Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

Whatever the highest is ask for it. If you are denied, just appeal. Also, make sure to get private testing done to bolster your case even if you have to shop around..

What is the rationale behind this approach?

Anonymous wrote: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.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

Whatever the highest is ask for it. If you are denied, just appeal. Also, make sure to get private testing done to bolster your case even if you have to shop around..

Anonymous wrote: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.

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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?

Depends on the school, teacher, etc... Our school did not highly weigh test scores to determine break-out groups/LII services. I'd be more engaged than normal to ensure your child gets whatever services you think they need.

Anonymous wrote: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?