Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: It seems to me that if so many children get in, either initially or on appeal, to create a class that is larger than the equivalent non_AAP class, then there is either something wrong with the selection system, or there is something wrong with the regular curriculum.

According to the presentation (see link below) provided to the School Board in April 2012, 18% of students in grades 3 - 8 are in centers. 18% is not "larger than the equivalent non-AAP class."

http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/files/8TBMUR5C7D68/$file/APR16%20-pptforSBworksessionHIGHRESOLUTION_weblink.pdf

Anonymous wrote: It seems to me that if so many children get in, either initially or on appeal, to create a class that is larger than the equivalent non_AAP class, then there is either something wrong with the selection system, or there is something wrong with the regular curriculum.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

ever notice how the people who complain about the preaching have not so bright kids?

No I have not noticed that but I'll bet that their kids are smarter than you... I'll take that bet any day.

My point is the parents who complain have children who didn't make the cut. I understand a little disappointment but then they need to get over it. Especially if their kids knew they were in the pool. It's up to the parents to teach their kids to press on through life's challenges with their head held high. Not take every opportunity to complain about the process and make accusations about prepping regarding the kids who got in.

AAP wasn't so bad when they were applying, suddenly it's the worst thing ever when they don't get it.

Anonymous wrote:

ever notice how the people who complain about the preaching have not so bright kids?

No I have not noticed that but I'll bet that their kids are smarter than you... I'll take that bet any day.

ever notice how the people who complain about the preaching have not so bright kids?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You know, I have a theory that the people most annoyed by the appeals are the people whose kids were on the cusp and who need to feel validated that their kids are smarter than the average bear.

I think those of us who have kids who really need this type of program are happy that our kids are finally in a place where they can move at a level that is closer to their abilities. We don't care who else is in there because our kids are in the right place for them.

My kid almost hit the ceiling on his test. When I picked my kid up from his test he told me he missed 3 questions (and his scores confirmed this). One of the questions he figured out in the car on the way home. He can be really great and normal, or really really quirky, depending on his peers. Most of the crazy smart kids I know are like that too. I prefer having a slightly broader peer group to help normalize his school experience. Who cares how the other kids got there. If they worked their asses off prepping, good for them. They will probably pass my crazy smart kid in grades because they know how to work. My kid does not need to work to learn, which is a bad thing. Luckily, some of that borderline kid work ethic is starting to rub off on him.

Just worry about your own kids and don't stress about how others got there.

anyone else notice that the people who preach on these posts can't seem to do it without telling us what a genius their kid is?

Sorry, but OP's complaint centered on the fact that having larger class sizes due to the "undeserving appeals" kids was hurting her child. Those of us who have kids who are doing very well in the large classes and who could care less who got in on appeal and who didn't are just pointing out that maybe her kid isn't as bright as she thinks. I imagine she would be livid at the thought of an appeals kid doing well in AAP (and I'm sure there are many who do).

ever notice how the people who complain about the preaching have not so bright kids?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You know, I have a theory that the people most annoyed by the appeals are the people whose kids were on the cusp and who need to feel validated that their kids are smarter than the average bear.

I think those of us who have kids who really need this type of program are happy that our kids are finally in a place where they can move at a level that is closer to their abilities. We don't care who else is in there because our kids are in the right place for them.

My kid almost hit the ceiling on his test. When I picked my kid up from his test he told me he missed 3 questions (and his scores confirmed this). One of the questions he figured out in the car on the way home. He can be really great and normal, or really really quirky, depending on his peers. Most of the crazy smart kids I know are like that too. I prefer having a slightly broader peer group to help normalize his school experience. Who cares how the other kids got there. If they worked their asses off prepping, good for them. They will probably pass my crazy smart kid in grades because they know how to work. My kid does not need to work to learn, which is a bad thing. Luckily, some of that borderline kid work ethic is starting to rub off on him.

Just worry about your own kids and don't stress about how others got there.

anyone else notice that the people who preach on these posts can't seem to do it without telling us what a genius their kid is?

Anonymous wrote:You know, I have a theory that the people most annoyed by the appeals are the people whose kids were on the cusp and who need to feel validated that their kids are smarter than the average bear.

I think those of us who have kids who really need this type of program are happy that our kids are finally in a place where they can move at a level that is closer to their abilities. We don't care who else is in there because our kids are in the right place for them.

My kid almost hit the ceiling on his test. When I picked my kid up from his test he told me he missed 3 questions (and his scores confirmed this). One of the questions he figured out in the car on the way home. He can be really great and normal, or really really quirky, depending on his peers. Most of the crazy smart kids I know are like that too. I prefer having a slightly broader peer group to help normalize his school experience. Who cares how the other kids got there. If they worked their asses off prepping, good for them. They will probably pass my crazy smart kid in grades because they know how to work. My kid does not need to work to learn, which is a bad thing. Luckily, some of that borderline kid work ethic is starting to rub off on him.

Just worry about your own kids and don't stress about how others got there.

Anonymous wrote:

Just worry about your own kids and don't stress about how others got there.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You really need to get over yourself. Really gifted kids do just fine in large classes because they are little sponges who crave learning and will find a way to acquire knowledge in any circumstances.
While some people may be pushing the envelope to the detriment of their kid, others should absolutely appeal if they feel their child's ability isn't reflected in the original package.
If your child is "suffering", maybe he/she doesn't belong in AAP.
It's the mission of the schools to fairly educate EVERYBODY.

signed,

mom of AAP kid who got in on the first round without us lifting a finger and who is excelling in a large class.

LOL! Know many gifted kids? ADHD gifted kids? Gifted kids with emotional problems? (The smartest child I ever taught couldn't handle the large class sizes in AAP and was eventually home-schooled.) IME, the brighter the child, the less conventional & typical is his/her behavior. You can't generalize about "all" gifted kids.