Anonymous wrote:I think that the teachers know which kids have a real need to be in AAP and which don't, so I do think it all works out in the end for both sets of kids.

+1

That's why AAP eligibility is based on a collection of factors -- not simply a test score from a single day.

Some people seem to honestly believe that prepping their children for this test simply teaches them to study and work hard to achieve success.
Others have a product or service to sell and want their customers to believe that prepping their children for this test simply teaches them to study and work hard to achieve success.
The idea that FCPS is trying to identify kids whose "needs cannot be met in a regular classroom" is one that these folks are simply unwilling to entertain. They see AAP as a prize to be won by getting a high score on a test rather than an educational setting for kids who are in need of it.
The FCPS view of the program is very different from the "preppers" view and I doubt that the "preppers" could be convinced that the program is different from what they think it is. As someone with a background in education, I think that the teachers know which kids have a real need to be in AAP and which don't, so I do think it all works out in the end for both sets of kids.

Thanks. However, it says nothing about not prepping. Rather it seems that FCPS is not endorsing any of the available materials. Just my spin on what is actually says. Seems that the no prepping argument is also just a spin on it.

Here it is:

How can I prepare my child to take the tests? Can I see sample questions or practice sheets?

Sample questions are practiced by students as part of the test preparation. Sample tests are not commercially available. The best test preparation is a good night's sleep and a healthy breakfast.

The FCPS website says something like "there are no commercial materials available to prepare for this test. Eat a good breakfast, get a good nights sleep."

Please show me the "official" message that implies or suggests no prepping. I am not being obnoxious, I am being serious.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm not saying that reviewing practice tests, etc is "cheating" (the more I think about it, I lean towards thinking that it is not), but do you think it would be beneficial -- or instead would look ridiculously and unverifiably self-serving and create a bad impression -- to note somewhere in the AAP application process that our child had zero preparation/exposure to sample questions?

I wouldn't advise doing that. If you feel that your child's score needs an explanation - like, a rough week or night before - or that your child is consistently a bad test taker - I might include a note like that if is true. But not a note denying prep - FCPS assumes no prep (at least that is the official message.)

I think a note denying prep would actually imply prep.
You know when a 3 year old comes up to you out of the blue and says "I didn't color on the wall"?
I think it may have the same effect.

Saying that you didn't prep indicates that you are fully aware that prep materials are available.

Anonymous wrote:I'm not saying that reviewing practice tests, etc is "cheating" (the more I think about it, I lean towards thinking that it is not), but do you think it would be beneficial -- or instead would look ridiculously and unverifiably self-serving and create a bad impression -- to note somewhere in the AAP application process that our child had zero preparation/exposure to sample questions?

I wouldn't advise doing that. If you feel that your child's score needs an explanation - like, a rough week or night before - or that your child is consistently a bad test taker - I might include a note like that if is true. But not a note denying prep - FCPS assumes no prep (at least that is the official message.)

I'm not saying that reviewing practice tests, etc is "cheating" (the more I think about it, I lean towards thinking that it is not), but do you think it would be beneficial -- or instead would look ridiculously and unverifiably self-serving and create a bad impression -- to note somewhere in the AAP application process that our child had zero preparation/exposure to sample questions?

Who knew that FCPS doesn't discourage prepping, but actually enables it? (Not that they encourage it either).

Guess all the hoopla about changing the tests to outsmart the cheaters was all a bunch of hogwash propagated by the DCUM anti-prepping zealots.

I would like to know how Mercer, unless they are working together with Riverside, is privy to the specific format of this "customized" test for FCPS. Mole? or open collaboration?

I would like to know how Mercer, unless they are working together with Riverside, is privy to the specific format of this "customized" test for FCPS. Mole? or open collaboration?

Anonymous wrote:It is not a law, but the recommendation based the goals of the test. There are lots of things that are unethical, but not violations of the law.
Prepping for an IQ test is one.

By prepping, I mean, getting sample tests, running through them repeatedly. It improves the performance on the test without improving the overall intelligence.

What about "bad test takers"?
Taking some practice tests will get them comfortable with the format so that they can demonstrate their ability.
Otherwise, they may be artificially limiting the performance on the test without actually having such a low intelligence.

It is not a law, but the recommendation based the goals of the test. There are lots of things that are unethical, but not violations of the law.
Prepping for an IQ test is one.

By prepping, I mean, getting sample tests, running through them repeatedly. It improves the performance on the test without improving the overall intelligence.

Show me the link that says prepping is a violation of state law. Then it will be cheating. I haven't seen anything that suggests such, though.