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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Last year, when my son tested into AAP, we had real hesitation about putting him in the program. On paper, he's got all the right scores and skills. But he's the kind of kid who doesn't really understand why things like grades matter. When he's interested in something, he learns everything on earth about it. But if it doesn't spark his interest, it's like pulling teeth to get him to focus enough to learn it and to then demonstrate that learning on a test. I realize that no matter what setting he's in academically this is a trait that needs to change, because it will not serve him well. But in a program like AAP, where the expectation is that they are able to be more self-directed and self-motivated, I felt like were setting him up to fail.

We were swayed by his teachers and the counselor, so we enrolled him. They assured us that there are lots of quirky kids in AAP and that the teachers would get them all up to speed at the start of the year. Well, guess what? He's tanking. He not keeping up with the work, he's making tons of stupid mistakes on tests (doing things like bubbling in two answers because he can't be bothered to pick between them or copying the problem over rather than solving for the answer), and he's just generally miserable. Most of his friends are in the other classes, which makes the whole thing harder on him, because making friends is challenging for him. His current teacher (who I like a lot) agrees he's got the potential to succeed but that he doesn't seem to have the personality for it. And with every passing day he's falling more and more behind.

In the short term we're going to get a tutor, work on study habits, and try to reward his successes more, but in the long term I cannot imagine three more years of this. But when I suggest pulling him from the program next year, the response I get from almost everyone is horror at the mere suggestion. I just want my kid to be happy, to like school, and to learn. I get that AAP offers lots of great opportunities, but I don't think the trade-off is worth it for my son. On the other hand, I don't want him to feel like he failed with this program. Has anyone else been in this position?[/quote]

This sounds so similar to an extremely bright boy we knew.   He started shutting down after a few months of the AAP program (third grade).   It was making him miserable.   His interest in learning was being ground out of him, and he wouldn't do anything.    The program didn't seem to be really designed for gifted/accelerated students--it was more jumping through project hoops.   For third grade, that is too much for most kids.  Some boys aren't ready for that kind of stuff at that age.  His mom was the same position as you, wondering 'should I take him out?' and getting the same responses you are.    They decided to have him return to his regular school, and he was happier and more successful in schoolwork.

You sound like a perceptive, secure parent.   Your son is fortunate to have you!     [/quote]

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