tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post5857152773540866596..comments2024-02-28T22:24:07.299-08:00Comments on Community Forum for HCC (APP) in Seattle Schools: New Version of Policy Superintendent Procedure 2190SP Highly Capable Services & Advanced Learning ProgramAndrew Siegelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06830585083467140758noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-75762345480749156432015-11-24T21:02:34.622-08:002015-11-24T21:02:34.622-08:00In response to M.L.Y.K. Questioning Homeschooling,...In response to M.L.Y.K. Questioning Homeschooling,<br /><br />I am considering p/t homeschooling or afterschooling as the best possible solution to meet academic needs. You can read curriculum reviews on the Accelerated Learner Board on The Well-Trained Mind Forum and curriculum options on the Gifted Homeschoolers Forum.<br /><br />- NEParentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-9311353076318444172015-11-24T19:50:07.866-08:002015-11-24T19:50:07.866-08:00Is anyone else consider homeschooling in order to ...Is anyone else consider homeschooling in order to provide better for their child's needs? I am beginning to think this might be our best option but would be interested in other people's experience with gifted children and homeschooling and curriculum choices.<br /><br />-Questioning HomeschoolingM. L. Y. K.https://www.blogger.com/profile/13397806900406721186noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-59975334987152658062015-11-22T23:12:32.032-08:002015-11-22T23:12:32.032-08:00Does anyone know if there is a way for us parents ...Does anyone know if there is a way for us parents to comment on the proposed changes to the appeal process? <br /><br />I was under the impression the comment window was short and was only in November?<br /><br />SouthParentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-8058167583131908422015-11-15T21:13:52.314-08:002015-11-15T21:13:52.314-08:00I can’t figure out the Advanced Learning office. ...I can’t figure out the Advanced Learning office. I know they have well intentioned staff. And frequently they get it right. But I’ve also encountered many glaring mistakes and oversights and I can only imagine what additional work they create for themselves. For example once we had to submit an appeal to get them to correctly apply the eligibility rules to the test scores they sent us in the same letter. Once we found out the day before our child was to be tested after we sent emails and left messages that someone had to respond to. This year the policy seems to be “your testing date will be x, but if you don’t hear from us before then, then it’s not x and at some point we’ll let you know when it might be.” I can only imagine the additional number of parents trying to contact them.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-6438891680765099092015-11-12T22:18:51.927-08:002015-11-12T22:18:51.927-08:00No back then they never had 5000 test and not all ...No back then they never had 5000 test and not all kids had Saturday test. All my kids had test at school. And we only appealed our 2e kids reading test with an outside tester. Retested oldest cognitive scores and still 98+ percentile but their SBAC scores were not qualifying, high 80's... Strange as they have been in the program for 9years. Most have been because they were being tested on stuff they learned 2 years prior;-)<br /><br />These changes should be fought back as inequitable for FRL and 2e kids. <br /><br />Ugh Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-5659665704495384392015-11-12T17:21:54.598-08:002015-11-12T17:21:54.598-08:00Maybe it's only been an issue since Bob Vaughn...Maybe it's only been an issue since Bob Vaughn retired? He left in early 2013. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-36987205833557678982015-11-12T17:18:30.022-08:002015-11-12T17:18:30.022-08:002013 testing was a mess...2013 testing was a mess...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-68933279585027139982015-11-12T14:39:30.814-08:002015-11-12T14:39:30.814-08:00I agree. We never had trouble like this in 2011 or...I agree. We never had trouble like this in 2011 or 2012. We received our results on Feb 1 like clockwork.<br /><br />H.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-23491789630025812882015-11-12T13:47:26.986-08:002015-11-12T13:47:26.986-08:00We had kids tested in the falls of 2009, 2011 &...We had kids tested in the falls of 2009, 2011 & 2012, and I don't remember any problems. One (or two) of those years, we couldn't make the assigned Saturday date, so Advanced Learning scheduled a special test during a school day. Each year, the results were mailed when we had been told to expect them, at the end of January -- before Open Enrollment. (Hmm, or am I dreaming?)<br /><br />Does someone have the stats on the number of tests administered each year, for the past few years?CliffMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14459453643328967020noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-31897697582126786862015-11-12T13:14:34.111-08:002015-11-12T13:14:34.111-08:00As far as I know, testing is a mess every year. Th...As far as I know, testing is a mess every year. They just can't seem to figure it out.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-58066196281300579052015-11-12T11:38:31.786-08:002015-11-12T11:38:31.786-08:00Another thing that is not acceptable is the testin...Another thing that is not acceptable is the testing schedule. First, they establish Saturday testing dates months in advance and include very clear language that families must make every effort to keep their appointment on their assigned date(and in good faith, we set aside this date, otherwise we all know it will wreak havoc on the system and results won't be available until May). Then, they don't send out notices of testing times to the first set of schools (Oct 17th) until 11pm on Wednesday night (11/14). They belated realize that some/half/the majority? of their emails have been "blocked". Families that mysteriously did not receive their email because of this will be "rescheduled as soon as possible." The next week, they now realize they can't test everyone at all of these schools on the date they originally published. (They take the tone of c'mon, parents. We can only test 600 students on each date. Why are you expecting to be tested on the day we told you to reserve months ago???) They are unwilling to consider shifting schools to additional dates ahead of time because they have scheduled too many schools on each date. They tell families to simply wait until Wednesday to see if they are still testing on that date, and if not, then "please be patient" and "do not show up"). Further, if you are a squeaky wheel and email them after you've been passed over on your date, they will assign you a new date. However, they will not keep this new date even if you show that your email that says "your new date is X." <br /><br />You know, some kids get really anxious about this testing. They need to be prepared by their families at least a few days in advance, ya' know? I am getting really pissed off about the way AL is treating families and the standard they apparently hold themselves to. Saying that they are overwhelmed is not an excuse. I am disgusted.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-33664126487297141002015-11-12T11:27:25.267-08:002015-11-12T11:27:25.267-08:00This is completely wrong, to change testing criter...This is completely wrong, to change testing criteria in the middle of a testing sessions. It is sadly also what I have come to expect of SPS. Good policy implementation let alone customer service is unheard of.<br /><br />What do we have to do to get a year's notice out to the potential HCC community. Changing the game midstream is not acceptable.<br /><br />central parentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-68846947136539633542015-11-11T22:34:01.315-08:002015-11-11T22:34:01.315-08:00The Advanced Learning staff want to apply the chan...The Advanced Learning staff want to apply the changes to the current testing session.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-91247167602418959112015-11-11T22:31:46.441-08:002015-11-11T22:31:46.441-08:00Is this a change for 2016?
Is this a change for 2016?<br />muhhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07841682595015012741noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-59818543682744722412015-11-10T11:10:45.301-08:002015-11-10T11:10:45.301-08:00They have always used spring MAP scores from the p...They have always used spring MAP scores from the previous year.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-12811387342121767822015-11-09T22:56:07.472-08:002015-11-09T22:56:07.472-08:00Our child's school (I believe like most) now o...Our child's school (I believe like most) now only gives the MAP achievement tests in the Spring. Does anyone know how this will be handled for Advanced Learning qualification? For example, will they use the Spring kindergarten MAP scores for a child testing in first grade for eligibility in 2nd grade, which would be a heck of a lag? Or will the provide additional achievement testing for those passing the CogAT, or accept the upcoming Spring achievement tests scores?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-8005893603489059002015-11-09T22:16:10.051-08:002015-11-09T22:16:10.051-08:00The following provides an interesting discussion o...The following provides an interesting discussion on CogAT composite scores for talent identification:<br /><br />http://www.shakopee.k12.mn.us/cms/lib07/MN01909221/Centricity/Domain/1643/CogAt%20detailed%20description.pdfAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-89481983719488658352015-11-09T20:30:10.233-08:002015-11-09T20:30:10.233-08:00At least in the last 9 years it has never been 98s...At least in the last 9 years it has never been 98s on both subsections. Before the switch to CogAT 7 they required two 98's out of 3- either on both subsections or on the composite and one subsection. My high school aged child had to take it several times before we decided to switch her, and each time she received a 99 on one section, 97 on the other, and then a 99 composite.<br /><br />OldieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-9005160393020121552015-11-09T20:12:59.324-08:002015-11-09T20:12:59.324-08:00With regards to only requiring 1 CogAT composite, ...With regards to only requiring 1 CogAT composite, I think the change is actually negligible. Current policy is that students must receive two 98s, where those 98s could themselves be composite scores. I'm guessing its very difficult to receive a composite of 98 without an individual subtest scored at 98+, so by just requiring a composite 98 not much has changed.<br /><br />There was a time in years past when students had to receive individual 98s on the verbal and math. That I would agree was much more difficult. I believe that changed 2 years ago when they moved to CogAT version 7 and introduced the non-verbal subtest, but it may have been earlier.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-18877567171223187482015-11-09T17:03:41.161-08:002015-11-09T17:03:41.161-08:001:04 above, I agree with your second paragraph. We...1:04 above, I agree with your second paragraph. We successfully appealed in Bellevue, so it is untrue that Bellevue has a no appeal policy. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-12550210421746897782015-11-09T13:11:30.348-08:002015-11-09T13:11:30.348-08:00Years ago, our child did group testing on a Saturd...Years ago, our child did group testing on a Saturday morning. According to our child, the proctor did not clearly explain the sample questions on what was the CogAT. My child was pretty confused and the results reflected that. How did we know? We had qualifying scores from the previous year. We used those in an appeal. No private IQ testing required. This was back when students needed to requalify each year if they tested but did not enroll in a program. The revised appeals process would actually cover this situation, but we would be in position of needing private testing. Huh. Anyone expect increased reports of testing inconsistencies with the proposed changes?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-41455140612055015572015-11-09T13:04:26.182-08:002015-11-09T13:04:26.182-08:00Two points:
I am very concerned that this will ju...Two points:<br /><br />I am very concerned that this will just lead to more Cogat test prep. To me that's going to skew things toward privileged families much more than IQ testing does. I wouldn't even know how to prep for an IQ test and it would be obvious to the tester anway. Add to that the elimination of appeals for FRL...and the outcome could be the opposite of what they seek.<br /><br />Also, are we sure that appeals are really ruled out under most circumstances? Doesn't "specific circumstances related to the testing conditions may have impacted student performance" seem like it could actually be fairly broad? (Again, for privileged families who are savvy about navigating the requirements.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-50315838740384254532015-11-09T12:48:13.695-08:002015-11-09T12:48:13.695-08:00For those worried that the appeals process is only...For those worried that the appeals process is only letting in the lower-scoring kids, both of my APP kids got in on appeal, and they are both 99% on achievement and 99.7 and 99.9% on IQ. I would not be able to appeal the COGAT under the proposed changes, since neither was sick on testing day and no scoring mistakes were made. They were just squirmy 5-year olds who were easily distracted in the group testing. If we had kept them in their neighborhood school for 1st grade so we could try the test again the next year, everyone would have been miserable. Kindergarten was a disaster for both of them- they were bored to tears and were developing behavior problems. While not perfect, getting them into APP has had a hugely positive effect on them.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-64507476857210357552015-11-09T12:34:04.473-08:002015-11-09T12:34:04.473-08:00Done. I wasn't sure who exactly is on the Curr...Done. I wasn't sure who exactly is on the Curriculum and Instruction Committee, so I sent to Nyland, Tolley, Stephen Martin, and the board.<br /><br />Here's the text if anyone wants to borrow:<br /><br />Dear Curriculum and Instruction Committee,<br /><br />I'm writing to urge you NOT to revise the appeals process for Highly Capable Programs as described in the draft revision to Superintendent Procedures 2190SP: ("Appeals may be submitted only if specific circumstances related to the testing conditions may have impacted student performance OR if there is reason to believe there has been a misapplication/miscalculation of scores. Private test scores may be considered by the appeal committee only if relevant to the circumstances above, but are not required and do not replace District testing. Appeals submitted for any other reason will not be considered.")<br /><br />Eliminating the option to submit alternate (private) test scores will prevent the proper identification of many, many students who are in fact highly capable (and would benefit greatly from Advanced Learning services) but simply did not test well on their one given test opportunity. Perhaps a student was ill or the parent/guardian wasn't able to get him/her to the testing site on time that morning. Perhaps the student simply didn't test well in a chaotic, noisy group setting. This is particularly relevant when the students are young elementary grade children with little to no testing experience.<br /><br />Changing the appeals process as outlined above will not create better or more equitable access to the Advanced Learning program, nor will ensure that those deemed eligible for HCC are truly the most capable. Rather, it will simply limit HCC to students who happen to test well in group settings.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-92139999590058338382015-11-09T09:27:04.237-08:002015-11-09T09:27:04.237-08:00Email the members of the Curriculum and Instructio...Email the members of the Curriculum and Instruction Committee. They're meeting this afternoon and this is on the agenda.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com