Level IV referrals are due by February 3, 2011, so the screening pool must be known before that date...so the scores should be back in January.

I have an 8th grader in AAP and a 5th grader in general ed-- there is a tremendous difference in the curriculum, as far as pace, depth, working above grade level. The projects in AAP can be quite time-consuming, so if your child is not into doing research it may be more difficult. Also if your child needs constant reminders to finish homework, AAP will drive you crazy!

You can request evaluation for Level II (one subject) or Level III (2+ subjects) advanced work if you feel your child needs more challenge, but not full AAP (4 core subjects). If you miss the screening pool in 2nd grade you can retest once in FCPS, or do outside testing (like George Mason) until you get the best result you can. Also, anyone can take Honors classes in middle school if your child is ready.

Get to know your school's AAP resource teacher-- he/she will be your best advocate.

22:18, you're a Level IV teacher? Tell us, what about kids with high test scores that test into the pool, have decent but not stellar GBRS and DRA, get accepted by the committee in the first round, but frankly don't "process or synthesize information as quickly as their classmates"? I have a very bright abstract thinker who does not process quickly. My hope is that AAP will in fact be a better environment for her. Any thoughts?

To reiterate - we did not push her into the program; FCPS identified her as qualified by FCPS' own standards and review of DD's academic record.

Thank you for saying this!!!!

I wish I could tell you how many students are placed in my Level IV classroom who don't really need to be there. Their parents are squeaky wheels with the admin who pacifies the parent by placing the child in the AAP classroom. These students tend often to be frustrated and become very cognizant of the fact that they don't process or synthesize information as quickly as their classmates. Their self-esteem often takes a big hit. Hardly the goal of their parents. I'd like to reassure such parents that their chld can still become a neurosurgeon or astronaut without being in an AAP classrom. Stop pushing so hard.

Anonymous wrote:Wow, very informative! I've heard a few parents talk about how they "prep'd" kid over the summer for COGaT/Naggliari--we'd didn't know anything about this. Some are now telling us to start NOW preparing for an appeal and have kid test at George Mason. Please help--is this true??

See http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/555/83440.page#1293685
http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/555/83440.page#1293844
http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/555/83440.page#1293911