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.
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.