When will MCPS adopt an evidence-based early reading curriculum?

[Anonymous]

https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2021/12/13/incoming-schools-chancellor-david-banks-on-why-so-many-black-brown-students-arent-reaching-proficiency-theyre-teaching-wrong/

Bravo to the new School Chancellor in NYC for his leadership! When is MCPS going to step up? Our elementary reading scores are dismal and there are huge disparities—and we know that the curriculum the system uses is the wrong way to teach reading.

[Anonymous]

Yes. Every single classroom teacher I’ve met hates benchmark with a passion. Another example of terrible expensive decisions being made by the bloated, incompetent central office. Cut half of those jobs and redistribute $$ to teachers, paras, subs.

[Anonymous]

All the teachers I know hate Benchmark too, but unfortunately I think MCPS will stick with it to save face, they don't want to admit they chose the wrong curriculum. They stayed with 2.0 a ridiculously long time too.

But it's mind boggling that they continue to F this up over and over. I REALLY want to know if anyone in central office received a kickback for choosing Benchmark because there are no sensible reasons for selecting such a poor curriculum.

[Anonymous]

My kid went through 2.0 from beginning to end. I hated it, but she came out just fine. Your kids will too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kid went through 2.0 from beginning to end. I hated it, but she came out just fine. Your kids will too.

I wish this were true, but it's not fine.

The current pre-kindergarten through 5th grade MCPS reading curriculum, Benchmark Advance, is based on the "balanced literacy" approach which goes against decades of research on the science of reading. The program fails thousands of the county's students and leads to inequitable outcomes: 40% of Black and 28% of Hispanic MCPS 3rd graders read proficiently versus 69% of White MCPS 3rd graders.

If TN, DE and NC are doing this so can we.

https://www.seattletimes.com/education-lab/students-in-the-u-s-are-struggling-to-read-experts-share-what-they-know-can-help/

[Anonymous]

I read that MCOS paid for Benchmark only through the end of this year. Parents and teachers should be vocal about finding she evidence-based curriculum that will teach phonics. But I think there is no chance they will have a new curriculum by next year, unfortunately. Even with activism and pressure to move from Benchmark, it will be at least one more year.

[Anonymous]

Evidence is racist, so probably never.

[Anonymous]

I'm new to MoCo, and my kid is still in daycare (4). Where should I be expressing my concern regarding the lack of phonics-based instruction?

[Anonymous]

My DC (currently in 5th Grade) has been having Evidence based reading routinely as part of ELC program since 4th grade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DC (currently in 5th Grade) has been having Evidence based reading routinely as part of ELC program since 4th grade.

That’s only available at select schools. Most kids don’t have access to that curriculum.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DC (currently in 5th Grade) has been having Evidence based reading routinely as part of ELC program since 4th grade.

That’s only available at select schools. Most kids don’t have access to that curriculum.

One of the many ways that MCPS is inequitable in its offerings. All schools should offer the ELC to students who demonstrate a need for enrichment in ELA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm new to MoCo, and my kid is still in daycare (4). Where should I be expressing my concern regarding the lack of phonics-based instruction?

To the Board of Education and MCPS.

BOE:

[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
Hana_O'[e-mail]
Soon there will also be a new disrict 3 member, but he's not yet listed on the website

MCPS:

[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]

In addition to writing individual emails, you might ask for a meeting to discuss your concerns.

[Anonymous]

Not from MCPS but what is Benchmark? No phonics? How do you teach kids to read without it?

[Anonymous]

Any teachers or experts out there have a recommended alternative to benchmark?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not from MCPS but what is Benchmark? No phonics? How do you teach kids to read without it?

You don’t for many kids. Hence the terrible stats on number of kids actually at grade level. We are paying a private tutor. Some parents are able to teach their own kids. Some kids are able to get it despite the terrible curriculum.