Anonymous
Post 06/13/2012 21:40     Subject: Re:Non-AAP parents, do other parents talk to you about AAP?
Anonymous wrote:The truth of the matter is too many kids are getting placed in the AAP Centers that are really not AAP material. I know of a Center that has students coming into the program who are reading two years below grade level and who are totally lost. This is to the detriment of those children who are "truly gifted." That is why the program no longer has the title "Gifted and Talented." Too many "average" students have parents who "think" their child is "gifted" and can't accept anything less. It is a very sad statement of too many parents in Fairfax County.


Are you a teacher? I'd really love to hear from an insider what they think of the AAP students generally in the last couple of years.
Anonymous
Post 06/13/2012 21:24     Subject: Re:Non-AAP parents, do other parents talk to you about AAP?
The truth of the matter is too many kids are getting placed in the AAP Centers that are really not AAP material. I know of a Center that has students coming into the program who are reading two years below grade level and who are totally lost. This is to the detriment of those children who are "truly gifted." That is why the program no longer has the title "Gifted and Talented." Too many "average" students have parents who "think" their child is "gifted" and can't accept anything less. It is a very sad statement of too many parents in Fairfax County.
Anonymous
Post 06/09/2012 06:50     Subject: Re:Non-AAP parents, do other parents talk to you about AAP?
Anonymous wrote:
Yet another reason to have advanced classes in all schools


My kid was at a school where there were 4 (FOUR) kids found Center-eligible in all the 2nd grade. Yes, even using that "AAP is not advanced anymore because 20% of the kids are found 'advanced'" method.

So are you suggesting that these 4 kids get to have their own teacher for the "advanced classes?" That might anger some of the parents that have 35 kids in a class with one teacher.

Might be a little more cost-effective to group these kids into a larger peer group, don't you think?
Anonymous
Post 06/08/2012 15:47     Subject: Re:Non-AAP parents, do other parents talk to you about AAP?

I think if a kid is pulling a C average in AAP, they should be sent back to Gen. Ed. Shows they really are not advanced; but the problem is nobody gets booted out for poor performance.


[list]What a concept! FCPS - I know you are reading this. If a child is not "cutting the mustard" why do you continue to allow them to be in accelerated classes? Yet another reason to have advanced classes in all schools and stop this random picking and choosing, prejudicial nonsense. Give all kids a shot at the top. If they don't make it they move out, if they improve they move back in. AAP should be based on performance and grades. Forget all the personality stuff. All kids are different and "smart" in their own ways. It doesn't mean they deserve a better education than another. Top 5% in the AAP Center - serve the rest at their base schools. Fairfax Public Schools - you should be ashamed of your education prejudice and IMO it is grounds for a class action. Nothing more than tracking gone really bad.
Anonymous
Post 06/08/2012 13:00     Subject: Re:Non-AAP parents, do other parents talk to you about AAP?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:


[list]Hate to sterotype but it seems to be the AAP boarderline kids parents who go "off the deep end". Maybe these parents should consider leaving their children to succeed on their "own potential" and not push them to fill their parents dreams of success.


So much division and judgement! By reading over this and similar threads, I see there is not only a division of the AAP and NON-AAP, but also of OBVIOUS AAP and "Borderline" AAP, preppers and non-preppers and the broadcasters of "my child is gifted!" and the non-broadcasters (except maybe anonymously on DCUM to get it out somewhere, bc they are bursting to tell SOMEONE how amazing their kids is.) Craziness. So many silly categories.

I wish all the kids could all just get what they need at their base school!

[list]+1 - it make no sense to constantly "adjust" the acceptance standards to accommodate more kids who could, and should, be served in their base schools. IMO, the only kids that should be in an AAP program are the kids who truly need "advanced academics" Maybe the top 5%. Not the top 20%! IMO, the top 20% is just a way of justifying the programs funding! What does this say about FCPS schools that they need to provide an AAP center to accomodate 20% of their students. Come on people this is a great injustice to the AAP and non- AAP children. Just the mere fact they must be divided in an unjustified way is bad enough. Not to mention how it is screwing up the base schools and the AAP centers.


After our 1st year at a center I don't think the base schools or the AAP centers are screwed up. DC liked school before and had friends, now is in a program that provides an education at a level more appropriate to where she is - and likes school more and has many new friends. The old friends at base school are fine too and learning and happy. All the kids seem fine, it is just adults like you who are upset, or worried about dividing kids up etc. And to OP, I NEVER bring up AAP, becuase I would never want someone to think I was 'bragging'. After the big 2nd grade decisions calm down, maybe your neighbors will calm down.


Great that your DC & friends have had a good experience. This is probably the norm, with the drama being with some outliers. But I agree that if 20% of the kids are deemed in "need" of a more challenging curriculum, shouldn't the goal be to provide said curriculum at the base schools? Twenty percent is a significant percentage of the student body. I can see how the top 1 to 5 percent might need a curriculum that is VERY advanced and how that would require moving kids around - but 20%???


I think if a kid is pulling a C average in AAP, they should be sent back to Gen. Ed. Shows they really are not advanced; but the problem is nobody gets booted out for poor performance.
Anonymous
Post 06/08/2012 11:53     Subject: Re:Non-AAP parents, do other parents talk to you about AAP?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:


[list]Hate to sterotype but it seems to be the AAP boarderline kids parents who go "off the deep end". Maybe these parents should consider leaving their children to succeed on their "own potential" and not push them to fill their parents dreams of success.


So much division and judgement! By reading over this and similar threads, I see there is not only a division of the AAP and NON-AAP, but also of OBVIOUS AAP and "Borderline" AAP, preppers and non-preppers and the broadcasters of "my child is gifted!" and the non-broadcasters (except maybe anonymously on DCUM to get it out somewhere, bc they are bursting to tell SOMEONE how amazing their kids is.) Craziness. So many silly categories.

I wish all the kids could all just get what they need at their base school!

[list]+1 - it make no sense to constantly "adjust" the acceptance standards to accommodate more kids who could, and should, be served in their base schools. IMO, the only kids that should be in an AAP program are the kids who truly need "advanced academics" Maybe the top 5%. Not the top 20%! IMO, the top 20% is just a way of justifying the programs funding! What does this say about FCPS schools that they need to provide an AAP center to accomodate 20% of their students. Come on people this is a great injustice to the AAP and non- AAP children. Just the mere fact they must be divided in an unjustified way is bad enough. Not to mention how it is screwing up the base schools and the AAP centers.


After our 1st year at a center I don't think the base schools or the AAP centers are screwed up. DC liked school before and had friends, now is in a program that provides an education at a level more appropriate to where she is - and likes school more and has many new friends. The old friends at base school are fine too and learning and happy. All the kids seem fine, it is just adults like you who are upset, or worried about dividing kids up etc. And to OP, I NEVER bring up AAP, becuase I would never want someone to think I was 'bragging'. After the big 2nd grade decisions calm down, maybe your neighbors will calm down.


Great that your DC & friends have had a good experience. This is probably the norm, with the drama being with some outliers. But I agree that if 20% of the kids are deemed in "need" of a more challenging curriculum, shouldn't the goal be to provide said curriculum at the base schools? Twenty percent is a significant percentage of the student body. I can see how the top 1 to 5 percent might need a curriculum that is VERY advanced and how that would require moving kids around - but 20%???
Anonymous
Post 06/07/2012 18:21     Subject: Re:Non-AAP parents, do other parents talk to you about AAP?
Anonymous wrote:Chesterbrook seems to get it right from what I've read with their local level IV program open to the entire 3-6 grade. Why isn't this replicated elsewhere?


It is not open to the entire 3-6 grade. The CURRICULUM is offered.

http://www.fcps.edu/ChesterbrookES/files/byline/January_2012_By_Line.pdf

The AAP curriculum follows the FCPS Program of Studies in the core subjects of reading, mathematics, social studies, and science and emphasizes critical and creative thinking, problem solving, and decision making to prepare our students for 21st century educational and career challenges. All Chesterbrook teachers will adjust their instruction of the AAP curriculum to meet your child’s individual learning needs and potential. Although we will be using the AAP curriculum, this does not connote Local Level IV AAP placement.
Anonymous
Post 06/07/2012 17:34     Subject: Re:Non-AAP parents, do other parents talk to you about AAP?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:


[list]Hate to sterotype but it seems to be the AAP boarderline kids parents who go "off the deep end". Maybe these parents should consider leaving their children to succeed on their "own potential" and not push them to fill their parents dreams of success.


So much division and judgement! By reading over this and similar threads, I see there is not only a division of the AAP and NON-AAP, but also of OBVIOUS AAP and "Borderline" AAP, preppers and non-preppers and the broadcasters of "my child is gifted!" and the non-broadcasters (except maybe anonymously on DCUM to get it out somewhere, bc they are bursting to tell SOMEONE how amazing their kids is.) Craziness. So many silly categories.

I wish all the kids could all just get what they need at their base school!

[list]+1 - it make no sense to constantly "adjust" the acceptance standards to accommodate more kids who could, and should, be served in their base schools. IMO, the only kids that should be in an AAP program are the kids who truly need "advanced academics" Maybe the top 5%. Not the top 20%! IMO, the top 20% is just a way of justifying the programs funding! What does this say about FCPS schools that they need to provide an AAP center to accomodate 20% of their students. Come on people this is a great injustice to the AAP and non- AAP children. Just the mere fact they must be divided in an unjustified way is bad enough. Not to mention how it is screwing up the base schools and the AAP centers.


After our 1st year at a center I don't think the base schools or the AAP centers are screwed up. DC liked school before and had friends, now is in a program that provides an education at a level more appropriate to where she is - and likes school more and has many new friends. The old friends at base school are fine too and learning and happy. All the kids seem fine, it is just adults like you who are upset, or worried about dividing kids up etc. And to OP, I NEVER bring up AAP, becuase I would never want someone to think I was 'bragging'. After the big 2nd grade decisions calm down, maybe your neighbors will calm down.
Anonymous
Post 06/07/2012 17:26     Subject: Re:Non-AAP parents, do other parents talk to you about AAP?
Chesterbrook seems to get it right from what I've read with their local level IV program open to the entire 3-6 grade. Why isn't this replicated elsewhere?
Anonymous
Post 06/07/2012 14:55     Subject: Re:Non-AAP parents, do other parents talk to you about AAP?
Anonymous wrote:


[list]Hate to sterotype but it seems to be the AAP boarderline kids parents who go "off the deep end". Maybe these parents should consider leaving their children to succeed on their "own potential" and not push them to fill their parents dreams of success.


So much division and judgement! By reading over this and similar threads, I see there is not only a division of the AAP and NON-AAP, but also of OBVIOUS AAP and "Borderline" AAP, preppers and non-preppers and the broadcasters of "my child is gifted!" and the non-broadcasters (except maybe anonymously on DCUM to get it out somewhere, bc they are bursting to tell SOMEONE how amazing their kids is.) Craziness. So many silly categories.

I wish all the kids could all just get what they need at their base school!

[list]+1 - it make no sense to constantly "adjust" the acceptance standards to accommodate more kids who could, and should, be served in their base schools. IMO, the only kids that should be in an AAP program are the kids who truly need "advanced academics" Maybe the top 5%. Not the top 20%! IMO, the top 20% is just a way of justifying the programs funding! What does this say about FCPS schools that they need to provide an AAP center to accomodate 20% of their students. Come on people this is a great injustice to the AAP and non- AAP children. Just the mere fact they must be divided in an unjustified way is bad enough. Not to mention how it is screwing up the base schools and the AAP centers.
Anonymous
Post 06/07/2012 12:32     Subject: Re:Non-AAP parents, do other parents talk to you about AAP?


[list]Hate to sterotype but it seems to be the AAP boarderline kids parents who go "off the deep end". Maybe these parents should consider leaving their children to succeed on their "own potential" and not push them to fill their parents dreams of success.


So much division and judgement! By reading over this and similar threads, I see there is not only a division of the AAP and NON-AAP, but also of OBVIOUS AAP and "Borderline" AAP, preppers and non-preppers and the broadcasters of "my child is gifted!" and the non-broadcasters (except maybe anonymously on DCUM to get it out somewhere, bc they are bursting to tell SOMEONE how amazing their kids is.) Craziness. So many silly categories.

I wish all the kids could all just get what they need at their base school!

Anonymous
Post 06/07/2012 10:44     Subject: Re:Non-AAP parents, do other parents talk to you about AAP?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:

LMAO! I'm so glad my child isn't in FCPS. I would hate to have to put so much effort into avoiding you all of the time.


What are you even doing on this thread??


Because I was addressed in the title: I am a non-AAP parent who constantly gets yakked at by AAP parents. Just because my kid doesn't go to FCPS doesn't mean I don't live in Fairfax County and doesn't mean I don't deal with this a lot.
Anonymous
Post 06/07/2012 10:41     Subject: Re:Non-AAP parents, do other parents talk to you about AAP?
Anonymous wrote:

LMAO! I'm so glad my child isn't in FCPS. I would hate to have to put so much effort into avoiding you all of the time.


What are you even doing on this thread??
Anonymous
Post 06/07/2012 09:47     Subject: Re:Non-AAP parents, do other parents talk to you about AAP?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:WHO FREAKING CARES!! Boasting is not a virtue and in my experience it will come back to bite you in the A_ _!


but there are reverse snobs too. Some parents stopped inviting DC over once DC got into AAP. Not our decisions, theirs. Sad for DC and us as we all liked the other kid. They just acted pissed.


[list]I have experienced the opposite - multiple times. Where a parent has set their sights on getting their child into the AAP program and allingned their children with "whom they believed" would be going to the AAP center, and, in the process, leaving "friends from birth" to deal with feeling rejected as a friend. Not having them over to play, pushing their child to play with only the "AAP" eligible, etc...etc... IN SECOND GRADE!!! Shame, shame!


I agree completely. Those people are assholes.
- An AAP parent.


[list]Hate to sterotype but it seems to be the AAP boarderline kids parents who go "off the deep end". Maybe these parents should consider leaving their children to succeed on their "own potential" and not push them to fill their parents dreams of success.
Anonymous
Post 06/07/2012 09:38     Subject: Re:Non-AAP parents, do other parents talk to you about AAP?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:WHO FREAKING CARES!! Boasting is not a virtue and in my experience it will come back to bite you in the A_ _!


but there are reverse snobs too. Some parents stopped inviting DC over once DC got into AAP. Not our decisions, theirs. Sad for DC and us as we all liked the other kid. They just acted pissed.


[list]I have experienced the opposite - multiple times. Where a parent has set their sights on getting their child into the AAP program and allingned their children with "whom they believed" would be going to the AAP center, and, in the process, leaving "friends from birth" to deal with feeling rejected as a friend. Not having them over to play, pushing their child to play with only the "AAP" eligible, etc...etc... IN SECOND GRADE!!! Shame, shame!


I agree completely. Those people are assholes.
- An AAP parent.