CS and Math Curriculum at Takoma Park Magnet Program

[Anonymous]

I have a 6th grader that just started at TPMS, coming from CJMS cluster. So far disappointed and troubled by the magnet curriculum:

1. Lack of rigorous approach in computer science (apparently no CS background required of teachers, no curriculum standards only "guidelines", implementation of guidelines teacher-dependent). Through grapevine have heard an older grade parents wrote a letter to school with concerns about the program as well. My child reports being bored and finds 6th grade CS way too easy--he finds material 3-4th grade level (done through outside supplementation.)
2. Investigation into mathematics--Program much slower pace than expected and no sufficiently challenging. If children were selected into magnet based on advanced math scores they should be exposed to more accelerated pace/material?
3. Science curriculum appears on target so far
4. Non-magnet humanities program has been a pleasant surprise

Anyone else facing similar issues? Is anyone aware of changes to the CS program? Since we are faced with a long commute for the sake of the magnet program, wondering if it makes sense to stick with it given the areas of concern. Prior forums mentioned lack of after-school clubs at CJMS compared to TPMS, but that has certainly expanded.

[Anonymous]

No, we haven’t had similar issues or experience.

[Anonymous]

We felt it was terrific. They manage to go much deeper in half the time of AIM and cover topics like set theory and logic in addition to the standard curriculum. CS in 6th is pretty basic, but they're skilled programmers by the time they finish 8th. The science is also great. I have no idea who is teaching 7th grade now, but the retired teacher was teaching organic chemistry to 12-year-olds.

[Anonymous]

Pre lottery, everyone in TPMS did their accelerated math at home and in after-school team.

Post lottery, they have many more kids for whom the curriculum is at their level.

CJMS parents, TPMS magnet isn't for you. TPMS magnet is for kids in poor schools with no cohort and no parental enrichment.

[Anonymous]

It’s really tiresome when people choose to supplement outside of school and then complain that their child is bored by the instruction in school because they already learned it.

It’s also really tiresome to hear you complain about the computer science curriculum your 6th grader is receiving when the vast majority of other 6th graders in the district aren’t offered any CS electives in 6th grade.

I’m not saying you are unjustified in your feelings, but you’re getting access to the most premier program in the county as far as stem while others are getting scraps.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Pre lottery, everyone in TPMS did their accelerated math at home and in after-school team.

Post lottery, they have many more kids for whom the curriculum is at their level.

CJMS parents, TPMS magnet isn't for you. TPMS magnet is for kids in poor schools with no cohort and no parental enrichment.

because WPES offers acceleration beyond the lesser MCPS schools there's a real divide of haves and have-nots

[Anonymous]

Totally agree. We are in 8th in the magnet and the experience overall has been great. My STEM-oriented kid has never had outside math or CS instruction and it has been challenging and interesting for him. There are still kids blowing the MAP-M out of the water because their parents make them take "Power Geometry" or whatever on Friday nights, but there are so many great well-rounded kids who aren't doing that and he's made a lot of good friends. Highly recommend, but as PP said, maybe not a good match for the Friday night math class crowd.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Pre lottery, everyone in TPMS did their accelerated math at home and in after-school team.

Post lottery, they have many more kids for whom the curriculum is at their level.

CJMS parents, TPMS magnet isn't for you. TPMS magnet is for kids in poor schools with no cohort and no parental enrichment.

This is total BS.

- parent of one pre lottery kid and one post lottery

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Totally agree. We are in 8th in the magnet and the experience overall has been great. My STEM-oriented kid has never had outside math or CS instruction and it has been challenging and interesting for him. There are still kids blowing the MAP-M out of the water because their parents make them take "Power Geometry" or whatever on Friday nights, but there are so many great well-rounded kids who aren't doing that and he's made a lot of good friends. Highly recommend, but as PP said, maybe not a good match for the Friday night math class crowd.

Wow your caricature of smart kids as loser nerds lives rent-free in your head.

Some kids enjoy learning and are very good at it. And, gasp!, they play sports and instruments and watch movies and ride bikes too!

[Anonymous]

We didn't do the magnets for MS or HS because we didn't like the curriculum. It's basically a take it or leave it curriculum and you can get acceleration and the classes you want/more choice outside the magnet. Some MS allow Algebra in 6th, from posts here Takoma does not. It all depends on what is important to your child. Our regular MS had two CS classes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s really tiresome when people choose to supplement outside of school and then complain that their child is bored by the instruction in school because they already learned it.

It’s also really tiresome to hear you complain about the computer science curriculum your 6th grader is receiving when the vast majority of other 6th graders in the district aren’t offered any CS electives in 6th grade.

I’m not saying you are unjustified in your feelings, but you’re getting access to the most premier program in the county as far as stem while others are getting scraps.

I agree!

Maybe OP needs to send kid straight to college for more challenging courses.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Totally agree. We are in 8th in the magnet and the experience overall has been great. My STEM-oriented kid has never had outside math or CS instruction and it has been challenging and interesting for him. There are still kids blowing the MAP-M out of the water because their parents make them take "Power Geometry" or whatever on Friday nights, but there are so many great well-rounded kids who aren't doing that and he's made a lot of good friends. Highly recommend, but as PP said, maybe not a good match for the Friday night math class crowd.

Wow your caricature of smart kids as loser nerds lives rent-free in your head.

Some kids enjoy learning and are very good at it. And, gasp!, they play sports and instruments and watch movies and ride bikes too!

Your protecting. PP never said nor implied anything negative about your child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We didn't do the magnets for MS or HS because we didn't like the curriculum. It's basically a take it or leave it curriculum and you can get acceleration and the classes you want/more choice outside the magnet. Some MS allow Algebra in 6th, from posts here Takoma does not. It all depends on what is important to your child. Our regular MS had two CS classes.

If parents push hard enough, any school will allow anything just to get you off their back.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pre lottery, everyone in TPMS did their accelerated math at home and in after-school team.

Post lottery, they have many more kids for whom the curriculum is at their level.

CJMS parents, TPMS magnet isn't for you. TPMS magnet is for kids in poor schools with no cohort and no parental enrichment.

This is total BS.

- parent of one pre lottery kid and one post lottery

While I think it's silly to say that the TPMS magnet is now for "kids in poor schools" there's some logic to the idea that the cohort has changed dramatically and coming from a school like Cabin John it may no longer be worth the commute. Kids used to go to be with the top 1-3% and now it's the top 15-30% since they do weight eligibility standards.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pre lottery, everyone in TPMS did their accelerated math at home and in after-school team.

Post lottery, they have many more kids for whom the curriculum is at their level.

CJMS parents, TPMS magnet isn't for you. TPMS magnet is for kids in poor schools with no cohort and no parental enrichment.

This is total BS.

- parent of one pre lottery kid and one post lottery

While I think it's silly to say that the TPMS magnet is now for "kids in poor schools" there's some logic to the idea that the cohort has changed dramatically and coming from a school like Cabin John it may no longer be worth the commute. Kids used to go to be with the top 1-3% and now it's the top 15-30% since they do weight eligibility standards.

Sigh. What I can tell you is that my lottery kid had a significantly higher MAP score than their older sibling who got in before the lottery and excelled and is now at the Blair magnet with all As. I can also tell you that both children found it challenging and that neither did “accelerated math at home or in the team” as was claimed that “everyone” did pre lottery (complete BS). The math curriculum is very fast paced which is what my kids have needed. It also doesn’t seem to have changed and certainly isn’t easier now.