Anonymous wrote:Among some communities, prepping is just like studying - it's taken for granted. If there is an opportunity for one's child to advance or be challenged, why not prepare them?
Either all kids should have the opportunity to prep or none should. Why doesn't FCPS just keep the test a surprise? Perhaps just give 1-2 days notice so kids can get a good night's sleep.

All parents have the opportunity to prep our children.

Most of us don't. I know I wouldn't, beyond the standard good night's sleep, hearty breakfast and last minute advice as we drop off in the kiss and ride lane.

If they want to prep, good for them. I hope they reap the rewards of all that hard work. They certainly won't be holding anyone in the class back since they know how to work hard.

Anonymous wrote:Among some communities, prepping is just like studying - it's taken for granted. If there is an opportunity for one's child to advance or be challenged, why not prepare them?
Either all kids should have the opportunity to prep or none should. Why doesn't FCPS just keep the test a surprise? Perhaps just give 1-2 days notice so kids can get a good night's sleep.

Hate to break it to you, but those kids are going to score well whether they are given the testing dates a year in advance, or the day of.

They are part of a culture that places academic preparation as the most important part of their kids' development. Much in the same way that some regional groups (small towns in TX for example) places continuous preparation and enrichment for football at a priority.

Their daily life and training prepares them to perform well on these standardized tests. Good for the. I am not willing to devote the same amount of time outside school to math, etc. If my child does not score as well as the child who is constantly preparing, so be it. If they both end up in AAP, wonderful. At least I know the kid whose parents took the time to send him to Kumon, do extra math activities and clubs, make him practice his instrument all the time, etc has the work ethic to be successful in the class.

They might not have the same "natural" intelligence as my child if they were prepped into success, but they will certainly raise the bar of the class as a result of their work ethic alone.

I prepped my child, and I am glad I did. He is in the pool and he will be admitted based upon his other academic credentials. He will be challenged and get better teachers and be among better, more serious classmates. He will learn good study habits and more material. He will then be better prepared for AP classes and high school. This will advance him in his class ranking, grades, and SATs. He will do better as a result, get into a better college and then get a better job and career. He will make more money, live in a bigger house, attract a prettier wife, and join a nice country club. He will learn the value of being prepared and teach this to his children by prepping them when they are in second grade. As a result they will be admitted to AAP and will repeat their in their fathers success.

Couple years ago after the CogAT test, my daughter asked me what was topping and what was leather. We came from another country and spoke only our native language at home. We did not eat Pizza much and did not use the word topping. My daughter made to AAP but she could avoided those mistakes if we knew.
So the thing is, the questions are culturally biased. We have to prepare our kids for those common sense questions!

Among some communities, prepping is just like studying - it's taken for granted. If there is an opportunity for one's child to advance or be challenged, why not prepare them?
Either all kids should have the opportunity to prep or none should. Why doesn't FCPS just keep the test a surprise? Perhaps just give 1-2 days notice so kids can get a good night's sleep.

To get good CogAT, it takes a long time preparation for reading, math skills, and logical thinking!!! Those are the foundation for future success. All parents should get their children prepared. If not, the parents fault!
I saw almost all parents boasting of their DCs reading. So should we ban the early prep for reading? otherwise the DRA assessment is biased favoring the kids who received coaching at home!

Who would tell their kid to lie to a teacher?

People who test-prep see nothing wrong with prepping. Therefore, they should have no problem with the school knowing they prepped their child.

Where is my 3D glasses? I'm gonna miss the show!

Be back in a minute. Just have to pop the popcorn.

Anonymous wrote:I think the teachers should ask students individually f they have seen tests like "this" before and make a note of the ones who answer yes, and that info should be in the composite file. Very useful for screening out the borderline cases. Flame away.

Wouldn't they all say yes since they are given practice questions/samples before hand?

What if the child was confused and answered yes thinking of the NNAT or some other workbook / activity?

What if you just told your kid to answer "No" when asked if they have seen the test before?

What is wrong with you?

?????

Why is being familiar with the test a bad thing?

BITTER MUCH?

I think the teachers should ask students individually f they have seen tests like "this" before and make a note of the ones who answer yes, and that info should be in the composite file. Very useful for screening out the borderline cases. Flame away.