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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]

[b]Yes, [i]why [/i]is it that people don't like the school to know that they're prepping or get nervous when they think the school is asking kids if they'd been prepping? Why would that be?[/b]
[/quote]

LOL!!  +1[/quote]

I'll answer this.

My older son got into AAP last year (with no prepping).  My younger son is taking the test this year.  I've debated whether I should "prep" him.  Prep, to me, would look like running him through a few questions to see how he's doing.  In part I would want to do it for my own sanity of knowing how he could/should do.  But I realize "prep" to other people can run the gammut.

FWIW, I am not against prepping, and I don't view it as cheating.  But I (like many others on this board) often wonder whether "everyone else is doing it" and whether I'm just jeopardizing my (naturally smart) child's chances at AAP by not playing the game.  To think that my kid might get bumped because he wasn't prepared is hard to think about.  And let's be real here folks -- regardless of the initial intent -- AAP is NOT a program for "gifted" students.  It is a program that is designed for kids who can move at a faster pace.  If your kid can do that because he's naturally bright -- great.  If your kid can do that because he studies his butt off -- that's fine be me too.  As long as he can keep up, I really don't care how.  I'm not sure I fully subscribe to this American notion that you should get into this program (or not) based solely on your "natural" gifts.  I think its a bit farcical.

But I think that Fairfax County has been sitting the fence on this issue -- in large part due to Il Ryong Moon and some other school board members.  there is no consensus.  They haven't made it "illegal" (although they could), so you have everyone -- teachers, AARTs, students and parents struggling through on their own.

If I show my kid 1 practice test question -- just to see if he understands -- and then his teacher asks this question at the CogAT, and he shoots up his hand -- is he going to be put in a box with the kids in his class who have been taking after school classes on this stuff for 6 months?  And his teacher (whom I don't know) -- will she dock his GBRS because she is "anti-prep"?  In addition, my child is prone to seeking the "right" answer (regardless of whether or not it is truthful).  I could easily see him bragging (falsely) to his friends, teachers -- "oh yes, I've see HUNDREDS of these questions" -- even though its not true.

So, in my view -- unless and until FFX County comes out with a specific policy that 1) defines prepping; and 2) indicates that it is not allowed -- they shouldn't be asking.  It's unfair to everyone involved.[/quote]

+100. It puts parents in a very difficult position when FCPS gives some  indication that prepping isn't okay, but does nothing to principals or other school personnel who mention the a availability of prep materials to student at their schools and also allow the scores regardless of prepping.  Do you not prep your child knowing you are putting them at a disadvantage to those who prep or do you prep and give your child and advantage over those who haven't.  Not a good position to put parents in.  Also, if FCPS is going to ask about prepping, they need to do it in every classroom at all schools.  [/quote]

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