Anonymous
Post 01/10/2014 14:31     Subject: Re:Underwhelmed by AAP
Anonymous wrote:
OP here: I'm questioning my decision to send my child to the AAP center for a number of reasons. Unfortunately, I don't have a crystal ball to see into the future, but right now I don't see much benefit. He misses his neighborhood friends and just doesn't seem happy. He's keeping up with the work, but grumbles a lot. He's also had to adjust to not being one of the smartest kids in his grade. Now he's just one of many smart kids. Instead of helping him grow, I think it's done some damage. To each his/her own, but I don't think AAP is all that parents are told it will be.


I have twins in a LLIV school in the AAP program. One of them was the constantly told by his 2nd grade teacher that he was the "smartest" in the class, the kid never studied for a test or practiced his spelling much and received 4s on everything. This year has been a rude awakening in 3rd grade AAP. He realizes he's not the "smartest" and that everyone in the class is equally or smarter than him including his sibling. He has had a rough time with it. I have talked to the teacher and she has worked with him specifically and continues to do so in order for him to adjust. One of his biggest challenges is that he doesn't like to show his work for math, he does it in his head and writes the answer down. The teacher demands he show his work and to him it's frustrating as he has already worked it in his head. So not all AAP kids are on the same track, and it's important to form a relationship with the teacher if one is really concerned about the education of their child. AAP kids have struggles and challenges as well and they should be addressed either by the teacher or with the appropriate administration. OP, if you are not satisfied, voice your concerns; and hopefully they will be heard and addressed. GL


Just wait until 7,8,9 grade he will have to study. Best to get those study skills started now.
Anonymous
Post 01/10/2014 14:27     Subject: Underwhelmed by AAP
Anonymous wrote:Having to "show your work" in math can be maddening to a child who can do it all quickly in her head.


Yes - but there is a reason for showing it.
Anonymous
Post 01/10/2014 14:25     Subject: Underwhelmed by AAP
Having to "show your work" in math can be maddening to a child who can do it all quickly in her head.
Anonymous
Post 01/10/2014 13:36     Subject: Re:Underwhelmed by AAP
I have twins in a LLIV school in the AAP program. One of them was the constantly told by his 2nd grade teacher that he was the "smartest" in the class, the kid never studied for a test or practiced his spelling much and received 4s on everything. This year has been a rude awakening in 3rd grade AAP. He realizes he's not the "smartest" and that everyone in the class is equally or smarter than him including his sibling. He has had a rough time with it. I have talked to the teacher and she has worked with him specifically and continues to do so in order for him to adjust. One of his biggest challenges is that he doesn't like to show his work for math, he does it in his head and writes the answer down. The teacher demands he show his work and to him it's frustrating as he has already worked it in his head. So not all AAP kids are on the same track, and it's important to form a relationship with the teacher if one is really concerned about the education of their child. AAP kids have struggles and challenges as well and they should be addressed either by the teacher or with the appropriate administration. OP, if you are not satisfied, voice your concerns; and hopefully they will be heard and addressed. GL


Hum...ever explained to him why he needs to show his work? Gen Ed makes them do that too!
Anonymous
Post 01/10/2014 13:27     Subject: Re:Underwhelmed by AAP
OP here: I'm questioning my decision to send my child to the AAP center for a number of reasons. Unfortunately, I don't have a crystal ball to see into the future, but right now I don't see much benefit. He misses his neighborhood friends and just doesn't seem happy. He's keeping up with the work, but grumbles a lot. He's also had to adjust to not being one of the smartest kids in his grade. Now he's just one of many smart kids. Instead of helping him grow, I think it's done some damage. To each his/her own, but I don't think AAP is all that parents are told it will be.


I have twins in a LLIV school in the AAP program. One of them was the constantly told by his 2nd grade teacher that he was the "smartest" in the class, the kid never studied for a test or practiced his spelling much and received 4s on everything. This year has been a rude awakening in 3rd grade AAP. He realizes he's not the "smartest" and that everyone in the class is equally or smarter than him including his sibling. He has had a rough time with it. I have talked to the teacher and she has worked with him specifically and continues to do so in order for him to adjust. One of his biggest challenges is that he doesn't like to show his work for math, he does it in his head and writes the answer down. The teacher demands he show his work and to him it's frustrating as he has already worked it in his head. So not all AAP kids are on the same track, and it's important to form a relationship with the teacher if one is really concerned about the education of their child. AAP kids have struggles and challenges as well and they should be addressed either by the teacher or with the appropriate administration. OP, if you are not satisfied, voice your concerns; and hopefully they will be heard and addressed. GL
Anonymous
Post 01/10/2014 12:57     Subject: Underwhelmed by AAP
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Tomorrow is the Iowa test, she's dreading it (she thinks it is silly to make students test into Algebra, she suggested making it open enrollment - no, she would opt not to enroll), but will probably ace it.


Yes, lots of kids do extremely well on the IAAT. Thankfully the more recently updated and more rigorous Math SOL tends to reduce the number of students that take Algebra in 7th grade.



Only if they are prepped in the AAP centers. Gen Ed does nothing to prepare students for the IAAT. In fact, IMO, they seem to "dumb" down their curriculum so students are not successful on this test.
Anonymous
Post 01/10/2014 12:53     Subject: Underwhelmed by AAP
Anonymous wrote:Thanks for all of the input. I should have added that my son also has an IEP for a disability, so although he is very bright he has issues that make his situation unique. His disability makes finding the right classroom placement tricky. Now that I think about it, my dissatisfaction may be due to the lack of special ed support at the AAP center. I know for sure that he got more assistance at his ol.


You need to talk to your school principle the AAP centers have an abundance of help for LD kids
Anonymous
Post 01/10/2014 12:49     Subject: Underwhelmed by AAP
Anonymous wrote:To the OP please be sure to work with your special ed and contact the county for their perspective to double check that the school is doing what they should. There should be change to make to help the student feel comfortable. When you have IEP issues you should always double check that people are doing what they are supposed to be doing. Good luck!


+1
Anonymous
Post 01/10/2014 12:38     Subject: Underwhelmed by AAP
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
I thought everyone gets an equal opportunity to get into AAP.


This is what they want you to believe. But majority of AAP students are the parents "kissing up"!

I like the suggestion of opting out of "center" schools. And agree the farther away from this silly ass program the better.

Didn't we send the first astronauts to the moon? No AAP then and besides AAP in elementary does not make one the next president you all are really misguided.
Anonymous
Post 01/10/2014 12:15     Subject: Underwhelmed by AAP
Could people kindly be more civilized on these boards. I mean how badly did you all feel when you learned this student is 2e after posting that the parent must have appealed? Jeepers people!

To the OP please be sure to work with your special ed and contact the county for their perspective to double check that the school is doing what they should. There should be change to make to help the student feel comfortable. When you have IEP issues you should always double check that people are doing what they are supposed to be doing. Good luck!
Anonymous
Post 01/09/2014 17:26     Subject: Underwhelmed by AAP
thanks PP. I am the poster whose kid was 'dreading' the IAAT. She was dreading it as we were under the assumption (dad, mom, and child) that if you do well you are placed (without a choice). glad to hear that is not the case - well, she will be glad.
Anonymous
Post 01/09/2014 08:16     Subject: Underwhelmed by AAP
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Tomorrow is the Iowa test, she's dreading it (she thinks it is silly to make students test into Algebra, she suggested making it open enrollment - no, she would opt not to enroll), but will probably ace it.


Yes, lots of kids do extremely well on the IAAT. Thankfully the more recently updated and more rigorous Math SOL tends to reduce the number of students that take Algebra in 7th grade.


This makes no sense to me. If she will ace it, why is she dreading it. And even if a kid gets a 99, they are not forced to take Algebra I in middle school. They can opt to take Math honors.


^ DC got a 98 on the Iowa test and we got a letter from the middle school saying DC would be placed on Algebra I honors unless we chose to not to. They gave the option of taking math honors.
Anonymous
Post 01/09/2014 08:00     Subject: Underwhelmed by AAP
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Tomorrow is the Iowa test, she's dreading it (she thinks it is silly to make students test into Algebra, she suggested making it open enrollment - no, she would opt not to enroll), but will probably ace it.


Yes, lots of kids do extremely well on the IAAT. Thankfully the more recently updated and more rigorous Math SOL tends to reduce the number of students that take Algebra in 7th grade.


This makes no sense to me. If she will ace it, why is she dreading it. And even if a kid gets a 99, they are not forced to take Algebra I in middle school. They can opt to take Math honors.
Anonymous
Post 01/09/2014 07:04     Subject: Underwhelmed by AAP
Anonymous wrote:Being the smartest isn't always all that it is cracked up to be. Our DD excels in all subject area and doesn't enjoy being at the top of her aap class. Tomorrow is the Iowa test, she's dreading it (she thinks it is silly to make students test into Algebra, she suggested making it open enrollment - no, she would opt not to enroll), but will probably ace it. She has already told us TJ is out of the question and she only wants to write or be an English teacher. We have asked that she reconsider this, as Math is her strong subject, as are puzzles and so too is writing. In the end, aap offers her a more well-rounded education when compared to Gen. ed. Point is let your child do what makes him/her happy, but still offer guidance. Don't live your life over through your children. Best of luck in your decision.



Well then by all means let's take this to the school board. Certainly an 11-year-old knows better than experienced teachers and administrators.

Your daughter might not want to take Algebra in 7th grade, but the amount of parents who would push their unqualified children to do just that minus a test would be detrimental to math education in the county. I can only imagine the gripes from parents of kids who can handle Algebra at that age when those who weren't ready started to slow the classes down.
Anonymous
Post 01/08/2014 21:21     Subject: Underwhelmed by AAP
Anonymous wrote:Tomorrow is the Iowa test, she's dreading it (she thinks it is silly to make students test into Algebra, she suggested making it open enrollment - no, she would opt not to enroll), but will probably ace it.


Yes, lots of kids do extremely well on the IAAT. Thankfully the more recently updated and more rigorous Math SOL tends to reduce the number of students that take Algebra in 7th grade.