If a first grader is new to FCPS, so didn't take the NNAT in the spring. Is there any possibility of being in level 2 without parent intervention? Or do schools only use the the spring testing to determine AAP placement?

Anonymous wrote:Op here - figured I’d come back as I appreciate when reading old posts when people have closed the loop.

I reached out to the AART and apparently she is already receiving level 2 services in math and reading. So I guess if you are wondering about this, it’s a good idea to ask!

Make sure to check that it’s noted on the report card when grades come out so you can ensure that info is in the level iv referral in 2nd grade.

Op here - figured I’d come back as I appreciate when reading old posts when people have closed the loop.

I reached out to the AART and apparently she is already receiving level 2 services in math and reading. So I guess if you are wondering about this, it’s a good idea to ask!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Awesome thank you! Really appreciate the info.

I am honestly not sure what to put on the form as far as specifics… I can give general info on the kinds of things she can do but I’m not sure if that’s what they are looking for. Does anyone have advice?

You really don’t need to put anything on the form. I filled out only the top section not noticing the space to elaborate. Have you spoken to the teacher/AART?

You should write a few sentences about why your child needs advanced level work.

Anonymous wrote:Awesome thank you! Really appreciate the info.

I am honestly not sure what to put on the form as far as specifics… I can give general info on the kinds of things she can do but I’m not sure if that’s what they are looking for. Does anyone have advice?

You really don’t need to put anything on the form. I filled out only the top section not noticing the space to elaborate. Have you spoken to the teacher/AART?

I taught in FCPS for thirty years and never heard I could refer a first grade kid. We had to wait until second grade, in the spring. AART teachers were supposed to do a monthly lesson for all K-2 classes, and are available if a teacher needs enrichment lessons for a specific kid.

You should consider how your child picks up information, how they make connections between concepts, and how they look for more information when interested in a topic. Do they spend free time reading and writing their own books, or on self-directed projects, or figuring out math problems on their own? Do they have an advanced vocabulary or point out that their house has 59 bricks across the porch, and wonder why the builder didn’t use an even number?


If they are just solid in reading and math facts, that doesn’t equal gifted.

Always ask your child’s teacher if you have questions about how they compare to others in the grade if you wonder, and reach out to guidance counselors, too.

I honestly wish I had known that you could. I was lured into a false sense of security by their statements that "you don't have to do anything - EVERY child is assessed". We had to fight after the fact to get kid in break-out groups, which was too late to support any school work for the AAP package. We got in largely on test scores, which are apparently ignored when they do their internal assessment. DC had a 150s NNAT and 1st grade teacher never recommended...

Awesome thank you! Really appreciate the info.

I am honestly not sure what to put on the form as far as specifics… I can give general info on the kinds of things she can do but I’m not sure if that’s what they are looking for. Does anyone have advice?

Never rely on school to do something that you can pursue yourself. Submit the referral.

You can do it anytime if the year. It can start right away.

Anonymous wrote:Do it. I did it for my Kindergartener for him to have services in First Grade. When I cc’d his teacher, she replied that she was so happy that I formally submitted the referral because she had been talking to the AAP specialist about him. That led me to believe that she can’t actually refer?

She can. You just saved her the paperwork that she probably hadn't found time for.

Do it. I did it for my Kindergartener for him to have services in First Grade. When I cc’d his teacher, she replied that she was so happy that I formally submitted the referral because she had been talking to the AAP specialist about him. That led me to believe that she can’t actually refer?

Every May the school evaluate every child for Level II or III service. Your first grader might be identified as Level II in 2nd grade.

Talk to your school's advanced academy resource teacher.

Level III starts in 3 rd grade. But you can refer for level II. I did for my child in K

DH and I are thinking about referring our first grader to AAP for level II or III services. Is there a reason not to do this? Should we assume that the teachers would have identified her independently if she could benefit from differentiated instruction?

She is very bright academically and I think is finishing her work quickly and socializing so I am wondering if additional challenges could help her. We are working on self-control but I think the two are related.