Conway Advanced Academics
  • Gifted and Talented Program
    • Goals and Philosophy
    • Identification process
  • Advanced Placement
    • AP FAQ
    • Pre-AP
    • AP Exam Schedule
    • AP Scores/college Credit
    • AA Degree
    • Accelerated Math and Science
  • College Prep Programs
    • 7th Grade ACT Prep
    • Conway Junior High ACT Prep
    • ACT Summer Boost Prep
    • PSAT Prep
  • Parents
    • Student Event Calendar
    • Bright vs. Gifted
    • GT Characteristics
    • Pre-AP Indicators
  • District Web Site
  • Feedback
Gifted Parent Resource 
​AP Parent Resource

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FROM PARENTS 

Gifted Education Questions

We are moving  into Conway. How will my child's previous identification as a gifted student  be handled? 
Each school in the state of Arkansas  establishes procedures for the identification of gifted students and for the  delivery of services to those students,
consistent with the Arkansas  Department of Education Gifted and Talented Rules and Regulations. In order  to have your child assessed, you will need to
complete a referral. It would  be helpful if the information from the previous school was provided with the  referral. Your child's strengths and abilities may be assessed by an  identification committee, according to the Conway School District’s  procedures. For further information, contact the gifted and talented teacher  at your child’s school.


Why don't  gifted students have IEPs and other safeguards similar to special education students?
Federal law establishes policies and  procedures for special education, but gifted education policies and  procedures are established by state law. 
 
Why are  identification procedures and services different from district to district?
Arkansas law allows school districts to  establish gifted education policies and procedures according to the needs and  interests of the local district. Arkansas requires all districts to implement  both objective and subjective assessments, however; districts may choose to  the type of assessments applied during the identification process. 

What do I do  if I disagree with the decision of the identification committee?
Parents and school personnel may appeal  the decision of the committee by following the procedure established by the  district, usually by submitting a letter to the school gifted education  teacher.

 What is a cut-off  score? How are cut-off scores determined?
Eligibility decisions must be based on  multiple criteria which may include scores on valid and reliable tests or  assessments. Tests and other measures are ranked or scored according to the  procedures established by the districts committee. No single criterion shall  be used in determining students who qualify for, or are denied access to,  programs for the gifted.

What is AGATE?
AGATE is an  independent organization promoting excellence in education, particularly as  it relates to gifted and talented children and youth
in Arkansas.AGATE works to educate  its members and the Arkansas community as to the nature and needs of gifted  and talented children and youth, and to develop a community that recognizes,  nurtures, and rewards the fulfillment of the unique individual potential of  each child


 Advanced Placement Questions

What is the difference between Pre-AP classes and regular classes?
Regular Classes are designed to meet the Common Core Standards.Conway's Pre-AP program meets both College Board Standards and Common Core Standards. 
 
Why should a student enroll in  Pre-AP?
Enrolling in Pre-AP is based on  the belief that we can prepare every student for higher intellectual engagement  by starting the
development of skills and acquisition of knowledge as early  as possible. Pre-AP strategies and tools engage the students in active,  high-level learning,
thereby ensuring that every middle and high school  student develops the skills, habits of mind, and concepts they need to  succeed in
college.

Who can be in a Pre-AP class?
Any student with the guidance of a  parent, teacher and counselor can enter a Pre-AP course. Students are able to  enroll in
Pre AP with the understanding that the courses will contain rigor  and high expectations. It is encouraged that families review the “indicator  of success
checklist” when making decisions regarding Pre-AP enrollment. 
 
What if a student is struggling in  a Pre-AP class?
If at any time the student’s  performance is 69% or below for more than three consecutive weeks, the  teachers will conference
with the student and his parents to develop a plan  for academic improvement.

How does Pre-AP differ from AP?
Pre-AP courses are embedded with  strategies and College Board Standards that specifically target middle and junior high school students  providing knowledge, concepts, and skills needed to engage in a higher level  of learning that prepares them for the rigor of college level work. These  classes prepare a student for the rigorous coursework of AP. The AP program  offers college level instruction to the academically successful student while  in high school with the option of taking the advanced placement examination  to possibly qualify for college credit.

Who chooses a student’s courses  for Pre-AP?
The decision about placement  ultimately rests with the student and their parent. The school provides  powerful input through
teacher recommendation, counselor input and  communication regarding the challenges of the Pre-AP curriculum and information  about indicators of student success. It is strongly suggested that parents  and students review the Conway Pre-AP Indicators of Student Success and the  Making Wise Choices Checklist before enrolling in Pre-AP or AP courses.

 How does Pre-AP affect AP?
Since Pre-AP teacher’s  professional development explicitly supports the goal of college as an option  for every student, it is
important to have a recognized standard for  college-level academic work. Pre-AP is a strategic method used in classrooms,  by teachers who are highly trained to help all students reach their  potential. It will enhance the desire of those students who wish to pursue a  more rigorous course of study in AP
courses.

Are there any pre-requisites for  Pre-AP classes?
Conway Public Schools Pre-AP Program is an open enrollment program,
  but student, parent, and counselor input is imperative. Reviewing the Conway  Schools Pre-AP Indicators of Student Success is strongly recommended

Will a student have time for after  school activities if enrolled in Pre-AP courses?
As in any coursework where there  will be additional challenges, students who choose to enroll should be  prepared for the added academic rigor of the course. Reviewing the Making  Wise Choices Checklist will assist in questions regarding the scheduling and  the number of enrolled Pre-AP courses. 

What does open-enrollment mean?
Open enrollment refers to courses  open to any student who wishes to take on the additional challenge of this  rigorous
curriculum having met certain preliminary criteria. This statement  is based on the profound hope that all students can perform at rigorous  academic levels. The second premise upon which Pre-AP is based is the belief  that we can prepare every student for higher intellectual engagement by  starting the development of skills and acquisition of knowledge as early as  possible.

Thank you for visiting our site. 
For questions, contact
Sally Stuart, GT/AP Supervisor
​stuarts@conwayschools.net