Another article about the magnet programs in Washington Post

[Anonymous]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/maryland-school-district-examines-racial-disparities-in-its-gifted-programs/2016/03/21/1caacdf6-eb88-11e5-b0fd-073d5930a7b7_story.html

How is it that people don't know about these programs? I got something in the mail and ConnectEd multiple calls / emails.

[Anonymous]

^ If they implement, this will be the beginning of the end for the MoCo magnets as we know it.

[Anonymous]

Ending sibling preference is fine..but should the gifted programs accept everyone who applies? Should they end in the name of racial equality?

[Anonymous]

^ it will be more like college app process. They will "broaden" the definition of "gifted" or "magnet" and use "holistic" admission process to ensure racial diversity.

[Anonymous]

This whole thing makes me so angry. And makes me mad that it makes me feel racist. There are some great comments on the post site in response to the article.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:^ If they implement, this will be the beginning of the end for the MoCo magnets as we know it.

In what way does broadening the base of applicants spell the end of application-only magnets?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This whole thing makes me so angry. And makes me mad that it makes me feel racist. There are some great comments on the post site in response to the article.

What makes you angry? What makes you feel racist? And why does it make you feel racist?

[Anonymous]

Here is a link to the actual report:

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/info/choice/ChoiceStudyReport-Version2-20160307.pdf

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^ If they implement, this will be the beginning of the end for the MoCo magnets as we know it.

In what way does broadening the base of applicants spell the end of application-only magnets?

It's not about broadening the base of applicants. The end goal here is to bring race into the selection process.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^ If they implement, this will be the beginning of the end for the MoCo magnets as we know it.

In what way does broadening the base of applicants spell the end of application-only magnets?

It's not about broadening the base of applicants. The end goal here is to bring race into the selection process.

That's interesting, because what the actual report actually says is that it's about broadening the base of applicants.

Also, it's illegal to bring race into the selection process.

[Anonymous]

Hmm, maybe if MCPS made the HGC/Magnet process less opaque I could offer an educated comment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^ If they implement, this will be the beginning of the end for the MoCo magnets as we know it.

In what way does broadening the base of applicants spell the end of application-only magnets?

It's not about broadening the base of applicants. The end goal here is to bring race into the selection process.

That's interesting, because what the actual report actually says is that it's about broadening the base of applicants.

Also, it's illegal to bring race into the selection process.

Not if you call it "holistic" admission process.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
What makes you angry? What makes you feel racist? And why does it make you feel racist?

Makes me angry that they would even remotely consider getting rid of these programs or changing them to admit a less qualified but more racially diverse set of students.

There seems to be an implication that the current system is racist. So if I support the current system I am racist.

There are many reasons these programs are not racially diverse. Nothing will be solved by gutting these programs. Kids that truly need these programs and are thriving in them will be the ones hurt in the process.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hmm, maybe if MCPS made the HGC/Magnet process less opaque I could offer an educated comment.

If MCPS made the HGC/application magnet process less opaque, then there would be even more in-the-know people trying to game the system even more, which would further exclude people who are not in the know. So I think that the opaqueness serves a socially-beneficial purpose here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hmm, maybe if MCPS made the HGC/Magnet process less opaque I could offer an educated comment.

If MCPS made the HGC/application magnet process less opaque, then there would be even more in-the-know people trying to game the system even more, which would further exclude people who are not in the know. So I think that the opaqueness serves a socially-beneficial purpose here.

+1 And it's the wealthier parents that will game the system, buy some test prep book, put them in Dr. Li's class, etc..