Most families could care less about AAP. Most kids do well in ES, regardless of where they are placed. There is a vocal minority that thinks it is a huge problem.

Kids have always known who is in what group. We didn't have an AAP equivalent at my ES but kids knew that the kids being pulled form class needed help and we all knew who was in the top group for math and reading. My friends kids in higher grades can tell you who is in Advanced Math and Level III because those kids are grouped together in one class and are pulled out together. I have friends whose kids do not like going to Speech Therapy because their classmates know that they are pulled out for Speech, they know the Teacher who comes to get them. My kid is pulled with theirs so we talk about how it is going.

It doesn't matter how the program is run, the kids figure out the groupings and what they mean. Why? I have no clue, I am going to guess human nature. We seem to like to understand the social dynamics that we live in and want to understand the groupings.

It is the parents job to help kids understand that it doesn't matter what group you are in, what matters is the effort that you make and your doing your best.

It sure sounds like a good number of parents on this board buy into these divides being socially important and model that for their kids.

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Anonymous wrote:I have a friend who has one child in AP. Their second child did not get in. It is absolutely crushing the family. The second child’s entire core of self-esteem and confidence has been obliterated and now they will be attending a different school than their sibling so it’s rubbed in on a daily basis. It’s really heartbreaking and makes me reconsider even desiring AAP in case it should it be some thing that only one of my kids got into.

That is on the family for not handling the situation well and putting way too much emphasis on a specific program. Neither kids identity should be determined based on being in a specific academic program, especially in ES. There was no reason to ever tell the first one that the program made them special, only that it met their academic needs. There is no reason the the second to feel lesser because they have different needs.

This exactly. My child knew nothing about the committee process or admissions. He knows he’s in AAP bc he learns differently than some peers but it doesn’t make him special or better than anyone else. Have we now surrendered all parental responsibility in framing the narrative of such things for our children?

Of course not. You can frame it any way you like. But once those kids are at school - especially center schools, where there are as many AAP as GE classes - and the kids will take care of the rest. You’re kidding yourself to think otherwise.
DP

I’m not “kidding myself” as my kids are at a particularly cut-throat center elementary as our base school. My child still doesn’t think he’s more special or better than anyone in GE and he has plenty of friends who aren’t in AAP. I’m sure there probably are kids who talk this way but i can guarantee it comes directly from their parents — so stop blaming centers for killing self-esteem, start looking in the mirror, and spend a little extra time on the message you’re sending as parents (I’m saying this in general terms, I make no assumptions in regards to the messaging you use w your kids). Perhaps FCPS should offer a parent primer during the AAP informational sessions on not being an a-hole.

Perhaps, but that will do nothing when it comes to the kids who always have and always will know who’s in the “advanced” classes and who isn’t. This is human nature. If AAP is going to continue, then perhaps the centers need to be *only* AAP kids -like TJ. Gen Ed kids deserve to enjoy school without being considered second class citizens by their peers (and by many teachers).

That chip on your shoulder must be really annoying. What you’re describing is completely over the top and hysterical. Please tell me specifically how your child is treated like a second class citizen because they aren’t in the level 4 program at your center. Also, maybe work on getting your kid to accept that there will always be people that are ahead of them in some things—in this case, academics. And sometimes those people are pricks. Why is this taboo for kids to understand? Rude awakening if the first place they learn it is college.

But most kids in AAP are not that ahead of students in gen ed except for a select few. You seem defensive. Not PP but it absolutely does happen. Why do AAP parents not get this? If AAP was a TRUE GT program where few really smart kids got in, I don’t think there would be this division.

DP. This really depends on your base school. Most of the people posting on here probably don't have base schools with GS ratings under 4, and it shows. If your kid is 1-2 grade levels ahead in reading and math and 20-30% of the class is 1-2 grade levels behind, you better be prepared to do a lot of supplementing at home if they don't get into AAP.

So would you say a Gen Ed kid will be well served at, say, a GS 8 school? We have to decide whether to bring our son back from private for third grade in 2022. I’m pretty sure he’d be Gen Ed. I would hate to pull him from private only to find that he’s basically being ignored at public. All indicators thus far are that he is completely average/on track — not below grade level but not above.

Most likely, yes. If your base school is also a center, there is usually a large contingent of parents who are very invested in getting their kids into AAP for reasons that are not entirely academic. That doesn't mean the gen ed students won't get a good education. It does mean there's very little difference between the top students in gen ed and the bottom students in AAP and that rankles a lot of people whose kids didn't get into AAP. It's a completely different situation than being at a school where a lot of the students are significantly behind. A school where most of the kids are at least on grade level has teachers who can reach everyone much more effectively than a school where they're under constant pressure to raise scores for a lot of students who are not even close.

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Anonymous wrote:I have a friend who has one child in AP. Their second child did not get in. It is absolutely crushing the family. The second child’s entire core of self-esteem and confidence has been obliterated and now they will be attending a different school than their sibling so it’s rubbed in on a daily basis. It’s really heartbreaking and makes me reconsider even desiring AAP in case it should it be some thing that only one of my kids got into.

That is on the family for not handling the situation well and putting way too much emphasis on a specific program. Neither kids identity should be determined based on being in a specific academic program, especially in ES. There was no reason to ever tell the first one that the program made them special, only that it met their academic needs. There is no reason the the second to feel lesser because they have different needs.

This exactly. My child knew nothing about the committee process or admissions. He knows he’s in AAP bc he learns differently than some peers but it doesn’t make him special or better than anyone else. Have we now surrendered all parental responsibility in framing the narrative of such things for our children?

Of course not. You can frame it any way you like. But once those kids are at school - especially center schools, where there are as many AAP as GE classes - and the kids will take care of the rest. You’re kidding yourself to think otherwise.
DP

I’m not “kidding myself” as my kids are at a particularly cut-throat center elementary as our base school. My child still doesn’t think he’s more special or better than anyone in GE and he has plenty of friends who aren’t in AAP. I’m sure there probably are kids who talk this way but i can guarantee it comes directly from their parents — so stop blaming centers for killing self-esteem, start looking in the mirror, and spend a little extra time on the message you’re sending as parents (I’m saying this in general terms, I make no assumptions in regards to the messaging you use w your kids). Perhaps FCPS should offer a parent primer during the AAP informational sessions on not being an a-hole.

Perhaps, but that will do nothing when it comes to the kids who always have and always will know who’s in the “advanced” classes and who isn’t. This is human nature. If AAP is going to continue, then perhaps the centers need to be *only* AAP kids -like TJ. Gen Ed kids deserve to enjoy school without being considered second class citizens by their peers (and by many teachers).

That chip on your shoulder must be really annoying. What you’re describing is completely over the top and hysterical. Please tell me specifically how your child is treated like a second class citizen because they aren’t in the level 4 program at your center. Also, maybe work on getting your kid to accept that there will always be people that are ahead of them in some things—in this case, academics. And sometimes those people are pricks. Why is this taboo for kids to understand? Rude awakening if the first place they learn it is college.

But most kids in AAP are not that ahead of students in gen ed except for a select few. You seem defensive. Not PP but it absolutely does happen. Why do AAP parents not get this? If AAP was a TRUE GT program where few really smart kids got in, I don’t think there would be this division.

That is simply untrue in my experience. Most of the kids are quite far ahead.

DP. No. They are not. Most are simply average-above average students who did well on the entrance test. That’s it.

Maybe at your school in an area of the county that has “8-10” school. In my part of the county, no. The kids are WAY ahead.

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a friend who has one child in AP. Their second child did not get in. It is absolutely crushing the family. The second child’s entire core of self-esteem and confidence has been obliterated and now they will be attending a different school than their sibling so it’s rubbed in on a daily basis. It’s really heartbreaking and makes me reconsider even desiring AAP in case it should it be some thing that only one of my kids got into.

That is on the family for not handling the situation well and putting way too much emphasis on a specific program. Neither kids identity should be determined based on being in a specific academic program, especially in ES. There was no reason to ever tell the first one that the program made them special, only that it met their academic needs. There is no reason the the second to feel lesser because they have different needs.

This exactly. My child knew nothing about the committee process or admissions. He knows he’s in AAP bc he learns differently than some peers but it doesn’t make him special or better than anyone else. Have we now surrendered all parental responsibility in framing the narrative of such things for our children?

Of course not. You can frame it any way you like. But once those kids are at school - especially center schools, where there are as many AAP as GE classes - and the kids will take care of the rest. You’re kidding yourself to think otherwise.
DP

I’m not “kidding myself” as my kids are at a particularly cut-throat center elementary as our base school. My child still doesn’t think he’s more special or better than anyone in GE and he has plenty of friends who aren’t in AAP. I’m sure there probably are kids who talk this way but i can guarantee it comes directly from their parents — so stop blaming centers for killing self-esteem, start looking in the mirror, and spend a little extra time on the message you’re sending as parents (I’m saying this in general terms, I make no assumptions in regards to the messaging you use w your kids). Perhaps FCPS should offer a parent primer during the AAP informational sessions on not being an a-hole.

Perhaps, but that will do nothing when it comes to the kids who always have and always will know who’s in the “advanced” classes and who isn’t. This is human nature. If AAP is going to continue, then perhaps the centers need to be *only* AAP kids -like TJ. Gen Ed kids deserve to enjoy school without being considered second class citizens by their peers (and by many teachers).

That chip on your shoulder must be really annoying. What you’re describing is completely over the top and hysterical. Please tell me specifically how your child is treated like a second class citizen because they aren’t in the level 4 program at your center. Also, maybe work on getting your kid to accept that there will always be people that are ahead of them in some things—in this case, academics. And sometimes those people are pricks. Why is this taboo for kids to understand? Rude awakening if the first place they learn it is college.

But most kids in AAP are not that ahead of students in gen ed except for a select few. You seem defensive. Not PP but it absolutely does happen. Why do AAP parents not get this? If AAP was a TRUE GT program where few really smart kids got in, I don’t think there would be this division.

That is simply untrue in my experience. Most of the kids are quite far ahead.

DP. No. They are not. Most are simply average-above average students who did well on the entrance test. That’s it.

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a friend who has one child in AP. Their second child did not get in. It is absolutely crushing the family. The second child’s entire core of self-esteem and confidence has been obliterated and now they will be attending a different school than their sibling so it’s rubbed in on a daily basis. It’s really heartbreaking and makes me reconsider even desiring AAP in case it should it be some thing that only one of my kids got into.

That is on the family for not handling the situation well and putting way too much emphasis on a specific program. Neither kids identity should be determined based on being in a specific academic program, especially in ES. There was no reason to ever tell the first one that the program made them special, only that it met their academic needs. There is no reason the the second to feel lesser because they have different needs.

This exactly. My child knew nothing about the committee process or admissions. He knows he’s in AAP bc he learns differently than some peers but it doesn’t make him special or better than anyone else. Have we now surrendered all parental responsibility in framing the narrative of such things for our children?

Of course not. You can frame it any way you like. But once those kids are at school - especially center schools, where there are as many AAP as GE classes - and the kids will take care of the rest. You’re kidding yourself to think otherwise.
DP

I’m not “kidding myself” as my kids are at a particularly cut-throat center elementary as our base school. My child still doesn’t think he’s more special or better than anyone in GE and he has plenty of friends who aren’t in AAP. I’m sure there probably are kids who talk this way but i can guarantee it comes directly from their parents — so stop blaming centers for killing self-esteem, start looking in the mirror, and spend a little extra time on the message you’re sending as parents (I’m saying this in general terms, I make no assumptions in regards to the messaging you use w your kids). Perhaps FCPS should offer a parent primer during the AAP informational sessions on not being an a-hole.

Perhaps, but that will do nothing when it comes to the kids who always have and always will know who’s in the “advanced” classes and who isn’t. This is human nature. If AAP is going to continue, then perhaps the centers need to be *only* AAP kids -like TJ. Gen Ed kids deserve to enjoy school without being considered second class citizens by their peers (and by many teachers).

That chip on your shoulder must be really annoying. What you’re describing is completely over the top and hysterical. Please tell me specifically how your child is treated like a second class citizen because they aren’t in the level 4 program at your center. Also, maybe work on getting your kid to accept that there will always be people that are ahead of them in some things—in this case, academics. And sometimes those people are pricks. Why is this taboo for kids to understand? Rude awakening if the first place they learn it is college.

But most kids in AAP are not that ahead of students in gen ed except for a select few. You seem defensive. Not PP but it absolutely does happen. Why do AAP parents not get this? If AAP was a TRUE GT program where few really smart kids got in, I don’t think there would be this division.

+100
The PP is one of those ahole parents who thinks that because her kid is in AAP, there is no problem with the system. There are big problems - the largest of which is just how many average kids get into AAP. I don’t know why FCPS chose to get rid of its GT program. That was actually for the very FEW gifted kids. Likely the PP’s kid would never have been admitted.

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Anonymous wrote:Because it divides the kids. It divides them socially. It divides them academically. It affect their friendships, and how they view themselves academically. In most cases, this division is based on rather infinitesimal differences. The students could be educated in the same classroom. And should be. NP here.

+1,000,000
There are rare cases - on both ends of the spectrum - where kids might need a special learning environment. The vast majority do not. Enough of this crazy segregation. Just improve the curriculum for ALL kids.

Guess what? The vast majority of kids are NOT in AAP. So there you go. It’s fine.

depending on the school, just under half are.

Yep. At center schools, it’s practically 50/50. Very divisive. And for no reason.

Teachers cannot provide the type of education that is needed to 4-5 groups of kids in their classroom. Kids who are advanced, whether that is because their parents read to them, played math games, and supplement or because they are bright or gifted, need to be challenged at school. Asking a Teacher to teach kids who are SPED, kids who are struggling, kids who are on grade level, and kids who are advanced when they have 25-30 kids in the classroom is inefficient. The kids who are advanced end up in reading groups/math groups that work solo and seldom work with the Teacher. Their needs are not met because they are going to pass exams and advance to the next grade with little help.

We wouldn't think of cutting SPED classes because the kids need those services, why would we cut AAP when there are kids who need those services. Or should we allow kids who are ahead of their classmates to be bored in a classroom and receive little instruction that challenges them?

Kids have options in Middle School and High School so that they can take classes that are more challenging while others take a class that is less in depth because that is a good fit for them. Elementary School kids do not have that choice. Why should kids who are ahead or advanced have to wait for Middle School be able to take classes that are interesting and challenging for them?

then make aap a choice. Problem solved, no more complaint about admissions or appeals, no more bemoaning a lack of minorities. If a kid and their family want it, they request it and get it

DP. But that’s pretty much the process now. You can appeal every year. If you’re not getting in it’s because your kid really doesn’t belong in the program. Which is fine. Relax, you can push them to succeed in their gen Ed class. If they are far ahead in gen ed they’ll make it into level 4. If not, what is your problem exactly?

You really think that???? I guess AAP parents have to convince themselves the only reason their kids got in vs kids with same or better stats is bc their kid belonged in AAP. Child please. I have a kid in AAP and even I know the system is rigged.

Rigged how? Are there marginal cases where a kid didn’t get in that probably could keep up, sure. And vice versa. Appeal. Everyone I know who has appealed gets in! The only people I know who complain about AAP are parents whose kids are not ahead, and would not do well in an accelerated class—they’re not doing well in a regularly paced class! The reason the pace is faster is because the kids can keep up. Now, if you’re saying that’s not the case, that the kids aren’t actually more capable of a faster pace, then they wouldn’t actually be moving as fast as they do. It’s the peer group that makes the program work. If everyone was in, it’s be exactly the same pace as general Ed and exactly as inadequate for the 20% or so of kids who need a faster pace to stay engaged in learning. Ans yeah, my kid is one of those. You’re kid might have been fine in gen Ed, but maybe that’s because they are one of the marginal cases.

What are you blabbering about PP? Your post makes no sense.

This post makes sense to me. I’ll add for us that it’s the pace and the people — when your kid is in the percentage that truly needs it, trust me, it’s not a brag. There are usually some deficits that come along with a super high IQ and oftentimes it’s in the social realm. AAP has been a game-changer academically and socially for my child and quite a few others I know. My child’s needs are finally being met in the classroom in an environment where he’s accepted and appreciated by teacher and peers. That wasn’t the case in GE.

Yes no is arguing that AAP isn’t needed but rather that who gets in is quite arbitrary at times. There are nerdy type kids in gen ed who suffer as a result.

Actually, there are a few ppl arguing on this thread that AAP should either be eliminated or opened up to all.

The irony is that there are multiple posts on this forum where they are also fighting about schools making Honors and IB for all.

That doesn’t make sense because all kids are able to take honors, AP, and IB classes.

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:I have a friend who has one child in AP. Their second child did not get in. It is absolutely crushing the family. The second child’s entire core of self-esteem and confidence has been obliterated and now they will be attending a different school than their sibling so it’s rubbed in on a daily basis. It’s really heartbreaking and makes me reconsider even desiring AAP in case it should it be some thing that only one of my kids got into.

That is on the family for not handling the situation well and putting way too much emphasis on a specific program. Neither kids identity should be determined based on being in a specific academic program, especially in ES. There was no reason to ever tell the first one that the program made them special, only that it met their academic needs. There is no reason the the second to feel lesser because they have different needs.

This exactly. My child knew nothing about the committee process or admissions. He knows he’s in AAP bc he learns differently than some peers but it doesn’t make him special or better than anyone else. Have we now surrendered all parental responsibility in framing the narrative of such things for our children?

Of course not. You can frame it any way you like. But once those kids are at school - especially center schools, where there are as many AAP as GE classes - and the kids will take care of the rest. You’re kidding yourself to think otherwise.
DP

I’m not “kidding myself” as my kids are at a particularly cut-throat center elementary as our base school. My child still doesn’t think he’s more special or better than anyone in GE and he has plenty of friends who aren’t in AAP. I’m sure there probably are kids who talk this way but i can guarantee it comes directly from their parents — so stop blaming centers for killing self-esteem, start looking in the mirror, and spend a little extra time on the message you’re sending as parents (I’m saying this in general terms, I make no assumptions in regards to the messaging you use w your kids). Perhaps FCPS should offer a parent primer during the AAP informational sessions on not being an a-hole.

Perhaps, but that will do nothing when it comes to the kids who always have and always will know who’s in the “advanced” classes and who isn’t. This is human nature. If AAP is going to continue, then perhaps the centers need to be *only* AAP kids -like TJ. Gen Ed kids deserve to enjoy school without being considered second class citizens by their peers (and by many teachers).

That chip on your shoulder must be really annoying. What you’re describing is completely over the top and hysterical. Please tell me specifically how your child is treated like a second class citizen because they aren’t in the level 4 program at your center. Also, maybe work on getting your kid to accept that there will always be people that are ahead of them in some things—in this case, academics. And sometimes those people are pricks. Why is this taboo for kids to understand? Rude awakening if the first place they learn it is college.

But most kids in AAP are not that ahead of students in gen ed except for a select few. You seem defensive. Not PP but it absolutely does happen. Why do AAP parents not get this? If AAP was a TRUE GT program where few really smart kids got in, I don’t think there would be this division.

DP. This really depends on your base school. Most of the people posting on here probably don't have base schools with GS ratings under 4, and it shows. If your kid is 1-2 grade levels ahead in reading and math and 20-30% of the class is 1-2 grade levels behind, you better be prepared to do a lot of supplementing at home if they don't get into AAP.

So would you say a Gen Ed kid will be well served at, say, a GS 8 school? We have to decide whether to bring our son back from private for third grade in 2022. I’m pretty sure he’d be Gen Ed. I would hate to pull him from private only to find that he’s basically being ignored at public. All indicators thus far are that he is completely average/on track — not below grade level but not above.

PP here. I meant to say that our zoned ES is an AAP center.

I think you’ll get a more accurate answer to this question if you ask about the specific school by name. At our center school, the parents of kids in the GE program seem happy overall.

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a friend who has one child in AP. Their second child did not get in. It is absolutely crushing the family. The second child’s entire core of self-esteem and confidence has been obliterated and now they will be attending a different school than their sibling so it’s rubbed in on a daily basis. It’s really heartbreaking and makes me reconsider even desiring AAP in case it should it be some thing that only one of my kids got into.

That is on the family for not handling the situation well and putting way too much emphasis on a specific program. Neither kids identity should be determined based on being in a specific academic program, especially in ES. There was no reason to ever tell the first one that the program made them special, only that it met their academic needs. There is no reason the the second to feel lesser because they have different needs.

This exactly. My child knew nothing about the committee process or admissions. He knows he’s in AAP bc he learns differently than some peers but it doesn’t make him special or better than anyone else. Have we now surrendered all parental responsibility in framing the narrative of such things for our children?

Of course not. You can frame it any way you like. But once those kids are at school - especially center schools, where there are as many AAP as GE classes - and the kids will take care of the rest. You’re kidding yourself to think otherwise.
DP

I’m not “kidding myself” as my kids are at a particularly cut-throat center elementary as our base school. My child still doesn’t think he’s more special or better than anyone in GE and he has plenty of friends who aren’t in AAP. I’m sure there probably are kids who talk this way but i can guarantee it comes directly from their parents — so stop blaming centers for killing self-esteem, start looking in the mirror, and spend a little extra time on the message you’re sending as parents (I’m saying this in general terms, I make no assumptions in regards to the messaging you use w your kids). Perhaps FCPS should offer a parent primer during the AAP informational sessions on not being an a-hole.

Perhaps, but that will do nothing when it comes to the kids who always have and always will know who’s in the “advanced” classes and who isn’t. This is human nature. If AAP is going to continue, then perhaps the centers need to be *only* AAP kids -like TJ. Gen Ed kids deserve to enjoy school without being considered second class citizens by their peers (and by many teachers).

That chip on your shoulder must be really annoying. What you’re describing is completely over the top and hysterical. Please tell me specifically how your child is treated like a second class citizen because they aren’t in the level 4 program at your center. Also, maybe work on getting your kid to accept that there will always be people that are ahead of them in some things—in this case, academics. And sometimes those people are pricks. Why is this taboo for kids to understand? Rude awakening if the first place they learn it is college.

But most kids in AAP are not that ahead of students in gen ed except for a select few. You seem defensive. Not PP but it absolutely does happen. Why do AAP parents not get this? If AAP was a TRUE GT program where few really smart kids got in, I don’t think there would be this division.

DP. This really depends on your base school. Most of the people posting on here probably don't have base schools with GS ratings under 4, and it shows. If your kid is 1-2 grade levels ahead in reading and math and 20-30% of the class is 1-2 grade levels behind, you better be prepared to do a lot of supplementing at home if they don't get into AAP.

So would you say a Gen Ed kid will be well served at, say, a GS 8 school? We have to decide whether to bring our son back from private for third grade in 2022. I’m pretty sure he’d be Gen Ed. I would hate to pull him from private only to find that he’s basically being ignored at public. All indicators thus far are that he is completely average/on track — not below grade level but not above.

PP here. I meant to say that our zoned ES is an AAP center.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a friend who has one child in AP. Their second child did not get in. It is absolutely crushing the family. The second child’s entire core of self-esteem and confidence has been obliterated and now they will be attending a different school than their sibling so it’s rubbed in on a daily basis. It’s really heartbreaking and makes me reconsider even desiring AAP in case it should it be some thing that only one of my kids got into.

That is on the family for not handling the situation well and putting way too much emphasis on a specific program. Neither kids identity should be determined based on being in a specific academic program, especially in ES. There was no reason to ever tell the first one that the program made them special, only that it met their academic needs. There is no reason the the second to feel lesser because they have different needs.

This exactly. My child knew nothing about the committee process or admissions. He knows he’s in AAP bc he learns differently than some peers but it doesn’t make him special or better than anyone else. Have we now surrendered all parental responsibility in framing the narrative of such things for our children?

Of course not. You can frame it any way you like. But once those kids are at school - especially center schools, where there are as many AAP as GE classes - and the kids will take care of the rest. You’re kidding yourself to think otherwise.
DP

I’m not “kidding myself” as my kids are at a particularly cut-throat center elementary as our base school. My child still doesn’t think he’s more special or better than anyone in GE and he has plenty of friends who aren’t in AAP. I’m sure there probably are kids who talk this way but i can guarantee it comes directly from their parents — so stop blaming centers for killing self-esteem, start looking in the mirror, and spend a little extra time on the message you’re sending as parents (I’m saying this in general terms, I make no assumptions in regards to the messaging you use w your kids). Perhaps FCPS should offer a parent primer during the AAP informational sessions on not being an a-hole.

Perhaps, but that will do nothing when it comes to the kids who always have and always will know who’s in the “advanced” classes and who isn’t. This is human nature. If AAP is going to continue, then perhaps the centers need to be *only* AAP kids -like TJ. Gen Ed kids deserve to enjoy school without being considered second class citizens by their peers (and by many teachers).

That chip on your shoulder must be really annoying. What you’re describing is completely over the top and hysterical. Please tell me specifically how your child is treated like a second class citizen because they aren’t in the level 4 program at your center. Also, maybe work on getting your kid to accept that there will always be people that are ahead of them in some things—in this case, academics. And sometimes those people are pricks. Why is this taboo for kids to understand? Rude awakening if the first place they learn it is college.

But most kids in AAP are not that ahead of students in gen ed except for a select few. You seem defensive. Not PP but it absolutely does happen. Why do AAP parents not get this? If AAP was a TRUE GT program where few really smart kids got in, I don’t think there would be this division.

DP. This really depends on your base school. Most of the people posting on here probably don't have base schools with GS ratings under 4, and it shows. If your kid is 1-2 grade levels ahead in reading and math and 20-30% of the class is 1-2 grade levels behind, you better be prepared to do a lot of supplementing at home if they don't get into AAP.

So would you say a Gen Ed kid will be well served at, say, a GS 8 school? We have to decide whether to bring our son back from private for third grade in 2022. I’m pretty sure he’d be Gen Ed. I would hate to pull him from private only to find that he’s basically being ignored at public. All indicators thus far are that he is completely average/on track — not below grade level but not above.

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:I have a friend who has one child in AP. Their second child did not get in. It is absolutely crushing the family. The second child’s entire core of self-esteem and confidence has been obliterated and now they will be attending a different school than their sibling so it’s rubbed in on a daily basis. It’s really heartbreaking and makes me reconsider even desiring AAP in case it should it be some thing that only one of my kids got into.

That is on the family for not handling the situation well and putting way too much emphasis on a specific program. Neither kids identity should be determined based on being in a specific academic program, especially in ES. There was no reason to ever tell the first one that the program made them special, only that it met their academic needs. There is no reason the the second to feel lesser because they have different needs.

This exactly. My child knew nothing about the committee process or admissions. He knows he’s in AAP bc he learns differently than some peers but it doesn’t make him special or better than anyone else. Have we now surrendered all parental responsibility in framing the narrative of such things for our children?

Of course not. You can frame it any way you like. But once those kids are at school - especially center schools, where there are as many AAP as GE classes - and the kids will take care of the rest. You’re kidding yourself to think otherwise.
DP

I’m not “kidding myself” as my kids are at a particularly cut-throat center elementary as our base school. My child still doesn’t think he’s more special or better than anyone in GE and he has plenty of friends who aren’t in AAP. I’m sure there probably are kids who talk this way but i can guarantee it comes directly from their parents — so stop blaming centers for killing self-esteem, start looking in the mirror, and spend a little extra time on the message you’re sending as parents (I’m saying this in general terms, I make no assumptions in regards to the messaging you use w your kids). Perhaps FCPS should offer a parent primer during the AAP informational sessions on not being an a-hole.

Perhaps, but that will do nothing when it comes to the kids who always have and always will know who’s in the “advanced” classes and who isn’t. This is human nature. If AAP is going to continue, then perhaps the centers need to be *only* AAP kids -like TJ. Gen Ed kids deserve to enjoy school without being considered second class citizens by their peers (and by many teachers).

That chip on your shoulder must be really annoying. What you’re describing is completely over the top and hysterical. Please tell me specifically how your child is treated like a second class citizen because they aren’t in the level 4 program at your center. Also, maybe work on getting your kid to accept that there will always be people that are ahead of them in some things—in this case, academics. And sometimes those people are pricks. Why is this taboo for kids to understand? Rude awakening if the first place they learn it is college.

But most kids in AAP are not that ahead of students in gen ed except for a select few. You seem defensive. Not PP but it absolutely does happen. Why do AAP parents not get this? If AAP was a TRUE GT program where few really smart kids got in, I don’t think there would be this division.

DP. This really depends on your base school. Most of the people posting on here probably don't have base schools with GS ratings under 4, and it shows. If your kid is 1-2 grade levels ahead in reading and math and 20-30% of the class is 1-2 grade levels behind, you better be prepared to do a lot of supplementing at home if they don't get into AAP.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a friend who has one child in AP. Their second child did not get in. It is absolutely crushing the family. The second child’s entire core of self-esteem and confidence has been obliterated and now they will be attending a different school than their sibling so it’s rubbed in on a daily basis. It’s really heartbreaking and makes me reconsider even desiring AAP in case it should it be some thing that only one of my kids got into.

That is on the family for not handling the situation well and putting way too much emphasis on a specific program. Neither kids identity should be determined based on being in a specific academic program, especially in ES. There was no reason to ever tell the first one that the program made them special, only that it met their academic needs. There is no reason the the second to feel lesser because they have different needs.

This exactly. My child knew nothing about the committee process or admissions. He knows he’s in AAP bc he learns differently than some peers but it doesn’t make him special or better than anyone else. Have we now surrendered all parental responsibility in framing the narrative of such things for our children?

Of course not. You can frame it any way you like. But once those kids are at school - especially center schools, where there are as many AAP as GE classes - and the kids will take care of the rest. You’re kidding yourself to think otherwise.
DP

I’m not “kidding myself” as my kids are at a particularly cut-throat center elementary as our base school. My child still doesn’t think he’s more special or better than anyone in GE and he has plenty of friends who aren’t in AAP. I’m sure there probably are kids who talk this way but i can guarantee it comes directly from their parents — so stop blaming centers for killing self-esteem, start looking in the mirror, and spend a little extra time on the message you’re sending as parents (I’m saying this in general terms, I make no assumptions in regards to the messaging you use w your kids). Perhaps FCPS should offer a parent primer during the AAP informational sessions on not being an a-hole.

Perhaps, but that will do nothing when it comes to the kids who always have and always will know who’s in the “advanced” classes and who isn’t. This is human nature. If AAP is going to continue, then perhaps the centers need to be *only* AAP kids -like TJ. Gen Ed kids deserve to enjoy school without being considered second class citizens by their peers (and by many teachers).

That chip on your shoulder must be really annoying. What you’re describing is completely over the top and hysterical. Please tell me specifically how your child is treated like a second class citizen because they aren’t in the level 4 program at your center. Also, maybe work on getting your kid to accept that there will always be people that are ahead of them in some things—in this case, academics. And sometimes those people are pricks. Why is this taboo for kids to understand? Rude awakening if the first place they learn it is college.

But most kids in AAP are not that ahead of students in gen ed except for a select few. You seem defensive. Not PP but it absolutely does happen. Why do AAP parents not get this? If AAP was a TRUE GT program where few really smart kids got in, I don’t think there would be this division.

That is simply untrue in my experience. Most of the kids are quite far ahead.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a friend who has one child in AP. Their second child did not get in. It is absolutely crushing the family. The second child’s entire core of self-esteem and confidence has been obliterated and now they will be attending a different school than their sibling so it’s rubbed in on a daily basis. It’s really heartbreaking and makes me reconsider even desiring AAP in case it should it be some thing that only one of my kids got into.

That is on the family for not handling the situation well and putting way too much emphasis on a specific program. Neither kids identity should be determined based on being in a specific academic program, especially in ES. There was no reason to ever tell the first one that the program made them special, only that it met their academic needs. There is no reason the the second to feel lesser because they have different needs.

This exactly. My child knew nothing about the committee process or admissions. He knows he’s in AAP bc he learns differently than some peers but it doesn’t make him special or better than anyone else. Have we now surrendered all parental responsibility in framing the narrative of such things for our children?

Of course not. You can frame it any way you like. But once those kids are at school - especially center schools, where there are as many AAP as GE classes - and the kids will take care of the rest. You’re kidding yourself to think otherwise.
DP

I’m not “kidding myself” as my kids are at a particularly cut-throat center elementary as our base school. My child still doesn’t think he’s more special or better than anyone in GE and he has plenty of friends who aren’t in AAP. I’m sure there probably are kids who talk this way but i can guarantee it comes directly from their parents — so stop blaming centers for killing self-esteem, start looking in the mirror, and spend a little extra time on the message you’re sending as parents (I’m saying this in general terms, I make no assumptions in regards to the messaging you use w your kids). Perhaps FCPS should offer a parent primer during the AAP informational sessions on not being an a-hole.

Perhaps, but that will do nothing when it comes to the kids who always have and always will know who’s in the “advanced” classes and who isn’t. This is human nature. If AAP is going to continue, then perhaps the centers need to be *only* AAP kids -like TJ. Gen Ed kids deserve to enjoy school without being considered second class citizens by their peers (and by many teachers).

That chip on your shoulder must be really annoying. What you’re describing is completely over the top and hysterical. Please tell me specifically how your child is treated like a second class citizen because they aren’t in the level 4 program at your center. Also, maybe work on getting your kid to accept that there will always be people that are ahead of them in some things—in this case, academics. And sometimes those people are pricks. Why is this taboo for kids to understand? Rude awakening if the first place they learn it is college.

But most kids in AAP are not that ahead of students in gen ed except for a select few. You seem defensive. Not PP but it absolutely does happen. Why do AAP parents not get this? If AAP was a TRUE GT program where few really smart kids got in, I don’t think there would be this division.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a friend who has one child in AP. Their second child did not get in. It is absolutely crushing the family. The second child’s entire core of self-esteem and confidence has been obliterated and now they will be attending a different school than their sibling so it’s rubbed in on a daily basis. It’s really heartbreaking and makes me reconsider even desiring AAP in case it should it be some thing that only one of my kids got into.

That is on the family for not handling the situation well and putting way too much emphasis on a specific program. Neither kids identity should be determined based on being in a specific academic program, especially in ES. There was no reason to ever tell the first one that the program made them special, only that it met their academic needs. There is no reason the the second to feel lesser because they have different needs.

This exactly. My child knew nothing about the committee process or admissions. He knows he’s in AAP bc he learns differently than some peers but it doesn’t make him special or better than anyone else. Have we now surrendered all parental responsibility in framing the narrative of such things for our children?

Of course not. You can frame it any way you like. But once those kids are at school - especially center schools, where there are as many AAP as GE classes - and the kids will take care of the rest. You’re kidding yourself to think otherwise.
DP

I’m not “kidding myself” as my kids are at a particularly cut-throat center elementary as our base school. My child still doesn’t think he’s more special or better than anyone in GE and he has plenty of friends who aren’t in AAP. I’m sure there probably are kids who talk this way but i can guarantee it comes directly from their parents — so stop blaming centers for killing self-esteem, start looking in the mirror, and spend a little extra time on the message you’re sending as parents (I’m saying this in general terms, I make no assumptions in regards to the messaging you use w your kids). Perhaps FCPS should offer a parent primer during the AAP informational sessions on not being an a-hole.

Perhaps, but that will do nothing when it comes to the kids who always have and always will know who’s in the “advanced” classes and who isn’t. This is human nature. If AAP is going to continue, then perhaps the centers need to be *only* AAP kids -like TJ. Gen Ed kids deserve to enjoy school without being considered second class citizens by their peers (and by many teachers).

That chip on your shoulder must be really annoying. What you’re describing is completely over the top and hysterical. Please tell me specifically how your child is treated like a second class citizen because they aren’t in the level 4 program at your center. Also, maybe work on getting your kid to accept that there will always be people that are ahead of them in some things—in this case, academics. And sometimes those people are pricks. Why is this taboo for kids to understand? Rude awakening if the first place they learn it is college.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a friend who has one child in AP. Their second child did not get in. It is absolutely crushing the family. The second child’s entire core of self-esteem and confidence has been obliterated and now they will be attending a different school than their sibling so it’s rubbed in on a daily basis. It’s really heartbreaking and makes me reconsider even desiring AAP in case it should it be some thing that only one of my kids got into.

That is on the family for not handling the situation well and putting way too much emphasis on a specific program. Neither kids identity should be determined based on being in a specific academic program, especially in ES. There was no reason to ever tell the first one that the program made them special, only that it met their academic needs. There is no reason the the second to feel lesser because they have different needs.

This exactly. My child knew nothing about the committee process or admissions. He knows he’s in AAP bc he learns differently than some peers but it doesn’t make him special or better than anyone else. Have we now surrendered all parental responsibility in framing the narrative of such things for our children?

Of course not. You can frame it any way you like. But once those kids are at school - especially center schools, where there are as many AAP as GE classes - and the kids will take care of the rest. You’re kidding yourself to think otherwise.
DP

I’m not “kidding myself” as my kids are at a particularly cut-throat center elementary as our base school. My child still doesn’t think he’s more special or better than anyone in GE and he has plenty of friends who aren’t in AAP. I’m sure there probably are kids who talk this way but i can guarantee it comes directly from their parents — so stop blaming centers for killing self-esteem, start looking in the mirror, and spend a little extra time on the message you’re sending as parents (I’m saying this in general terms, I make no assumptions in regards to the messaging you use w your kids). Perhaps FCPS should offer a parent primer during the AAP informational sessions on not being an a-hole.

Perhaps, but that will do nothing when it comes to the kids who always have and always will know who’s in the “advanced” classes and who isn’t. This is human nature. If AAP is going to continue, then perhaps the centers need to be *only* AAP kids -like TJ. Gen Ed kids deserve to enjoy school without being considered second class citizens by their peers (and by many teachers).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Because it divides the kids. It divides them socially. It divides them academically. It affect their friendships, and how they view themselves academically. In most cases, this division is based on rather infinitesimal differences. The students could be educated in the same classroom. And should be. NP here.

+1,000,000
There are rare cases - on both ends of the spectrum - where kids might need a special learning environment. The vast majority do not. Enough of this crazy segregation. Just improve the curriculum for ALL kids.

Guess what? The vast majority of kids are NOT in AAP. So there you go. It’s fine.

depending on the school, just under half are.

Yep. At center schools, it’s practically 50/50. Very divisive. And for no reason.

Teachers cannot provide the type of education that is needed to 4-5 groups of kids in their classroom. Kids who are advanced, whether that is because their parents read to them, played math games, and supplement or because they are bright or gifted, need to be challenged at school. Asking a Teacher to teach kids who are SPED, kids who are struggling, kids who are on grade level, and kids who are advanced when they have 25-30 kids in the classroom is inefficient. The kids who are advanced end up in reading groups/math groups that work solo and seldom work with the Teacher. Their needs are not met because they are going to pass exams and advance to the next grade with little help.

We wouldn't think of cutting SPED classes because the kids need those services, why would we cut AAP when there are kids who need those services. Or should we allow kids who are ahead of their classmates to be bored in a classroom and receive little instruction that challenges them?

Kids have options in Middle School and High School so that they can take classes that are more challenging while others take a class that is less in depth because that is a good fit for them. Elementary School kids do not have that choice. Why should kids who are ahead or advanced have to wait for Middle School be able to take classes that are interesting and challenging for them?

then make aap a choice. Problem solved, no more complaint about admissions or appeals, no more bemoaning a lack of minorities. If a kid and their family want it, they request it and get it

DP. But that’s pretty much the process now. You can appeal every year. If you’re not getting in it’s because your kid really doesn’t belong in the program. Which is fine. Relax, you can push them to succeed in their gen Ed class. If they are far ahead in gen ed they’ll make it into level 4. If not, what is your problem exactly?

You really think that???? I guess AAP parents have to convince themselves the only reason their kids got in vs kids with same or better stats is bc their kid belonged in AAP. Child please. I have a kid in AAP and even I know the system is rigged.

Rigged how? Are there marginal cases where a kid didn’t get in that probably could keep up, sure. And vice versa. Appeal. Everyone I know who has appealed gets in! The only people I know who complain about AAP are parents whose kids are not ahead, and would not do well in an accelerated class—they’re not doing well in a regularly paced class! The reason the pace is faster is because the kids can keep up. Now, if you’re saying that’s not the case, that the kids aren’t actually more capable of a faster pace, then they wouldn’t actually be moving as fast as they do. It’s the peer group that makes the program work. If everyone was in, it’s be exactly the same pace as general Ed and exactly as inadequate for the 20% or so of kids who need a faster pace to stay engaged in learning. Ans yeah, my kid is one of those. You’re kid might have been fine in gen Ed, but maybe that’s because they are one of the marginal cases.

What are you blabbering about PP? Your post makes no sense.

This post makes sense to me. I’ll add for us that it’s the pace and the people — when your kid is in the percentage that truly needs it, trust me, it’s not a brag. There are usually some deficits that come along with a super high IQ and oftentimes it’s in the social realm. AAP has been a game-changer academically and socially for my child and quite a few others I know. My child’s needs are finally being met in the classroom in an environment where he’s accepted and appreciated by teacher and peers. That wasn’t the case in GE.

Yes no is arguing that AAP isn’t needed but rather that who gets in is quite arbitrary at times. There are nerdy type kids in gen ed who suffer as a result.

Actually, there are a few ppl arguing on this thread that AAP should either be eliminated or opened up to all.

The irony is that there are multiple posts on this forum where they are also fighting about schools making Honors and IB for all.