State set to keep MS math minutes requirement that will likely cut electives (but delaying it a year)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These naep proficiency percentages are unacceptable. Even 50% proficiency rate would be unacceptable.

We don't need foreign language to be taught in school. Families that want that can do it outside or school. We need much higher percentage of students proficient in math.

No. Students need a well-rounded education. Some kids just need a reason to go to school in the morning and math isn't usually the inspiration for that. It's classes that interest them which is why electives are so important including world languages. Parents need to do their part at home. I see so many complaints on this board like "school didn't teach my kids times tables, now they are failing. MCPS is the worst."

....when they could have easily helped by reinforcing and practicing at home. Parents USED to do this. Now they expect schools to do everything including raise them, feed them, deal with their social/emotional problems, etc.

No, they didn't.

I’ve been a teacher for 33 years. Yes, they absolutely did. Parents used to be much more involved in every aspect actually.

No, many of us try to be involved and most teachers refuse to return emails or work with parents. Its a rare few that actually do. If your kid is struggling too bad. They'd rather the kids fail than help. And, reaching out to admi is a joke as they never return emails or calls, refuse iep's/504's and when you actually get them after extensive outside testing and a huge fight its not followed. So, instead many of us quietly work with our kids at home and hire tutors.

IEP/504s used to not exist and are a huge part of the reason why *everyone* is working more now (parents and teachers) and why it feels so unsustainable. I strongly believe they're not actually necessary for many kids on them and that if we got back to kids being less micromanaged in school (fewer assignments, longer passing periods), fewer kids may even be diagnosed with ADHD. Somehow we seem to be stuck in a loop that tries to make things better for some percent of kids (eg "decrease test anxiety," so go from 2-3 big tests to tons of smaller assignments that can be a pain to keep track of; "don't let kids do drugs or have fights in bathrooms," which leads to passing periods so short kids stress out about not being able to go to the bathroom), which then lead to more overhead for everyone.

You may not believe they are necessary, but medical
providers document disabilities, and thankfully MCPS is required to follow federal law and provide services and accommodations to students who qualify. It is part of the job. and teachers who don’t want to do it should teach in private settings. -DP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These naep proficiency percentages are unacceptable. Even 50% proficiency rate would be unacceptable.

We don't need foreign language to be taught in school. Families that want that can do it outside or school. We need much higher percentage of students proficient in math.

No. Students need a well-rounded education. Some kids just need a reason to go to school in the morning and math isn't usually the inspiration for that. It's classes that interest them which is why electives are so important including world languages. Parents need to do their part at home. I see so many complaints on this board like "school didn't teach my kids times tables, now they are failing. MCPS is the worst."

....when they could have easily helped by reinforcing and practicing at home. Parents USED to do this. Now they expect schools to do everything including raise them, feed them, deal with their social/emotional problems, etc.

No, they didn't.

I’ve been a teacher for 33 years. Yes, they absolutely did. Parents used to be much more involved in every aspect actually.

No, many of us try to be involved and most teachers refuse to return emails or work with parents. Its a rare few that actually do. If your kid is struggling too bad. They'd rather the kids fail than help. And, reaching out to admi is a joke as they never return emails or calls, refuse iep's/504's and when you actually get them after extensive outside testing and a huge fight its not followed. So, instead many of us quietly work with our kids at home and hire tutors.

IEP/504s used to not exist and are a huge part of the reason why *everyone* is working more now (parents and teachers) and why it feels so unsustainable. I strongly believe they're not actually necessary for many kids on them and that if we got back to kids being less micromanaged in school (fewer assignments, longer passing periods), fewer kids may even be diagnosed with ADHD. Somehow we seem to be stuck in a loop that tries to make things better for some percent of kids (eg "decrease test anxiety," so go from 2-3 big tests to tons of smaller assignments that can be a pain to keep track of; "don't let kids do drugs or have fights in bathrooms," which leads to passing periods so short kids stress out about not being able to go to the bathroom), which then lead to more overhead for everyone.

You may not believe they are necessary, but medical
providers document disabilities, and thankfully MCPS is required to follow federal law and provide services and accommodations to students who qualify. It is part of the job. and teachers who don’t want to do it should teach in private settings. -DP

My main point is that they used to not be part of the job. I personally believe they're overdone. You can believe differently, but I don’t think anyone can truthfully say they're not a big part of the reason why teachers' workload has dramatically increased over the past few years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These naep proficiency percentages are unacceptable. Even 50% proficiency rate would be unacceptable.

We don't need foreign language to be taught in school. Families that want that can do it outside or school. We need much higher percentage of students proficient in math.

No. Students need a well-rounded education. Some kids just need a reason to go to school in the morning and math isn't usually the inspiration for that. It's classes that interest them which is why electives are so important including world languages. Parents need to do their part at home. I see so many complaints on this board like "school didn't teach my kids times tables, now they are failing. MCPS is the worst."

....when they could have easily helped by reinforcing and practicing at home. Parents USED to do this. Now they expect schools to do everything including raise them, feed them, deal with their social/emotional problems, etc.

No, they didn't.

I’ve been a teacher for 33 years. Yes, they absolutely did. Parents used to be much more involved in every aspect actually.

No, many of us try to be involved and most teachers refuse to return emails or work with parents. Its a rare few that actually do. If your kid is struggling too bad. They'd rather the kids fail than help. And, reaching out to admi is a joke as they never return emails or calls, refuse iep's/504's and when you actually get them after extensive outside testing and a huge fight its not followed. So, instead many of us quietly work with our kids at home and hire tutors.

IEP/504s used to not exist and are a huge part of the reason why *everyone* is working more now (parents and teachers) and why it feels so unsustainable. I strongly believe they're not actually necessary for many kids on them and that if we got back to kids being less micromanaged in school (fewer assignments, longer passing periods), fewer kids may even be diagnosed with ADHD. Somehow we seem to be stuck in a loop that tries to make things better for some percent of kids (eg "decrease test anxiety," so go from 2-3 big tests to tons of smaller assignments that can be a pain to keep track of; "don't let kids do drugs or have fights in bathrooms," which leads to passing periods so short kids stress out about not being able to go to the bathroom), which then lead to more overhead for everyone.

You may not believe they are necessary, but medical
providers document disabilities, and thankfully MCPS is required to follow federal law and provide services and accommodations to students who qualify. It is part of the job. and teachers who don’t want to do it should teach in private settings. -DP

My main point is that they used to not be part of the job. I personally believe they're overdone. You can believe differently, but I don’t think anyone can truthfully say they're not a big part of the reason why teachers' workload has dramatically increased over the past few years.

Another DP here. IEPs and 504 plans have been around for half a century. Their existence is not the reason "why teachers' workload has dramatically increased over the past few years." perhaps you are arguing they are overused? But understand that you implying we need to go back to the "good old days" of not providing public education to kids with disabilities is absolutely appalling and disgraceful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These naep proficiency percentages are unacceptable. Even 50% proficiency rate would be unacceptable.

We don't need foreign language to be taught in school. Families that want that can do it outside or school. We need much higher percentage of students proficient in math.

No. Students need a well-rounded education. Some kids just need a reason to go to school in the morning and math isn't usually the inspiration for that. It's classes that interest them which is why electives are so important including world languages. Parents need to do their part at home. I see so many complaints on this board like "school didn't teach my kids times tables, now they are failing. MCPS is the worst."

....when they could have easily helped by reinforcing and practicing at home. Parents USED to do this. Now they expect schools to do everything including raise them, feed them, deal with their social/emotional problems, etc.

No, they didn't.

I’ve been a teacher for 33 years. Yes, they absolutely did. Parents used to be much more involved in every aspect actually.

No, many of us try to be involved and most teachers refuse to return emails or work with parents. Its a rare few that actually do. If your kid is struggling too bad. They'd rather the kids fail than help. And, reaching out to admi is a joke as they never return emails or calls, refuse iep's/504's and when you actually get them after extensive outside testing and a huge fight its not followed. So, instead many of us quietly work with our kids at home and hire tutors.

IEP/504s used to not exist and are a huge part of the reason why *everyone* is working more now (parents and teachers) and why it feels so unsustainable. I strongly believe they're not actually necessary for many kids on them and that if we got back to kids being less micromanaged in school (fewer assignments, longer passing periods), fewer kids may even be diagnosed with ADHD. Somehow we seem to be stuck in a loop that tries to make things better for some percent of kids (eg "decrease test anxiety," so go from 2-3 big tests to tons of smaller assignments that can be a pain to keep track of; "don't let kids do drugs or have fights in bathrooms," which leads to passing periods so short kids stress out about not being able to go to the bathroom), which then lead to more overhead for everyone.

You may not believe they are necessary, but medical
providers document disabilities, and thankfully MCPS is required to follow federal law and provide services and accommodations to students who qualify. It is part of the job. and teachers who don’t want to do it should teach in private settings. -DP

My main point is that they used to not be part of the job. I personally believe they're overdone. You can believe differently, but I don’t think anyone can truthfully say they're not a big part of the reason why teachers' workload has dramatically increased over the past few years.

Another DP here. IEPs and 504 plans have been around for half a century. Their existence is not the reason "why teachers' workload has dramatically increased over the past few years." perhaps you are arguing they are overused? But understand that you implying we need to go back to the "good old days" of not providing public education to kids with disabilities is absolutely appalling and disgraceful.

I didn't say we should go back to the "good old days," I was referring to teacher workload (OK, to some other stuff too, but that was my focus.) I wonder if any current teachers would care to comment on how their workload has changed due to IEPs/504s over the past few years. I know at least one teacher in special ed who said her workload is totally unmanageable now due to increased paperwork expectations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These naep proficiency percentages are unacceptable. Even 50% proficiency rate would be unacceptable.

We don't need foreign language to be taught in school. Families that want that can do it outside or school. We need much higher percentage of students proficient in math.

No. Students need a well-rounded education. Some kids just need a reason to go to school in the morning and math isn't usually the inspiration for that. It's classes that interest them which is why electives are so important including world languages. Parents need to do their part at home. I see so many complaints on this board like "school didn't teach my kids times tables, now they are failing. MCPS is the worst."

....when they could have easily helped by reinforcing and practicing at home. Parents USED to do this. Now they expect schools to do everything including raise them, feed them, deal with their social/emotional problems, etc.

No, they didn't.

I’ve been a teacher for 33 years. Yes, they absolutely did. Parents used to be much more involved in every aspect actually.

No, many of us try to be involved and most teachers refuse to return emails or work with parents. Its a rare few that actually do. If your kid is struggling too bad. They'd rather the kids fail than help. And, reaching out to admi is a joke as they never return emails or calls, refuse iep's/504's and when you actually get them after extensive outside testing and a huge fight its not followed. So, instead many of us quietly work with our kids at home and hire tutors.

IEP/504s used to not exist and are a huge part of the reason why *everyone* is working more now (parents and teachers) and why it feels so unsustainable. I strongly believe they're not actually necessary for many kids on them and that if we got back to kids being less micromanaged in school (fewer assignments, longer passing periods), fewer kids may even be diagnosed with ADHD. Somehow we seem to be stuck in a loop that tries to make things better for some percent of kids (eg "decrease test anxiety," so go from 2-3 big tests to tons of smaller assignments that can be a pain to keep track of; "don't let kids do drugs or have fights in bathrooms," which leads to passing periods so short kids stress out about not being able to go to the bathroom), which then lead to more overhead for everyone.

You may not believe they are necessary, but medical
providers document disabilities, and thankfully MCPS is required to follow federal law and provide services and accommodations to students who qualify. It is part of the job. and teachers who don’t want to do it should teach in private settings. -DP

My main point is that they used to not be part of the job. I personally believe they're overdone. You can believe differently, but I don’t think anyone can truthfully say they're not a big part of the reason why teachers' workload has dramatically increased over the past few years.

Another DP here. IEPs and 504 plans have been around for half a century. Their existence is not the reason "why teachers' workload has dramatically increased over the past few years." perhaps you are arguing they are overused? But understand that you implying we need to go back to the "good old days" of not providing public education to kids with disabilities is absolutely appalling and disgraceful.

I didn't say we should go back to the "good old days," I was referring to teacher workload (OK, to some other stuff too, but that was my focus.) I wonder if any current teachers would care to comment on how their workload has changed due to IEPs/504s over the past few years. I know at least one teacher in special ed who said her workload is totally unmanageable now due to increased paperwork expectations.

You referenced a time when IEPs and 504s didn't exist as though that was a good thing. What you said was appalling and you should be ashamed and apologizing for acting like special ed shouldn't exist. Instead you are being defensive.

[Anonymous]

Why don't you just say we didn't used to have to pay Black people for work. Now it costs so much to run a farm. Smh

[Anonymous]

People used to not go to the doctor so often because they didn't like getting leeches put on their body. Now healthcare costs are skyrocketing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:These naep proficiency percentages are unacceptable. Even 50% proficiency rate would be unacceptable.

We don't need foreign language to be taught in school. Families that want that can do it outside or school. We need much higher percentage of students proficient in math.

No. Students need a well-rounded education. Some kids just need a reason to go to school in the morning and math isn't usually the inspiration for that. It's classes that interest them which is why electives are so important including world languages. Parents need to do their part at home. I see so many complaints on this board like "school didn't teach my kids times tables, now they are failing. MCPS is the worst."

....when they could have easily helped by reinforcing and practicing at home. Parents USED to do this. Now they expect schools to do everything including raise them, feed them, deal with their social/emotional problems, etc.

No, they didn't.

I’ve been a teacher for 33 years. Yes, they absolutely did. Parents used to be much more involved in every aspect actually.

No, many of us try to be involved and most teachers refuse to return emails or work with parents. Its a rare few that actually do. If your kid is struggling too bad. They'd rather the kids fail than help. And, reaching out to admi is a joke as they never return emails or calls, refuse iep's/504's and when you actually get them after extensive outside testing and a huge fight its not followed. So, instead many of us quietly work with our kids at home and hire tutors.

IEP/504s used to not exist and are a huge part of the reason why *everyone* is working more now (parents and teachers) and why it feels so unsustainable. I strongly believe they're not actually necessary for many kids on them and that if we got back to kids being less micromanaged in school (fewer assignments, longer passing periods), fewer kids may even be diagnosed with ADHD. Somehow we seem to be stuck in a loop that tries to make things better for some percent of kids (eg "decrease test anxiety," so go from 2-3 big tests to tons of smaller assignments that can be a pain to keep track of; "don't let kids do drugs or have fights in bathrooms," which leads to passing periods so short kids stress out about not being able to go to the bathroom), which then lead to more overhead for everyone.

You may not believe they are necessary, but medical
providers document disabilities, and thankfully MCPS is required to follow federal law and provide services and accommodations to students who qualify. It is part of the job. and teachers who don’t want to do it should teach in private settings. -DP

My main point is that they used to not be part of the job. I personally believe they're overdone. You can believe differently, but I don’t think anyone can truthfully say they're not a big part of the reason why teachers' workload has dramatically increased over the past few years.

Another DP here. IEPs and 504 plans have been around for half a century. Their existence is not the reason "why teachers' workload has dramatically increased over the past few years." perhaps you are arguing they are overused? But understand that you implying we need to go back to the "good old days" of not providing public education to kids with disabilities is absolutely appalling and disgraceful.

I didn't say we should go back to the "good old days," I was referring to teacher workload (OK, to some other stuff too, but that was my focus.) I wonder if any current teachers would care to comment on how their workload has changed due to IEPs/504s over the past few years. I know at least one teacher in special ed who said her workload is totally unmanageable now due to increased paperwork expectations.

You referenced a time when IEPs and 504s didn't exist as though that was a good thing. What you said was appalling and you should be ashamed and apologizing for acting like special ed shouldn't exist. Instead you are being defensive.

+1

PP is blaming students with disabilities. Gross.