AAP and tutors

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My AAP 4th grader does AoPS because he loves it (it is not accelerated; matches the FCPS curriculum) and has a writing tutor because his writing skills are weak and the tutor helped bring him to grade level consistently.

Do, your aap 4th grader looks like they need enrichment in all subjects full time because they are getting extra help outside of school.
Really hurts the kid who actually needs the full time enrichment in every subject but didn't get in because their parents didn't gave those resources and now that kid looks less advanced on paper....but that kid would learn everything taught with out needing the extra help if given the opportunity

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People suck. I help my high schooler with math all the time. Does that mean she belongs in a lower level? If a child is able to do challenging work with some extra hard work (and it isn’t damaging their mental health/stressing them out), isn’t that how people do well in life? By putting it work? AAP isn’t just for kids for whom everything comes naturally. It’s for kids who want to excel and can persevere.

AAP is for kids in grade 3-8, AAP math runs grades 3-6. Most of the people I know who needed tutoring in ES were struggling with the math portion. The only advanced element in AAP in ES is math, everything else might dive deeper but really, not by that much. Kids who are struggling with the math in AAP in ES are holding back the kids who are able to do the math and are looking for a challenge. But they don't get that because the teacher needs to work with the kids who are grade level in math so that they can keep up with the accelerated math.

There is also a difference in needing some help from a parent and requiring an hour or so of help from a specialist

Challenging yourself is great but if that challenge requires a tutor to keep up then you might be in over your head. I say this as a kid who struggled with math and never did any type of honors math classes. It is ok to be at grade level. The AAP mania that exists in some schools is crazy enough that there are parents who do send their kids to math centers so they learn the material in advance and can do well in class or pay for multiple hours of tutoring because they want their kid in the accelerated program. There is a pressure there that is unreasonable for their kids all in the name of being advanced.

This will continue until there is a corresponding AAP for kids gifted in language arts/social studies. Which will be never.

What does being gifted in social studies look like?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My AAP 4th grader does AoPS because he loves it (it is not accelerated; matches the FCPS curriculum) and has a writing tutor because his writing skills are weak and the tutor helped bring him to grade level consistently.

And this is why ‘advanced’ is a misnomer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People suck. I help my high schooler with math all the time. Does that mean she belongs in a lower level? If a child is able to do challenging work with some extra hard work (and it isn’t damaging their mental health/stressing them out), isn’t that how people do well in life? By putting it work? AAP isn’t just for kids for whom everything comes naturally. It’s for kids who want to excel and can persevere.

AAP is for kids in grade 3-8, AAP math runs grades 3-6. Most of the people I know who needed tutoring in ES were struggling with the math portion. The only advanced element in AAP in ES is math, everything else might dive deeper but really, not by that much. Kids who are struggling with the math in AAP in ES are holding back the kids who are able to do the math and are looking for a challenge. But they don't get that because the teacher needs to work with the kids who are grade level in math so that they can keep up with the accelerated math.

There is also a difference in needing some help from a parent and requiring an hour or so of help from a specialist

Challenging yourself is great but if that challenge requires a tutor to keep up then you might be in over your head. I say this as a kid who struggled with math and never did any type of honors math classes. It is ok to be at grade level. The AAP mania that exists in some schools is crazy enough that there are parents who do send their kids to math centers so they learn the material in advance and can do well in class or pay for multiple hours of tutoring because they want their kid in the accelerated program. There is a pressure there that is unreasonable for their kids all in the name of being advanced.

This will continue until there is a corresponding AAP for kids gifted in language arts/social studies. Which will be never.

What does being gifted in social studies look like?

My kid reads and fully understands history books written for an adult audience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People suck. I help my high schooler with math all the time. Does that mean she belongs in a lower level? If a child is able to do challenging work with some extra hard work (and it isn’t damaging their mental health/stressing them out), isn’t that how people do well in life? By putting it work? AAP isn’t just for kids for whom everything comes naturally. It’s for kids who want to excel and can persevere.

AAP is for kids in grade 3-8, AAP math runs grades 3-6. Most of the people I know who needed tutoring in ES were struggling with the math portion. The only advanced element in AAP in ES is math, everything else might dive deeper but really, not by that much. Kids who are struggling with the math in AAP in ES are holding back the kids who are able to do the math and are looking for a challenge. But they don't get that because the teacher needs to work with the kids who are grade level in math so that they can keep up with the accelerated math.

There is also a difference in needing some help from a parent and requiring an hour or so of help from a specialist

Challenging yourself is great but if that challenge requires a tutor to keep up then you might be in over your head. I say this as a kid who struggled with math and never did any type of honors math classes. It is ok to be at grade level. The AAP mania that exists in some schools is crazy enough that there are parents who do send their kids to math centers so they learn the material in advance and can do well in class or pay for multiple hours of tutoring because they want their kid in the accelerated program. There is a pressure there that is unreasonable for their kids all in the name of being advanced.

This will continue until there is a corresponding AAP for kids gifted in language arts/social studies. Which will be never.

Agreed, they need Advanced Math, LA, Science, and Social Studies not one class fits all when it really doesn't.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My AAP 4th grader does AoPS because he loves it (it is not accelerated; matches the FCPS curriculum) and has a writing tutor because his writing skills are weak and the tutor helped bring him to grade level consistently.

Do, your aap 4th grader looks like they need enrichment in all subjects full time because they are getting extra help outside of school.
Really hurts the kid who actually needs the full time enrichment in every subject but didn't get in because their parents didn't gave those resources and now that kid looks less advanced on paper....but that kid would learn everything taught with out needing the extra help if given the opportunity

Many school districts offer free tutoring services FYI

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My AAP 4th grader does AoPS because he loves it (it is not accelerated; matches the FCPS curriculum) and has a writing tutor because his writing skills are weak and the tutor helped bring him to grade level consistently.

Do, your aap 4th grader looks like they need enrichment in all subjects full time because they are getting extra help outside of school.
Really hurts the kid who actually needs the full time enrichment in every subject but didn't get in because their parents didn't gave those resources and now that kid looks less advanced on paper....but that kid would learn everything taught with out needing the extra help if given the opportunity

We live in a competitive world. Parents who care are going to give their kids whatever advantages they can. You can't change that. The kid who is getting boxed out should blame his parents for not getting him the support he needs to stay in the program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People suck. I help my high schooler with math all the time. Does that mean she belongs in a lower level? If a child is able to do challenging work with some extra hard work (and it isn’t damaging their mental health/stressing them out), isn’t that how people do well in life? By putting it work? AAP isn’t just for kids for whom everything comes naturally. It’s for kids who want to excel and can persevere.

AAP is for kids in grade 3-8, AAP math runs grades 3-6. Most of the people I know who needed tutoring in ES were struggling with the math portion. The only advanced element in AAP in ES is math, everything else might dive deeper but really, not by that much. Kids who are struggling with the math in AAP in ES are holding back the kids who are able to do the math and are looking for a challenge. But they don't get that because the teacher needs to work with the kids who are grade level in math so that they can keep up with the accelerated math.

There is also a difference in needing some help from a parent and requiring an hour or so of help from a specialist

Challenging yourself is great but if that challenge requires a tutor to keep up then you might be in over your head. I say this as a kid who struggled with math and never did any type of honors math classes. It is ok to be at grade level. The AAP mania that exists in some schools is crazy enough that there are parents who do send their kids to math centers so they learn the material in advance and can do well in class or pay for multiple hours of tutoring because they want their kid in the accelerated program. There is a pressure there that is unreasonable for their kids all in the name of being advanced.

This is incorrect. The claim that AAP is “only advanced in math” is contradicted by FCPS’s own program description. FCPS states that Part‑Time AAP (Level III) provides “advanced curriculum in language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies” depending on student need, and that Full‑Time AAP (Level IV) delivers “full‑day advanced instruction across content areas.”
Source: FCPS Advanced Academics Overview — https://www.fcps.edu/academics/academic-overview/advanced-academics
Source: AAP Levels of Service — https://www.fcps.edu/academics/academic-overview/advanced-academics/advanced-academic-program-aap-overview

This directly refutes the idea that math is the only accelerated component. FCPS also emphasizes that AAP instruction is built around depth, complexity, critical and creative thinking, and differentiated instruction — not single‑subject acceleration.

The argument also collapses under FCPS’s explicit inclusion of twice‑exceptional (2E) students within AAP. FCPS defines 2E learners as students who are both gifted and have disabilities, and states that AAP and Special Education staff “collaborate to meet the needs of twice‑exceptional students” through coordinated services.
Source: FCPS Twice‑Exceptional (2E) Learners — https://www.fcps.edu/academics/academic-overview/special-education-instruction/twice-exceptional-2e

This means uneven academic profiles or the need for targeted support are not disqualifying — they are anticipated and accommodated. The claim that students requiring help “should not be in AAP” is therefore inconsistent with FCPS policy, which frames AAP placement as an instructional match, not a reward for uniform strength across all subjects.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My AAP 4th grader does AoPS because he loves it (it is not accelerated; matches the FCPS curriculum) and has a writing tutor because his writing skills are weak and the tutor helped bring him to grade level consistently.

Do, your aap 4th grader looks like they need enrichment in all subjects full time because they are getting extra help outside of school.
Really hurts the kid who actually needs the full time enrichment in every subject but didn't get in because their parents didn't gave those resources and now that kid looks less advanced on paper....but that kid would learn everything taught with out needing the extra help if given the opportunity

Many school districts offer free tutoring services FYI

Right, but why make school even more boring by learning ahead of what is being taught. The kid who needs the full time services more is doing something else during their free time

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My AAP 4th grader does AoPS because he loves it (it is not accelerated; matches the FCPS curriculum) and has a writing tutor because his writing skills are weak and the tutor helped bring him to grade level consistently.

Do, your aap 4th grader looks like they need enrichment in all subjects full time because they are getting extra help outside of school.
Really hurts the kid who actually needs the full time enrichment in every subject but didn't get in because their parents didn't gave those resources and now that kid looks less advanced on paper....but that kid would learn everything taught with out needing the extra help if given the opportunity

We live in a competitive world. Parents who care are going to give their kids whatever advantages they can. You can't change that. The kid who is getting boxed out should blame his parents for not getting him the support he needs to stay in the program.

The kids are 8-12 years old. They have no clue how this will or won't impact their choices and their lives

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People suck. I help my high schooler with math all the time. Does that mean she belongs in a lower level? If a child is able to do challenging work with some extra hard work (and it isn’t damaging their mental health/stressing them out), isn’t that how people do well in life? By putting it work? AAP isn’t just for kids for whom everything comes naturally. It’s for kids who want to excel and can persevere.

AAP is for kids in grade 3-8, AAP math runs grades 3-6. Most of the people I know who needed tutoring in ES were struggling with the math portion. The only advanced element in AAP in ES is math, everything else might dive deeper but really, not by that much. Kids who are struggling with the math in AAP in ES are holding back the kids who are able to do the math and are looking for a challenge. But they don't get that because the teacher needs to work with the kids who are grade level in math so that they can keep up with the accelerated math.

There is also a difference in needing some help from a parent and requiring an hour or so of help from a specialist

Challenging yourself is great but if that challenge requires a tutor to keep up then you might be in over your head. I say this as a kid who struggled with math and never did any type of honors math classes. It is ok to be at grade level. The AAP mania that exists in some schools is crazy enough that there are parents who do send their kids to math centers so they learn the material in advance and can do well in class or pay for multiple hours of tutoring because they want their kid in the accelerated program. There is a pressure there that is unreasonable for their kids all in the name of being advanced.

This is incorrect. The claim that AAP is “only advanced in math” is contradicted by FCPS’s own program description. FCPS states that Part‑Time AAP (Level III) provides “advanced curriculum in language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies” depending on student need, and that Full‑Time AAP (Level IV) delivers “full‑day advanced instruction across content areas.”
Source: FCPS Advanced Academics Overview — https://www.fcps.edu/academics/academic-overview/advanced-academics
Source: AAP Levels of Service — https://www.fcps.edu/academics/academic-overview/advanced-academics/advanced-academic-program-aap-overview

This directly refutes the idea that math is the only accelerated component. FCPS also emphasizes that AAP instruction is built around depth, complexity, critical and creative thinking, and differentiated instruction — not single‑subject acceleration.

The argument also collapses under FCPS’s explicit inclusion of twice‑exceptional (2E) students within AAP. FCPS defines 2E learners as students who are both gifted and have disabilities, and states that AAP and Special Education staff “collaborate to meet the needs of twice‑exceptional students” through coordinated services.
Source: FCPS Twice‑Exceptional (2E) Learners — https://www.fcps.edu/academics/academic-overview/special-education-instruction/twice-exceptional-2e

This means uneven academic profiles or the need for targeted support are not disqualifying — they are anticipated and accommodated. The claim that students requiring help “should not be in AAP” is therefore inconsistent with FCPS policy, which frames AAP placement as an instructional match, not a reward for uniform strength across all subjects.

Iep supports are not for those academically behind or unable, but because a kid has some other disregulation. Disability does not equal unable to do or in need of tutoring

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People suck. I help my high schooler with math all the time. Does that mean she belongs in a lower level? If a child is able to do challenging work with some extra hard work (and it isn’t damaging their mental health/stressing them out), isn’t that how people do well in life? By putting it work? AAP isn’t just for kids for whom everything comes naturally. It’s for kids who want to excel and can persevere.

AAP is for kids in grade 3-8, AAP math runs grades 3-6. Most of the people I know who needed tutoring in ES were struggling with the math portion. The only advanced element in AAP in ES is math, everything else might dive deeper but really, not by that much. Kids who are struggling with the math in AAP in ES are holding back the kids who are able to do the math and are looking for a challenge. But they don't get that because the teacher needs to work with the kids who are grade level in math so that they can keep up with the accelerated math.

There is also a difference in needing some help from a parent and requiring an hour or so of help from a specialist

Challenging yourself is great but if that challenge requires a tutor to keep up then you might be in over your head. I say this as a kid who struggled with math and never did any type of honors math classes. It is ok to be at grade level. The AAP mania that exists in some schools is crazy enough that there are parents who do send their kids to math centers so they learn the material in advance and can do well in class or pay for multiple hours of tutoring because they want their kid in the accelerated program. There is a pressure there that is unreasonable for their kids all in the name of being advanced.

This is incorrect. The claim that AAP is “only advanced in math” is contradicted by FCPS’s own program description. FCPS states that Part‑Time AAP (Level III) provides “advanced curriculum in language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies” depending on student need, and that Full‑Time AAP (Level IV) delivers “full‑day advanced instruction across content areas.”
Source: FCPS Advanced Academics Overview — https://www.fcps.edu/academics/academic-overview/advanced-academics
Source: AAP Levels of Service — https://www.fcps.edu/academics/academic-overview/advanced-academics/advanced-academic-program-aap-overview

This directly refutes the idea that math is the only accelerated component. FCPS also emphasizes that AAP instruction is built around depth, complexity, critical and creative thinking, and differentiated instruction — not single‑subject acceleration.

The argument also collapses under FCPS’s explicit inclusion of twice‑exceptional (2E) students within AAP. FCPS defines 2E learners as students who are both gifted and have disabilities, and states that AAP and Special Education staff “collaborate to meet the needs of twice‑exceptional students” through coordinated services.
Source: FCPS Twice‑Exceptional (2E) Learners — https://www.fcps.edu/academics/academic-overview/special-education-instruction/twice-exceptional-2e

This means uneven academic profiles or the need for targeted support are not disqualifying — they are anticipated and accommodated. The claim that students requiring help “should not be in AAP” is therefore inconsistent with FCPS policy, which frames AAP placement as an instructional match, not a reward for uniform strength across all subjects.

Iep supports are not for those academically behind or unable, but because a kid has some other disregulation. Disability does not equal unable to do or in need of tutoring

Agreed. FCPS explicitly recognizes 2e learners and many of them thrive in AAP while receiving supports for regulation, attention, or processing needs. Disability does not equal unable, and it also does not mean a student should avoid tutoring. A student can be fully capable of advanced academic work and still benefit from targeted support, just as a neurotypical student might.

It’s also inaccurate to imply that tutoring signals misplacement. FCPS is not anti‑tutoring — that misconception comes from a segment of misinformed parents, not the school system. FCPS actually provides free tutoring through Tutor.com and even maintains a list of FCPS teachers available for private tutoring.

Given the scale of COVID learning loss, the rapid increase in technology‑based instruction, and ongoing curriculum and standards changes, there is no harm in tutoring for any student in any class. Tutoring is a support, not a diagnosis.

The claim that needing help means a child “shouldn’t be in AAP” is inconsistent with FCPS policy, inconsistent with how learning works, and inconsistent with the realities of post‑pandemic education.

[Anonymous]

All is see above is a lot of cope. If a child needs outside help just to keep up with the AAP curriculum, then they shouldn't be in AAP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People suck. I help my high schooler with math all the time. Does that mean she belongs in a lower level? If a child is able to do challenging work with some extra hard work (and it isn’t damaging their mental health/stressing them out), isn’t that how people do well in life? By putting it work? AAP isn’t just for kids for whom everything comes naturally. It’s for kids who want to excel and can persevere.

AAP is for kids in grade 3-8, AAP math runs grades 3-6. Most of the people I know who needed tutoring in ES were struggling with the math portion. The only advanced element in AAP in ES is math, everything else might dive deeper but really, not by that much. Kids who are struggling with the math in AAP in ES are holding back the kids who are able to do the math and are looking for a challenge. But they don't get that because the teacher needs to work with the kids who are grade level in math so that they can keep up with the accelerated math.

There is also a difference in needing some help from a parent and requiring an hour or so of help from a specialist

Challenging yourself is great but if that challenge requires a tutor to keep up then you might be in over your head. I say this as a kid who struggled with math and never did any type of honors math classes. It is ok to be at grade level. The AAP mania that exists in some schools is crazy enough that there are parents who do send their kids to math centers so they learn the material in advance and can do well in class or pay for multiple hours of tutoring because they want their kid in the accelerated program. There is a pressure there that is unreasonable for their kids all in the name of being advanced.

This is incorrect. The claim that AAP is “only advanced in math” is contradicted by FCPS’s own program description. FCPS states that Part‑Time AAP (Level III) provides “advanced curriculum in language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies” depending on student need, and that Full‑Time AAP (Level IV) delivers “full‑day advanced instruction across content areas.”
Source: FCPS Advanced Academics Overview — https://www.fcps.edu/academics/academic-overview/advanced-academics
Source: AAP Levels of Service — https://www.fcps.edu/academics/academic-overview/advanced-academics/advanced-academic-program-aap-overview

This directly refutes the idea that math is the only accelerated component. FCPS also emphasizes that AAP instruction is built around depth, complexity, critical and creative thinking, and differentiated instruction — not single‑subject acceleration.

The argument also collapses under FCPS’s explicit inclusion of twice‑exceptional (2E) students within AAP. FCPS defines 2E learners as students who are both gifted and have disabilities, and states that AAP and Special Education staff “collaborate to meet the needs of twice‑exceptional students” through coordinated services.
Source: FCPS Twice‑Exceptional (2E) Learners — https://www.fcps.edu/academics/academic-overview/special-education-instruction/twice-exceptional-2e

This means uneven academic profiles or the need for targeted support are not disqualifying — they are anticipated and accommodated. The claim that students requiring help “should not be in AAP” is therefore inconsistent with FCPS policy, which frames AAP placement as an instructional match, not a reward for uniform strength across all subjects.

Iep supports are not for those academically behind or unable, but because a kid has some other disregulation. Disability does not equal unable to do or in need of tutoring

Agreed. FCPS explicitly recognizes 2e learners and many of them thrive in AAP while receiving supports for regulation, attention, or processing needs. Disability does not equal unable, and it also does not mean a student should avoid tutoring. A student can be fully capable of advanced academic work and still benefit from targeted support, just as a neurotypical student might.

It’s also inaccurate to imply that tutoring signals misplacement. FCPS is not anti‑tutoring — that misconception comes from a segment of misinformed parents, not the school system. FCPS actually provides free tutoring through Tutor.com and even maintains a list of FCPS teachers available for private tutoring.

Given the scale of COVID learning loss, the rapid increase in technology‑based instruction, and ongoing curriculum and standards changes, there is no harm in tutoring for any student in any class. Tutoring is a support, not a diagnosis.

The claim that needing help means a child “shouldn’t be in AAP” is inconsistent with FCPS policy, inconsistent with how learning works, and inconsistent with the realities of post‑pandemic education.

It just doesn't make sense to have an elementary school aged kid in a class that they need tutoring to keep up with when there's a perfectly good class that doesn't move as fast next door.
There are gifted and advanced kids in the gened group....who get told by the committee that that they have plenty of peers in gen ed, or that being in full time services isn't a need for them....but it just sounds like it's also not a NEED for the kids who also NEED tutors. They'll still have gifted, advanced, and hard working peers...who do you think populates the honors classes at the center middle school

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Enrichment = tutoring

Nope.

I thought enrichment included activities such as sports, cooking, STEM activities, drama, dance, etc.... does tutoring fall into that category?

Anyone who says their child is doing Mathnasium, RSM, etc for "enrichment" is full of shit.