Mike father of three Wrote:
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> As I understand it the home
> base school/Center issue will not be an issue in
> the future as all middle schools are establishing
> GT classes in base middle schools
BZZZZZT. Sorry, wrong answer. Try again next time. Thanks for playing!
http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=98VKD44E06CA
Summary of Program Review
Three guiding questions were used to review the Advanced Academic Program (AAP). Results of the review indicate that Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is providing an exemplary program for students with gifts and talents. The results for each guiding question are summarized below:
1. To what extent is FCPS' practice in the identified focus area aligned with best practices in the field of gifted education and comparable districts?
The FCPS AAP practice meets or exceeds all National Association for Gifted Children standards. The AAP meets or exceeds the requirements of the VDOE regulations. AAP meets or exceeds comparable local, state and national programs.
2. To what extent is FCPS' practice in the identified focus area perceived to be effective by relevant stakeholders?
Overwhelmingly, parents and students believe that AAP is positive, important, and effective. In fact, the students would like more opportunities with AAP, such as more in-depth study. Teachers and administrators perceive AAP to be an effective and positive experience for students, as well.
3. What are the FCPS strengths and areas for improvement in the identified focus area? What are the recommendations for improvement and potential expansion?
AAP has key strengths in each focus area. For Identification Procedures, the Young Scholars program is a model program supporting talent development of students from historically underserved populations so that their potential may be uncovered and later identified.
For Curriculum and Instruction, the plethora of research-based curricula developed by experts in the field, the consistent focus on critical thinking in classrooms, and the multiplicity of instructional strategies to support critical and creative thinking are strengths of this program as cited by stakeholders.
For Teacher Certification and Professional Development, parents, students, and administrators believe that teachers are effective and engaging students in critical thinking. In addition, the professional development courses are strong.
For Quality of Program Services, the multiplicity of options offered to students in the elementary and middle schools exceeds all comparisons. The areas for development or expansion that were identified are expected in a district the size and scope of FCPS.
Overall, AAP is a highly successful program that benefits students and families and serves as a national and global model for identifying and providing a multiplicity of services to learners with gifts and talents. FCPS is to be commended for this forward-thinking program, and deserves to be a source of pride for Fairfax County.