FCPS school authority hierarchy

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We found the 2nd grade teachers were the weakest. Teachers were much stronger in K, 1st, 3rd, 4th. Relax. See how your kid connects with this year's teacher. FCPS tends to be more academically intense in 3rd grade, since it's the first year of SOLs.

Even before SOLs there was a big jump from second to third. I had one child who did not have SOLs in third grade and one who did.

No question that SOLs changed the dynamics and atmosphere in the schools, but third grade was always a jump. Frankly, I think the kids learned more before the SOLs.

[Anonymous]

I’ve had two go through AAP, now IN HS, one at TJ and live in the land of TJ crazy OP. I’m focused on the numerical error in score. The rest I’d just noise. So I’m going to give you a slightly, but not completely different take. You said CogAT, NNAT were below cutoff. If the WISC is below 130, you got perfect advice. Your kid was not going to be accepted, and that’s what happened.

If the WISC was 130 or above, then I would calmly and reasonably contact the regional super and request that my child’s screening folder be sent with the correct score to the out of season screening team. AAP admissions (and TJ admissions) are notorious tight lipped. But, they have a written process for screening kids for AAP who move into Fairfax County after the normal screening deadline and getting them a quick answer. Ask for your kids file to be reviewed under that process because of the administrative error IF THE WISC IS AT LEAST 130.

Definitely treat possible ADHD. Not to get into AAP, but because it is so hard on the kid. Says the mom of 2 ADHD kids.

Always remember principal placement is renewed each year and completely discretionary by the principal. A principal forced to put your kid in against their better judgment will be looking for reasons not to renew. And if your kid really starts third grade light years ahead of the GE class and it’s a problem, nothing stops a principal placement then.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I’ll see about cogat retake. He is not a good test taker - skips questions.

Maybe he skips them because he is uncertain. Or, maybe it is an indicator he is not ready for an accelerated class.

It's been a long time since my kids took it--but I don't think I had that kind of information (skipping questions). They tell you that now?

—- the results show # attempted vs # total.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Teacher, here. OP, you’re the one we all talk about in the break room. For the sake of your kid, just stop.

For the sake if all kids, please discuss curriculum instead of me if you could.

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve had two go through AAP, now IN HS, one at TJ and live in the land of TJ crazy OP. I’m focused on the numerical error in score. The rest I’d just noise. So I’m going to give you a slightly, but not completely different take. You said CogAT, NNAT were below cutoff. If the WISC is below 130, you got perfect advice. Your kid was not going to be accepted, and that’s what happened.

If the WISC was 130 or above, then I would calmly and reasonably contact the regional super and request that my child’s screening folder be sent with the correct score to the out of season screening team. AAP admissions (and TJ admissions) are notorious tight lipped. But, they have a written process for screening kids for AAP who move into Fairfax County after the normal screening deadline and getting them a quick answer. Ask for your kids file to be reviewed under that process because of the administrative error IF THE WISC IS AT LEAST 130.

Definitely treat possible ADHD. Not to get into AAP, but because it is so hard on the kid. Says the mom of 2 ADHD kids.

Always remember principal placement is renewed each year and completely discretionary by the principal. A principal forced to put your kid in against their better judgment will be looking for reasons not to renew. And if your kid really starts third grade light years ahead of the GE class and it’s a problem, nothing stops a principal placement then.

—— Thanks so much. This is super helpful. When the logic speaks, I calm down.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, I get why the score error is upsetting to you, and I think everyone else here would be upset as well. It still sounds like even with the correct scores, your child wouldn't have been found eligible. For principal placement, there are going to be a lot of bright kids, and it's likely that they're picking the ones who are the best behaved and most motivated. It doesn't sound like your son fits that bill, either.

Yes, a lot of parents complain that AAP isn't challenging enough, but that doesn't mean that GE will be awful. I have a kid in each one, and my view is that AAP isn't challenging enough because it isn't that different from GE with advanced math, highest reading group, and LIII pullout. My GE kid will be rejoining AAP for middle school, and I have no doubts that he will be able to keep up with the AAP kids.

——- thanks so much.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’d leave it alone. I thought my child would easily get in but she was denied. We didn’t even appeal because my older child went through gen ed and I was not sure I even wanted her in the AAP program. It doesn’t matter that much. All classes are open enrollment in high school. Parents and students students calm down and stop talking about who’s in AAP by 5th grade. At least that’s what happened in our area. It was only a huge issue in 3rd and worst the summer before. I would not escalate. Apply again next year if you are still interested.

——- thanks so much.

[Anonymous]

—— DH wins.

It’s all good - gives me space to focus on possible medical matter and fun extracurriculars - basically, move forward. Thanks everyone.

Wishing you all a nice year ahead with no controversies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:—— DH wins.

It’s all good - gives me space to focus on possible medical matter and fun extracurriculars - basically, move forward. Thanks everyone.

Wishing you all a nice year ahead with no controversies.

It will be fine. In FCPS, K, 3,7 and 9 and the transition years. In most cases, it is harder on parents than kids.