To the regular posters that love to come here to bash

[Anonymous]

Seriously, not all centers are so imbalanced that Gen Ed kids are "minorities" in terms of numbers of classes. In some it's the other way around. In some it's just for certain grades.

[Anonymous]

It would be nice if fcps wouldn't allow such imbalances to occur. There are pretty easy things they could do at certain centers, but apparently these things cannot be discussed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You're so cute thinking kids are treated the same...

You are so messed up in the head for perpetuating the idea that they are not.

It's only an AAP parent who would say this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I guess I don't get it. I don't see some big red carpet laid out for AAP students. Just an accelerated curriculum. Not broadcast on the school intercom everyday.

When one group of kids is given a choice as to which school they'd prefer to attend (or their parents would prefer) - along with free busing to the chosen school - then yes, that group is being given preferential treatment. You don't see Gen Ed kids offered a choice of two different schools, and their parents engaging in long discussions over the minute details of each school, its teachers, curriculum, after-school offerings, "peer group," and more. Nope, the Gen Ed kids go to the school they are assigned to, period, end of story. The only exception might be if they are in language immersion, but that's a very rare exception.

It's true that the AAP curriculum itself is no big deal in and of itself (though some very naive parents look at it as the Holy Grail). But the fact remains that you can't offer one entire group of kids these options but not the other and call it an equitable system. It absolutely isn't.

[Anonymous]

Everyone has the same opportunity to be considered for the program.

[Anonymous]

Immersion, magnet, aap - all or none. Why cherry
Pick what can stay?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Everyone has the same opportunity to be considered for the program.

Really - you again? Please just stop.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Completely agree with above poster. Who gives a whit about "back in the day"?

Well, people who have older children who were in what was actually a very small program for gifted kids - GT. Now it's just a massive, slightly accelerated program for mainstream kids which only serves to divide schools that used to be communities. So I give more than just a "whit," because I'm tired of trying to explain to my child why there are so many more AAP kids at his school than GE. Because it's definitely not because all these kids are smarter than most Gen Ed kids.

My kid woukd have easily qualified for either the old program or the current program.

The current program is far better for HG kids in my opinion. More of a variety of abilities. More "typical" kids to balance things socially. More very hard working very smart but not quite gifted kids to srt an example and push the bar for study skills and organization.

Perhaps a slightly smaller program than what they have now, definitely smaller than the bloated fifth grade class would be ideal, but a tiny program for only kids like mine would be just as bad as what the fifth grade AAP has.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have 2 children in AAP and they don't talk about being in AAP - they just talk about "school". How is it "in your face" every day? Don't all the classes go about their business in a similar way? The AAP classes don't get any kind of preferential treatment, do they? At my kids school, all the classes mix for specials, lunch, recess, etc - it doesn't seem like a big deal who is in what class.

In 2nd grade, when friends leave for a center, I can see how this might cause questions, require explanations, etc - but on an ongoing basis?

I think this is more of a mom issue than a kid issue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I guess I don't get it. I don't see some big red carpet laid out for AAP students. Just an accelerated curriculum. Not broadcast on the school intercom everyday.

When one group of kids is given a choice as to which school they'd prefer to attend (or their parents would prefer) - along with free busing to the chosen school - then yes, that group is being given preferential treatment. You don't see Gen Ed kids offered a choice of two different schools, and their parents engaging in long discussions over the minute details of each school, its teachers, curriculum, after-school offerings, "peer group," and more. Nope, the Gen Ed kids go to the school they are assigned to, period, end of story. The only exception might be if they are in language immersion, but that's a very rare exception.

It's true that the AAP curriculum itself is no big deal in and of itself (though some very naive parents look at it as the Holy Grail). But the fact remains that you can't offer one entire group of kids these options but not the other and call it an equitable system. It absolutely isn't.

Free busing? Not one child FCPS is charged for busing so how is this a perk?

[Anonymous]

the immersion program does not have bussing offered out of district.

I still contend that schools with LLIV programs should not be offered the center option. The centers should only be for students in schools without the resources available to them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I guess I don't get it. I don't see some big red carpet laid out for AAP students. Just an accelerated curriculum. Not broadcast on the school intercom everyday.

When one group of kids is given a choice as to which school they'd prefer to attend (or their parents would prefer) - along with free busing to the chosen school - then yes, that group is being given preferential treatment. You don't see Gen Ed kids offered a choice of two different schools, and their parents engaging in long discussions over the minute details of each school, its teachers, curriculum, after-school offerings, "peer group," and more. Nope, the Gen Ed kids go to the school they are assigned to, period, end of story. The only exception might be if they are in language immersion, but that's a very rare exception.

It's true that the AAP curriculum itself is no big deal in and of itself (though some very naive parents look at it as the Holy Grail). But the fact remains that you can't offer one entire group of kids these options but not the other and call it an equitable system. It absolutely isn't.

If you don't even think that the AAP curriculum is a "big deal" then why the big cry about preferential treatment? Its about busses and switching schools for you? If its just the parents talking about it that annoys you, walk away! I'm a parent of kids in AAP and I didn't prep, refer, appeal, scheme, steal, lie or beg to get them in. And I don't talk about it either.

Listen, my kid didn't make travel soccer and I don't think that the kids that DID make it are these super elite athletes bound for the World Cup, but I don't begrudge the program or the parents or kids that are a part of it! Its not a big deal in the grand scheme of things.

If your kid is feeling badly about it, it is likely because the label is a big deal to you. I can't imagine little Johnny brooding over how the neighbor kid "gets" to have longer school bus commute and "gets" to leave his friends for a center school. Shouldn't even be on his radar.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:the immersion program does not have bussing offered out of district.

I still contend that schools with LLIV programs should not be offered the center option. The centers should only be for students in schools without the resources available to them.

Yes, but TJ does have busing! Again, let's not cherry pick! All or none!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:the immersion program does not have bussing offered out of district.

I still contend that schools with LLIV programs should not be offered the center option. The centers should only be for students in schools without the resources available to them.

Yes, but TJ does have busing! Again, let's not cherry pick! All or none!!

Good point. Should TJ students pay for their transportation? Honest question, 7:21.

[Anonymous]

isn't tj considered a magnet?