MCPS is ending math acceleration??

[Anonymous]

I don't have a problem with the idea of math camp, if the kids are into that and it's not just by invitation. I get tired of people proclaiming that it's not fair that some kids get an advantage from camps or extracurriculars. If math (or language, or art, or whatever) is a kid's thing and they want to do it over the summer, who is everybody else to decide? Why is there any concern about some child getting an unfair advantage from a summer program? Summer programs are available if your child needs extra assistance. They are offered on school property and the programs are run by MCPS teachers, even in buildings where they teach during the school year. That is all considered just fine and it appears that it's not difficult to get approval for such programs from MCPS. Those programs are generally paid for mostly by PTAs. They're open to all but schools often have a list of students they encourage to attend. If a child wants to get ahead though, that would be wrong. Double standard if you ask me.

[Anonymous]

The problem is that a camp is being offered only to invited children whose parents pay the school teacher directly for tutoring by the school teacher on school property. This violates MCPS rules on employee conflict of interest.

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I am a writer with Bethesda Magazine and I'm writing about the pros and cons of math acceleration in MCPS schools. I'd love to talk with parents about their children's experiences with acceleration. It seems like a number of parents end up hiring tutors or putting their kids in summer programs to fill gaps in basic skills or to prepare kids to move ahead. If you'd like to share your experiences, please contact Julie Rasicot at [e-mail] or 301-495-2823.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Haven't heard about that over here in the "red zone."

The red zone doesn't have a monopoly on benign neglect. We see plenty of it in our "green" zone school.