Anonymous
Post 01/21/2014 19:29     Subject: Why not just send the NNAT scores right away?
Sorry, I meant to write the tests themselves have been downplayed. My school sends out the same letter every year in the falls telling parents to make sure the children get a good nights' sleep etc and that the tests will provide the teachers with information to better understand the students' academic needs.
Anonymous
Post 01/21/2014 19:23     Subject: Why not just send the NNAT scores right away?
Regarding schools using the scores to better identify their students' needs, I have been told this at my school too. The scores on these tests have been so downplayed at my school, I had no idea they were used for identifying candidates for the AAP program until my oldest was in 2nd grade and received his pool letter.
Anonymous
Post 01/17/2014 23:17     Subject: Why not just send the NNAT scores right away?
Anonymous wrote:But the schools claim they use the NNAT scores to help know the current needs/skills of their students and aren't just for AAP screening. Of course, I don't believe that but that what is said.


I have heard this before also. For older child the 1st grade teacher received the score and I suppose formed an opinion. it could make a teacher think about challenging a student more I guess. Not much more they could do with it.
Anonymous
Post 01/17/2014 21:22     Subject: Why not just send the NNAT scores right away?
Anonymous wrote:I'm the person who wrote it and that is exactly what the principal of our school said at a PTA meeting about the NNAT last year.
I didn't believe it and still don't but the reason FCPS added the NNAT was to demonstrate they do have an assessment that would point out which English Language Learners are gifted. FCPS moved to this test because the makers of the test claim it's unbiased since it's not language dependent.


I just thought of a way it could be used. If you have ESOL students who still are no where near conversant in English it might be a small useful piece of data, though not sure what you could then do with the info.
Anonymous
Post 01/17/2014 21:16     Subject: Why not just send the NNAT scores right away?
I'm the person who wrote it and that is exactly what the principal of our school said at a PTA meeting about the NNAT last year.
I didn't believe it and still don't but the reason FCPS added the NNAT was to demonstrate they do have an assessment that would point out which English Language Learners are gifted. FCPS moved to this test because the makers of the test claim it's unbiased since it's not language dependent.
Anonymous
Post 01/17/2014 20:39     Subject: Why not just send the NNAT scores right away?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:But the schools claim they use the NNAT scores to help know the current needs/skills of their students and aren't just for AAP screening. Of course, I don't believe that but that what is said.


I call BS on this. You're making this up. It may be something you overheard some parent musing about to pass the time when waiting for score reports or whether their child was found eligible. But you have not heard it from an school official. Please share which schools "claim this." Please tell us who "claimed" this.

Here is the AAP testing information from the FCPS website. It's pretty clear how the NNAT scores are used: to identify and screen students for AAP.

http://www.fcps.edu/is/aap/faqs/idfaqs.shtml


I'm not the poster who made the "claim" but lighten up with your calling BS and asking for names. That poster did not seem like a troll at all. Would you like the phone number of anyone who has ever said this so you can call them and tell them off? Step away from the computer and pour yourself a glass of wine.
Anonymous
Post 01/17/2014 20:37     Subject: Why not just send the NNAT scores right away?
Anonymous wrote: I understand the "game" the schools play with regard to CogAt or whatever it is now. It screws over those who want to appeal. In defense of the school system it also gives them time to discuss students and figure out who should be in pool based on various scores, etc.

Why delay giving out the NNAT? There's less work for the schools to do. I assume they come up with an in-pool score and that's it. Those who aren't in pool can still become "in-pool" with the CogAt. There is no need to obsess over students and whether or not they show gifted behavior when they are in 1st grade. If a parent falls apart because princess bombed the NNAT then princess can just take it again the next year. How does it benefit the schools to delay sending the scores?


It's because it is a huge plot against you as a taxpayer. You do realize that the mission of FCPS is to totally "screw you over" so that you cannot plan your child's life. Because it is all about you.
Anonymous
Post 01/17/2014 20:21     Subject: Why not just send the NNAT scores right away?
Anonymous wrote:But the schools claim they use the NNAT scores to help know the current needs/skills of their students and aren't just for AAP screening. Of course, I don't believe that but that what is said.


I call BS on this. You're making this up. It may be something you overheard some parent musing about to pass the time when waiting for score reports or whether their child was found eligible. But you have not heard it from an school official. Please share which schools "claim this." Please tell us who "claimed" this.

Here is the AAP testing information from the FCPS website. It's pretty clear how the NNAT scores are used: to identify and screen students for AAP.

http://www.fcps.edu/is/aap/faqs/idfaqs.shtml
Anonymous
Post 01/17/2014 20:09     Subject: Why not just send the NNAT scores right away?
Anonymous wrote:But the schools claim they use the NNAT scores to help know the current needs/skills of their students and aren't just for AAP screening. Of course, I don't believe that but that what is said.


I wonder how they use it to help the current needs of students. What they would they do differently with a student if he/she got a low score? Not asking you specifically, just curious if anyone knows how it would even be relevant.
Anonymous
Post 01/17/2014 19:59     Subject: Why not just send the NNAT scores right away?
Anonymous wrote: I understand the "game" the schools play with regard to CogAt or whatever it is now. It screws over those who want to appeal. In defense of the school system it also gives them time to discuss students and figure out who should be in pool based on various scores, etc.

Why delay giving out the NNAT? There's less work for the schools to do. I assume they come up with an in-pool score and that's it. Those who aren't in pool can still become "in-pool" with the CogAt. There is no need to obsess over students and whether or not they show gifted behavior when they are in 1st grade. If a parent falls apart because princess bombed the NNAT then princess can just take it again the next year. How does it benefit the schools to delay sending the scores?


How so? If a second grade parent wants to appeal, the appeal isn't due until May 30.

This post makes no sense as the NNAT is given to first graders. Why are you obsessing? You'll get the score when you get it. Will knowing the score make you love your child more or less? Change schools? There is no legitimate reason for a first grade parent to have the score one week versus another. Take a chill pill.
Anonymous
Post 01/17/2014 19:23     Subject: Why not just send the NNAT scores right away?
But the schools claim they use the NNAT scores to help know the current needs/skills of their students and aren't just for AAP screening. Of course, I don't believe that but that what is said.
Anonymous
Post 01/17/2014 18:47     Subject: Why not just send the NNAT scores right away?
Why do you call it a "delay" in sending the scores? The info isn't even relevant until next year. It would be more cost-effective to send the NNAT scores and CogAT scores out together to second grade parents.
Anonymous
Post 01/17/2014 18:40     Subject: Why not just send the NNAT scores right away?
How does it benefit you learning what your little one scored? Nothing much.
Anonymous
Post 01/17/2014 18:35     Subject: Why not just send the NNAT scores right away?
I understand the "game" the schools play with regard to CogAt or whatever it is now. It screws over those who want to appeal. In defense of the school system it also gives them time to discuss students and figure out who should be in pool based on various scores, etc.

Why delay giving out the NNAT? There's less work for the schools to do. I assume they come up with an in-pool score and that's it. Those who aren't in pool can still become "in-pool" with the CogAt. There is no need to obsess over students and whether or not they show gifted behavior when they are in 1st grade. If a parent falls apart because princess bombed the NNAT then princess can just take it again the next year. How does it benefit the schools to delay sending the scores?