LCPS - our middle school is combining honors and academic level!

[Anonymous]

For English, history and science next year!! I don’t understand how the principal can just do this. What can we do? Other middle schools are not doing this and the LCPS program of studies lists both levels as being offered. It is not a question of their not being enough kids for honors - there are more than enough. What is going on?

[Anonymous]

What was the stated reason?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What was the stated reason?

None was given. In fact it was just slipped into an email about course selection for next year and any parent who didn’t carefully read the email wouldn’t have even noticed.

[Anonymous]

The honors classes are a joke. Every parent wants their kids in them so they are "advanced" in name only. it is useless to have the academic classes too.

[Anonymous]

What is your issue with it? Other schools do it just fine.

[Anonymous]

What school is this?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What is your issue with it? Other schools do it just fine.

My issue with it is that students who want and can handle academic rigor should be given it. Not be forced to sit in a class taught to the lowest common denominator. That's not equity. That's not everyone getting what they need. That's one group getting what they need at the expense of another.

[Anonymous]

Our school in FCPS did something similar for MS Science. But, everyone took "Honors". What it really meant is no one got honors. Now, we have a bunch of rising 9th graders thinking they can take Honors Biology. In reality, none will be prepared for that since it was watered down so much.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is your issue with it? Other schools do it just fine.

My issue with it is that students who want and can handle academic rigor should be given it. Not be forced to sit in a class taught to the lowest common denominator. That's not equity. That's not everyone getting what they need. That's one group getting what they need at the expense of another.

You probably overestimate your child’s abilities. If they are that talented they won’t be held back by anyone. If this is your concern, your kids aren’t as smart as you think. Deep down you must know that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is your issue with it? Other schools do it just fine.

My issue with it is that students who want and can handle academic rigor should be given it. Not be forced to sit in a class taught to the lowest common denominator. That's not equity. That's not everyone getting what they need. That's one group getting what they need at the expense of another.

You probably overestimate your child’s abilities. If they are that talented they won’t be held back by anyone. If this is your concern, your kids aren’t as smart as you think. Deep down you must know that.

Well, my child will never find out if he or she is not given rigourous coursework. And nevermind my child, what about other surely bright children who deserve to be challenged? All kids are not at the same level and cannot be taught the same material - this doesn't benefit either end of the spectrum.

[Anonymous]

I forget the date, but the curriculum and instruction committee had a discussion of honors classes last year(2021-2022) that was posted online. I posted about it at the time, as I didn't understand what they were saying. I think there are some middle schools that just let everyone take honors classes, and one of the board members said you couldn't tell the difference.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I forget the date, but the curriculum and instruction committee had a discussion of honors classes last year(2021-2022) that was posted online. I posted about it at the time, as I didn't understand what they were saying. I think there are some middle schools that just let everyone take honors classes, and one of the board members said you couldn't tell the difference.

What does this mean? Who couldn't tell the difference? The students? The teachers? The parents? And what is meant by difference? Grades? Learning?

As a substitute teacher who has subbed in all these subjects there is a huge difference in students who can spell and write and students who can't. Students who choose to complete their class assigments and homework and students who don't. Reading levels, classroom engagement, etc. I assure you there is a difference and tossing everyone together like a salad isn't helping anyone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is your issue with it? Other schools do it just fine.

My issue with it is that students who want and can handle academic rigor should be given it. Not be forced to sit in a class taught to the lowest common denominator. That's not equity. That's not everyone getting what they need. That's one group getting what they need at the expense of another.

You probably overestimate your child’s abilities. If they are that talented they won’t be held back by anyone. If this is your concern, your kids aren’t as smart as you think. Deep down you must know that.

Deep down you know why this decision is wrong.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The honors classes are a joke. Every parent wants their kids in them so they are "advanced" in name only. it is useless to have the academic classes too.

They're not a joke in school systems that allow teachers to teach honors students at an appropriately high level.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The honors classes are a joke. Every parent wants their kids in them so they are "advanced" in name only. it is useless to have the academic classes too.

They're not a joke in school systems that allow teachers to teach honors students at an appropriately high level.

+1 those are school systems that acknowledge the students who excel academically. Similarly, they have students who excel athletically on their sports teams, and those who excel musically are awarded top positions in band, orchestra, etc.