS still offers differentiation.

It’s highly dependent on your individual teacher and your AAC coach

Ok. But PP’s experiences aren’t universal. There are still book clubs, projects, etc. They are just more open about who joins them.

They're just part of the normal curriculum now. They've been adjusted to be grade level work with grade level expectations. After you finish you have to read silently while you wait for others to finish. They are no longer something extra that helps to fill time when you finish grade level work early and they are no longer more challenging (e.g., harder books).

Again, not universal.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can someone tell me what the gifted kids are offered compared to the other kids in the classroom?

For my dd: In elementary it was mostly required extension work that was optional for the general class, a book “club” with the gifted cluster, and some required projects. In middle it was intensified classes, which are available to all but gifted kids are guided to take. In hs (she is a freshman now) it is choices of intensified, AP, and DE classes plus the Capstone program. Gifted kids receive a letter before choosing classes to point out which classes are appropriately challenging, but the choice is theirs.

I wish people wouldn't give old information. APS doesn't allow small group differentiation any more for those tagged as gifted. It's considered inequitable. Only whole class activities are permitted. So no more gifted book clubs, math groups or other extra projects in elementary.

It’s unclear where you are getting your information. Here is a sample differentiation report from this year.
https://innovation.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2024/11/Q1-Differentiation-Report-SY24-25.pdf

They are pulling it out of their MAGA a-hole.

There are extra book clubs, math groups, and projects. The difference now is that they are open to all kids who want to join, not just those who are tagged.

If an NFL team lets a bunch of high schoolers join them, they’re no longer playing at an elite level.

You want to gate keep out the engaged, bright kids who enjoy a subject just because they didn’t do quite as well one day in 2nd grade on a screening test?

GTFO.

They test at least twice and there are parent and teacher referrals for anyone who tests poorly.

Ok....

You want to gate keep out the engaged, bright kids who enjoy a subject even if they aren't tagged GT for whatever reason?

Why is that?

No one has said that. About 30% of APS students are tagged, so it's far from an exclusive club and there are several ways to get tagged.

The request is that that there be real differentiation for kids who are currently not being challenged and not only activities that are at a level that is appropriate for all students. For instance, book clubs last year in my kid's 5th grade were on below grade level books so all kids could participate. That's bunk. At least one book club should have had a more challenging book to challenge those who can read more challenging materials. Teachers can gatekeep or not who joins that book club, but they shouldn't refuse to offer a more challenging option because not everyone is able to read that book.

And I really hate the APS system where math is endlessly boring in elementary but then they cram three years of math into 6th grade prealgebra. There should be a math track where kids get to start to do more challenging math by at least 4th grade with a ramp up to 7th grade Algebra, sort of like FCPS. It wouldnt be enough for super advanced kids, but would be better.

Great - so no gate keeping. That’s not exactly in line with the earlier NFL comment, but ok.

You shouldn’t base your entire opinion on that one book club for one class - that’s not representative of everything that is happening.

There are extra book clubs, math groups, and projects. The difference now is that they are open to all kids who want to join, not just those who are tagged.

And there is a lot more differentiation in middle school.

I'm not basing my opinion on one book club. That's just one example. I'm basing my opinion on the fact my kids did a lot less sitting around waiting before APS decided that every activity had to be offered to every student. They used to get other things to do when they finished their work. Now the options are to read silently, do Lexia or do Dreambox. That's it and it stinks.

Again, you are drawing conclusions based on limited information. APS still offers differentiation.

It’s highly dependent on your individual teacher and your AAC coach

Ok. But PP’s experiences aren’t universal. There are still book clubs, projects, etc. They are just more open about who joins them.

They're just part of the normal curriculum now. They've been adjusted to be grade level work with grade level expectations. After you finish you have to read silently while you wait for others to finish. They are no longer something extra that helps to fill time when you finish grade level work early and they are no longer more challenging (e.g., harder books).

Again, not universal.

Name schools.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can someone tell me what the gifted kids are offered compared to the other kids in the classroom?

For my dd: In elementary it was mostly required extension work that was optional for the general class, a book “club” with the gifted cluster, and some required projects. In middle it was intensified classes, which are available to all but gifted kids are guided to take. In hs (she is a freshman now) it is choices of intensified, AP, and DE classes plus the Capstone program. Gifted kids receive a letter before choosing classes to point out which classes are appropriately challenging, but the choice is theirs.

I wish people wouldn't give old information. APS doesn't allow small group differentiation any more for those tagged as gifted. It's considered inequitable. Only whole class activities are permitted. So no more gifted book clubs, math groups or other extra projects in elementary.

It’s unclear where you are getting your information. Here is a sample differentiation report from this year.
https://innovation.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2024/11/Q1-Differentiation-Report-SY24-25.pdf

They are pulling it out of their MAGA a-hole.

There are extra book clubs, math groups, and projects. The difference now is that they are open to all kids who want to join, not just those who are tagged.

If an NFL team lets a bunch of high schoolers join them, they’re no longer playing at an elite level.

You want to gate keep out the engaged, bright kids who enjoy a subject just because they didn’t do quite as well one day in 2nd grade on a screening test?

GTFO.

They test at least twice and there are parent and teacher referrals for anyone who tests poorly.

Ok....

You want to gate keep out the engaged, bright kids who enjoy a subject even if they aren't tagged GT for whatever reason?

Why is that?

No one has said that. About 30% of APS students are tagged, so it's far from an exclusive club and there are several ways to get tagged.

The request is that that there be real differentiation for kids who are currently not being challenged and not only activities that are at a level that is appropriate for all students. For instance, book clubs last year in my kid's 5th grade were on below grade level books so all kids could participate. That's bunk. At least one book club should have had a more challenging book to challenge those who can read more challenging materials. Teachers can gatekeep or not who joins that book club, but they shouldn't refuse to offer a more challenging option because not everyone is able to read that book.

And I really hate the APS system where math is endlessly boring in elementary but then they cram three years of math into 6th grade prealgebra. There should be a math track where kids get to start to do more challenging math by at least 4th grade with a ramp up to 7th grade Algebra, sort of like FCPS. It wouldnt be enough for super advanced kids, but would be better.

Great - so no gate keeping. That’s not exactly in line with the earlier NFL comment, but ok.

You shouldn’t base your entire opinion on that one book club for one class - that’s not representative of everything that is happening.

There are extra book clubs, math groups, and projects. The difference now is that they are open to all kids who want to join, not just those who are tagged.

And there is a lot more differentiation in middle school.

I'm not basing my opinion on one book club. That's just one example. I'm basing my opinion on the fact my kids did a lot less sitting around waiting before APS decided that every activity had to be offered to every student. They used to get other things to do when they finished their work. Now the options are to read silently, do Lexia or do Dreambox. That's it and it stinks.

Again, you are drawing conclusions based on limited information. APS still offers differentiation.

It’s highly dependent on your individual teacher and your AAC coach

Ok. But PP’s experiences aren’t universal. There are still book clubs, projects, etc. They are just more open about who joins them.

They're just part of the normal curriculum now. They've been adjusted to be grade level work with grade level expectations. After you finish you have to read silently while you wait for others to finish. They are no longer something extra that helps to fill time when you finish grade level work early and they are no longer more challenging (e.g., harder books).

Again, not universal.

Name schools.

ASFS

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can someone tell me what the gifted kids are offered compared to the other kids in the classroom?

For my dd: In elementary it was mostly required extension work that was optional for the general class, a book “club” with the gifted cluster, and some required projects. In middle it was intensified classes, which are available to all but gifted kids are guided to take. In hs (she is a freshman now) it is choices of intensified, AP, and DE classes plus the Capstone program. Gifted kids receive a letter before choosing classes to point out which classes are appropriately challenging, but the choice is theirs.

I wish people wouldn't give old information. APS doesn't allow small group differentiation any more for those tagged as gifted. It's considered inequitable. Only whole class activities are permitted. So no more gifted book clubs, math groups or other extra projects in elementary.

It’s unclear where you are getting your information. Here is a sample differentiation report from this year.
https://innovation.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2024/11/Q1-Differentiation-Report-SY24-25.pdf

They are pulling it out of their MAGA a-hole.

There are extra book clubs, math groups, and projects. The difference now is that they are open to all kids who want to join, not just those who are tagged.

If an NFL team lets a bunch of high schoolers join them, they’re no longer playing at an elite level.

You want to gate keep out the engaged, bright kids who enjoy a subject just because they didn’t do quite as well one day in 2nd grade on a screening test?

GTFO.

They test at least twice and there are parent and teacher referrals for anyone who tests poorly.

Ok....

You want to gate keep out the engaged, bright kids who enjoy a subject even if they aren't tagged GT for whatever reason?

Why is that?

No one has said that. About 30% of APS students are tagged, so it's far from an exclusive club and there are several ways to get tagged.

The request is that that there be real differentiation for kids who are currently not being challenged and not only activities that are at a level that is appropriate for all students. For instance, book clubs last year in my kid's 5th grade were on below grade level books so all kids could participate. That's bunk. At least one book club should have had a more challenging book to challenge those who can read more challenging materials. Teachers can gatekeep or not who joins that book club, but they shouldn't refuse to offer a more challenging option because not everyone is able to read that book.

And I really hate the APS system where math is endlessly boring in elementary but then they cram three years of math into 6th grade prealgebra. There should be a math track where kids get to start to do more challenging math by at least 4th grade with a ramp up to 7th grade Algebra, sort of like FCPS. It wouldnt be enough for super advanced kids, but would be better.

Great - so no gate keeping. That’s not exactly in line with the earlier NFL comment, but ok.

You shouldn’t base your entire opinion on that one book club for one class - that’s not representative of everything that is happening.

There are extra book clubs, math groups, and projects. The difference now is that they are open to all kids who want to join, not just those who are tagged.

And there is a lot more differentiation in middle school.

I'm not basing my opinion on one book club. That's just one example. I'm basing my opinion on the fact my kids did a lot less sitting around waiting before APS decided that every activity had to be offered to every student. They used to get other things to do when they finished their work. Now the options are to read silently, do Lexia or do Dreambox. That's it and it stinks.

Again, you are drawing conclusions based on limited information. APS still offers differentiation.

It’s highly dependent on your individual teacher and your AAC coach

Ok. But PP’s experiences aren’t universal. There are still book clubs, projects, etc. They are just more open about who joins them.

They're just part of the normal curriculum now. They've been adjusted to be grade level work with grade level expectations. After you finish you have to read silently while you wait for others to finish. They are no longer something extra that helps to fill time when you finish grade level work early and they are no longer more challenging (e.g., harder books).

Again, not universal.

Name schools.

ASFS

Unsurprising. But its stupid to argue that APS's gifted model is fine because a handful of elementary schools that aren't doing what APS is telling them to do and have gone rogue, either based on parent pressure or a particular AAC/principal. I've heard at least one school is still doing gifted pull outs, which is absolutely not what APS is telling AACs to do.

I know several parents who have gone around and around with our school's administration and AAC and they are completely dug in that they are doing exactly what APS has told them to offer, which is nothing that can't be offered to all students.