Anonymous wrote:Wait, the change from gifted (or GT) happened this year. I do not think there is any appreciable change from last year to this year. Rather, I think the change from GT to AAP was more to reflect that it is for academically gifted students, as opposed to artistically or athletically gifted.

The change from Gifted and Talented to Advanced Academic Programs took place in 2006.

http://www.fcps.edu/DIS/gt/pdfs/gtac/GTAC%202006-07%20Annual%20Report.pdf

During the course of the GTAC discussions this year, the question was raised about the name of the program itself. We know that the State of Virginia requires Fairfax County Public Schools to provide gifted services, but it does not designate the name of those services. Several choices were discussed and, while some members did not support a change, the majority of the Committee membership approved of a name change from Gifted and Talented Services to Advanced Academic Programs. It was felt by the Committee that this name change emphasizes efforts to put a label on the service being offered and recognizes the academic nature of the program.

17:35: The main differences: 1) the children seem to have a bit more freedom, 2) they go into things in more detail, and 3) compacted math.

In the AAP classes, there is less "drill and practice", and more exploration and understanding.

Wait, the change from gifted (or GT) happened this year. I do not think there is any appreciable change from last year to this year. Rather, I think the change from GT to AAP was more to reflect that it is for academically gifted students, as opposed to artistically or athletically gifted.

I do agree, however, that it is not that stressful (at least for a child that belongs), and that the percent of students from neighborhoods is high...of the 2rd grade children I know (about 30 because my DD in in the thrid grade), 2/3rds are in AAP.

Anonymous wrote:My DD is in the 3rd grade AAP at Louise Archer. She has less homework than her non-aap friends, also at Louise Archer.

What is she being taught that her non AAP friends in the same grade aren't being taught?

Anonymous wrote:Anone know? The teacher thinks she's gifted, but we don't. She's a people pleaser and works hard, but we think the GT program would be too stressful. I think the CogAt scores will help the teacher to see. I work with her a lot because it makes her less stressed at school, but I also think it makes it look like everything comes easily. I must sound nuts..the only FCPS parent who doesn't want their child in the gifted program?

a common misperception. It's not a "gifted" proram anymore. It's AAP. Yes the material is a bit more advanced, esp. Math, and yes there is a bit more homework.
But no reason why a reasonably good student with good Cogt scores should feel any stress. That would only come if they couldn't keep up, and I just don't see that happening except in very rare cases.

My DD is in the 3rd grade AAP at Louise Archer. She has less homework than her non-aap friends, also at Louise Archer.

Anonymous wrote:It must depend what center you are at. My daughter is in 4th grade at an AAP center and she is totally overloaded with work. It isn't uncommon to spend 1.5 hours a night on homework. (Which can be a bit of a problem when you don't get off the bus until 4:45pm).
However, she has a very driven personality and doesn't mind all of the work... and she is totally and completely happy there. If that weren't the case, we'd send her back to the base school and reclaim some family time.

This is likely not the norm, as we have heard from other parents that their center kids don't have half as much homework as our daughter does.

Which AAP center is this?

What is the average size of AAP classes?

20:03, 20:18, 9:32 & 11:24- Thank you for your helpful feedback!

It must depend what center you are at. My daughter is in 4th grade at an AAP center and she is totally overloaded with work. It isn't uncommon to spend 1.5 hours a night on homework. (Which can be a bit of a problem when you don't get off the bus until 4:45pm).
However, she has a very driven personality and doesn't mind all of the work... and she is totally and completely happy there. If that weren't the case, we'd send her back to the base school and reclaim some family time.

This is likely not the norm, as we have heard from other parents that their center kids don't have half as much homework as our daughter does.

Anonymous wrote:Anone know? The teacher thinks she's gifted, but we don't. She's a people pleaser and works hard, but we think the GT program would be too stressful. I think the CogAt scores will help the teacher to see. I work with her a lot because it makes her less stressed at school, but I also think it makes it look like everything comes easily. I must sound nuts..the only FCPS parent who doesn't want their child in the gifted program?

I wanted to get my kid in, but now that DC is in AAP I must say your premise is just wrong - it really isn't all that stressful.
In fact, I expected it to be harder, and for my kid to get lower grades. After the last report card, DC is getting higher grades than he/she should be getting and I'm wondering if they grade easier for the AAP kids?

Anonymous wrote:Anone know? The teacher thinks she's gifted, but we don't. She's a people pleaser and works hard, but we think the GT program would be too stressful. I think the CogAt scores will help the teacher to see. I work with her a lot because it makes her less stressed at school, but I also think it makes it look like everything comes easily. I must sound nuts..the only FCPS parent who doesn't want their child in the gifted program?

no you're not as special as you thought

January.

They usually come in just after Christmas. They send them to the school and the school sends them to you. They don't all come at the exact same time because the schools forward them, so don;t stress if yours are later than others.

FWIW, I have a "marginal" kid (one that a lot of others here think doesn't belong in the program, despite the fact that they don't know her). She absolutely LOVES the AAP program. She loves the way they learn. She is FAR from the best in the class, but did get all O's and G's on her first AAP report card. I tell you this because I think although you don;t necessarily think your child is gifted, she may be and even if she's "marginal" like mine, she can do well in the program and enjoy it. My child may be the opposite of yours. She did ok in school (hence a less than stellar GBRS) but had high test scores. I think the AAP teaches her in a way she can relate to.

My bottom line is that I wouldn't rule it out. Let the chips fall where they may and if she gets in, look at the program and make a decision. If you don't think it's right for your child, she doesn't have to go if she gets in. You could say no. If you change your mind later, you can send her. The acceptance is good for several years.

Anonymous wrote:Anone know? The teacher thinks she's gifted, but we don't. She's a people pleaser and works hard, but we think the GT program would be too stressful. I think the CogAt scores will help the teacher to see. I work with her a lot because it makes her less stressed at school, but I also think it makes it look like everything comes easily. I must sound nuts..the only FCPS parent who doesn't want their child in the gifted program?

Why don't you just relax and let things happen as they will.

If she gets into AAP, and doesn't do well, then send her back.

If she does do well, then great.

No pressure.

Anone know? The teacher thinks she's gifted, but we don't. She's a people pleaser and works hard, but we think the GT program would be too stressful. I think the CogAt scores will help the teacher to see. I work with her a lot because it makes her less stressed at school, but I also think it makes it look like everything comes easily. I must sound nuts..the only FCPS parent who doesn't want their child in the gifted program?