How many freshman take AP Gov or History?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At our school, Kennedy, they push the "gifted" kids to take AP Gov in 9th grade and AP US History in 10th grade.

In my opinion, having just done through this with my son, I don't think kids should be taking AP courses in 9th grade, with probably a few exceptions here and there.

Most kids aren't ready for that kind of rigor or discipline and unfortunately, the lax attitudes of the pandemic from their middle school transition years really didn't prepare them for the reality check that comes with an AP course with regard to study habits and test taking intensity.

That being said, MCPS seems intent on cramming more and more kids on the advanced tracks sooner rather than later, even if the kids flounder and aren't ready. I assume this is because they think it makes them look good, but also because they have such liberal retake/reassessment policies that even if kids do struggle, they have multiple chances for do-overs, so in the end, they can still end up with a B or an A.

However, the truth lies in the AP exam scores, and if you look at the MCPS students taking these AP courses and the exam, a lot of kids are flopping with 1's or 2's on the exams, even though they've got a good classroom grade.

This right here. When your kid is getting an A in an AP course in MCPS and getting a 3 or lower on the test that gives them credit, well it looks pretty bad on the school and the student.

Some top colleges are only accepting 5's on exams now and most that kids that want to push themselves into only take 4's on the exams.

AP classes and honors classes count the same on a weighted scale. They shouldn't, but MCPS does anything for inflated grades.

No reason to take AP Gov and APUSH unless your child is intelligent enough to guarantee 4 and 5's on test.

Question - does the score get sent to colleges? Meaning unless you choose to disclose the score would colleges know? Or would they simply know that you took an AP course and whatever grade you received?

The score only gets sent it you choose to send it.

Under this advice, I would and have encouraged my kids to take APs and not stress about the exam. I think the goal should be taking classes with a strong cohort and getting a great grade on your transcript. If you then get a 4 or 5 great but its all about the class showing up on the transcript from what I am learning. Not sure why anyone would care about the test grade.

The reason why I care is because the disparity between the classroom grade and the exam shows how well or poorly the material was taught.

You have to remember within MCPS that there is an incredible amount of latitude given, with regard to flexible deadlines and test retakes. AP is MEANT to reflect the rigor of college. In college, you don’t get flexible deadlines and retake opportunities.

So kids are earning A’s or AB’s thinking their college ready, when in reality, they aren’t because they aren’t in fact performing at the college level truly since MCPS has so many training wheels on them.

MCPS should be holding itself accountable and view it as a serious issue that as many schools as I listed have less than 50% of their AP students scoring a 3 or more their AP exams.

No, you don't really care. You just want to push your right wing agenda and the "sky is falling" tactic because over 70% of MCPS kids are passing the AP tests, which means it is properly taught.

You keep citing the 70% percent district wide rate, even though I pointed out to you that several high schools in MCPS have much lower pass rates. My kid is at one of those schools.

The fact that you’re ignoring the data shared to continue pushing your narrative that nothing is going wrong in MCPS speaks volumes about your agenda and your privilege.

One of my kids is at a different school (not on the list someone posted) and they also have a low pass rate. My child’s friends got mainly 2s on AP lang and AP world last year. A handful of 3s. My kid feels really good because they have gotten three 4s. 5s at their school are pretty rare.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At our school, Kennedy, they push the "gifted" kids to take AP Gov in 9th grade and AP US History in 10th grade.

In my opinion, having just done through this with my son, I don't think kids should be taking AP courses in 9th grade, with probably a few exceptions here and there.

Most kids aren't ready for that kind of rigor or discipline and unfortunately, the lax attitudes of the pandemic from their middle school transition years really didn't prepare them for the reality check that comes with an AP course with regard to study habits and test taking intensity.

That being said, MCPS seems intent on cramming more and more kids on the advanced tracks sooner rather than later, even if the kids flounder and aren't ready. I assume this is because they think it makes them look good, but also because they have such liberal retake/reassessment policies that even if kids do struggle, they have multiple chances for do-overs, so in the end, they can still end up with a B or an A.

However, the truth lies in the AP exam scores, and if you look at the MCPS students taking these AP courses and the exam, a lot of kids are flopping with 1's or 2's on the exams, even though they've got a good classroom grade.

This right here. When your kid is getting an A in an AP course in MCPS and getting a 3 or lower on the test that gives them credit, well it looks pretty bad on the school and the student.

Some top colleges are only accepting 5's on exams now and most that kids that want to push themselves into only take 4's on the exams.

AP classes and honors classes count the same on a weighted scale. They shouldn't, but MCPS does anything for inflated grades.

No reason to take AP Gov and APUSH unless your child is intelligent enough to guarantee 4 and 5's on test.

Question - does the score get sent to colleges? Meaning unless you choose to disclose the score would colleges know? Or would they simply know that you took an AP course and whatever grade you received?

The score only gets sent it you choose to send it.

Under this advice, I would and have encouraged my kids to take APs and not stress about the exam. I think the goal should be taking classes with a strong cohort and getting a great grade on your transcript. If you then get a 4 or 5 great but its all about the class showing up on the transcript from what I am learning. Not sure why anyone would care about the test grade.

The reason why I care is because the disparity between the classroom grade and the exam shows how well or poorly the material was taught.

You have to remember within MCPS that there is an incredible amount of latitude given, with regard to flexible deadlines and test retakes. AP is MEANT to reflect the rigor of college. In college, you don’t get flexible deadlines and retake opportunities.

So kids are earning A’s or AB’s thinking their college ready, when in reality, they aren’t because they aren’t in fact performing at the college level truly since MCPS has so many training wheels on them.

MCPS should be holding itself accountable and view it as a serious issue that as many schools as I listed have less than 50% of their AP students scoring a 3 or more their AP exams.

No, you don't really care. You just want to push your right wing agenda and the "sky is falling" tactic because over 70% of MCPS kids are passing the AP tests, which means it is properly taught.

You keep citing the 70% percent district wide rate, even though I pointed out to you that several high schools in MCPS have much lower pass rates. My kid is at one of those schools.

The fact that you’re ignoring the data shared to continue pushing your narrative that nothing is going wrong in MCPS speaks volumes about your agenda and your privilege.

Only 4 schools out of 25 have lower than 50% passing rate.
The fact that you keep ignoring facts and screaming the "sky is falling" speak volume about your agenda.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At our school, Kennedy, they push the "gifted" kids to take AP Gov in 9th grade and AP US History in 10th grade.

In my opinion, having just done through this with my son, I don't think kids should be taking AP courses in 9th grade, with probably a few exceptions here and there.

Most kids aren't ready for that kind of rigor or discipline and unfortunately, the lax attitudes of the pandemic from their middle school transition years really didn't prepare them for the reality check that comes with an AP course with regard to study habits and test taking intensity.

That being said, MCPS seems intent on cramming more and more kids on the advanced tracks sooner rather than later, even if the kids flounder and aren't ready. I assume this is because they think it makes them look good, but also because they have such liberal retake/reassessment policies that even if kids do struggle, they have multiple chances for do-overs, so in the end, they can still end up with a B or an A.

However, the truth lies in the AP exam scores, and if you look at the MCPS students taking these AP courses and the exam, a lot of kids are flopping with 1's or 2's on the exams, even though they've got a good classroom grade.

This right here. When your kid is getting an A in an AP course in MCPS and getting a 3 or lower on the test that gives them credit, well it looks pretty bad on the school and the student.

Some top colleges are only accepting 5's on exams now and most that kids that want to push themselves into only take 4's on the exams.

AP classes and honors classes count the same on a weighted scale. They shouldn't, but MCPS does anything for inflated grades.

No reason to take AP Gov and APUSH unless your child is intelligent enough to guarantee 4 and 5's on test.

Question - does the score get sent to colleges? Meaning unless you choose to disclose the score would colleges know? Or would they simply know that you took an AP course and whatever grade you received?

The score only gets sent it you choose to send it.

Under this advice, I would and have encouraged my kids to take APs and not stress about the exam. I think the goal should be taking classes with a strong cohort and getting a great grade on your transcript. If you then get a 4 or 5 great but its all about the class showing up on the transcript from what I am learning. Not sure why anyone would care about the test grade.

The reason why I care is because the disparity between the classroom grade and the exam shows how well or poorly the material was taught.

You have to remember within MCPS that there is an incredible amount of latitude given, with regard to flexible deadlines and test retakes. AP is MEANT to reflect the rigor of college. In college, you don’t get flexible deadlines and retake opportunities.

So kids are earning A’s or AB’s thinking their college ready, when in reality, they aren’t because they aren’t in fact performing at the college level truly since MCPS has so many training wheels on them.

MCPS should be holding itself accountable and view it as a serious issue that as many schools as I listed have less than 50% of their AP students scoring a 3 or more their AP exams.

No, you don't really care. You just want to push your right wing agenda and the "sky is falling" tactic because over 70% of MCPS kids are passing the AP tests, which means it is properly taught.

You keep citing the 70% percent district wide rate, even though I pointed out to you that several high schools in MCPS have much lower pass rates. My kid is at one of those schools.

The fact that you’re ignoring the data shared to continue pushing your narrative that nothing is going wrong in MCPS speaks volumes about your agenda and your privilege.

One of my kids is at a different school (not on the list someone posted) and they also have a low pass rate. My child’s friends got mainly 2s on AP lang and AP world last year. A handful of 3s. My kid feels really good because they have gotten three 4s. 5s at their school are pretty rare.

Cool story bro

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At our school, Kennedy, they push the "gifted" kids to take AP Gov in 9th grade and AP US History in 10th grade.

In my opinion, having just done through this with my son, I don't think kids should be taking AP courses in 9th grade, with probably a few exceptions here and there.

Most kids aren't ready for that kind of rigor or discipline and unfortunately, the lax attitudes of the pandemic from their middle school transition years really didn't prepare them for the reality check that comes with an AP course with regard to study habits and test taking intensity.

That being said, MCPS seems intent on cramming more and more kids on the advanced tracks sooner rather than later, even if the kids flounder and aren't ready. I assume this is because they think it makes them look good, but also because they have such liberal retake/reassessment policies that even if kids do struggle, they have multiple chances for do-overs, so in the end, they can still end up with a B or an A.

However, the truth lies in the AP exam scores, and if you look at the MCPS students taking these AP courses and the exam, a lot of kids are flopping with 1's or 2's on the exams, even though they've got a good classroom grade.

This right here. When your kid is getting an A in an AP course in MCPS and getting a 3 or lower on the test that gives them credit, well it looks pretty bad on the school and the student.

Some top colleges are only accepting 5's on exams now and most that kids that want to push themselves into only take 4's on the exams.

AP classes and honors classes count the same on a weighted scale. They shouldn't, but MCPS does anything for inflated grades.

No reason to take AP Gov and APUSH unless your child is intelligent enough to guarantee 4 and 5's on test.

Question - does the score get sent to colleges? Meaning unless you choose to disclose the score would colleges know? Or would they simply know that you took an AP course and whatever grade you received?

The score only gets sent it you choose to send it.

Under this advice, I would and have encouraged my kids to take APs and not stress about the exam. I think the goal should be taking classes with a strong cohort and getting a great grade on your transcript. If you then get a 4 or 5 great but its all about the class showing up on the transcript from what I am learning. Not sure why anyone would care about the test grade.

The reason why I care is because the disparity between the classroom grade and the exam shows how well or poorly the material was taught.

You have to remember within MCPS that there is an incredible amount of latitude given, with regard to flexible deadlines and test retakes. AP is MEANT to reflect the rigor of college. In college, you don’t get flexible deadlines and retake opportunities.

So kids are earning A’s or AB’s thinking their college ready, when in reality, they aren’t because they aren’t in fact performing at the college level truly since MCPS has so many training wheels on them.

MCPS should be holding itself accountable and view it as a serious issue that as many schools as I listed have less than 50% of their AP students scoring a 3 or more their AP exams.

No, you don't really care. You just want to push your right wing agenda and the "sky is falling" tactic because over 70% of MCPS kids are passing the AP tests, which means it is properly taught.

You keep citing the 70% percent district wide rate, even though I pointed out to you that several high schools in MCPS have much lower pass rates. My kid is at one of those schools.

The fact that you’re ignoring the data shared to continue pushing your narrative that nothing is going wrong in MCPS speaks volumes about your agenda and your privilege.

Only 4 schools out of 25 have lower than 50% passing rate.
The fact that you keep ignoring facts and screaming the "sky is falling" speak volume about your agenda.

The fact that you think four MCPS high schools having less than 50% pass rates on AP exams and they happen to be schools with majority black and brown populations and you don’t see it as a cause for concern speaks to your bigotry of low expectations.

Clearly, it’s not your concern because you don’t about the well-being of those kids. But those of us who have kids in those schools feel let down by MCPS. And that’s our experience and our truth.

We don’t care if you like it or if interferes with your happy-go-lucky narrative you’ve concocted for how MCPS runs. Kick rocks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The common app, which is what almost all universities use, will allow you to self report AP scores and you can report all, none, or your own self-selected set. If you don't report, then they won't know whether you took it or not.

There's a lot of discussion in the college board about what scores people should report. Suffice it to say, you probably won't self-report below 3. Beyond that, there's a lot of nuance it's not worth going into.

Once enrolled, you can send the official score report to the school you are attending (for credit/placement purposes) but you don't need to send that to all schools you apply to.

College admissions offices see that your kid took an AP class. They also see if they don't report an AP score for that class. Colleges admission offices actually see a lot and aren't stupid; they may be "test blind" but they're not blind.

False. From what I saw this last admissions cycle, there were many kids that went fully test optional and got into very selective schools. Annoying to see kids with awful SAT + AP scores and similar grades etc, that got into "better" schools that the kids that studied hard for the tests and did well. This is unfortunately the state of test-optional admissions.

I bet you they were all full pay students

[Anonymous]

The passing rates are declining. It was 68% overall with a “passing” and they NEVER differentiate 3-5.

Most colleges won’t accept a 3

Also there were 9 schools that didn’t hit 50%

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The passing rates are declining. It was 68% overall with a “passing” and they NEVER differentiate 3-5.

Most colleges won’t accept a 3

Also there were 9 schools that didn’t hit 50%

Stop spreading misinformation. The passing rate for MCPS has been going up and it was over 70% between 2019-2021.
Only 4 schools didn't hit 50%.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At our school, Kennedy, they push the "gifted" kids to take AP Gov in 9th grade and AP US History in 10th grade.

In my opinion, having just done through this with my son, I don't think kids should be taking AP courses in 9th grade, with probably a few exceptions here and there.

Most kids aren't ready for that kind of rigor or discipline and unfortunately, the lax attitudes of the pandemic from their middle school transition years really didn't prepare them for the reality check that comes with an AP course with regard to study habits and test taking intensity.

That being said, MCPS seems intent on cramming more and more kids on the advanced tracks sooner rather than later, even if the kids flounder and aren't ready. I assume this is because they think it makes them look good, but also because they have such liberal retake/reassessment policies that even if kids do struggle, they have multiple chances for do-overs, so in the end, they can still end up with a B or an A.

However, the truth lies in the AP exam scores, and if you look at the MCPS students taking these AP courses and the exam, a lot of kids are flopping with 1's or 2's on the exams, even though they've got a good classroom grade.

This right here. When your kid is getting an A in an AP course in MCPS and getting a 3 or lower on the test that gives them credit, well it looks pretty bad on the school and the student.

Some top colleges are only accepting 5's on exams now and most that kids that want to push themselves into only take 4's on the exams.

AP classes and honors classes count the same on a weighted scale. They shouldn't, but MCPS does anything for inflated grades.

No reason to take AP Gov and APUSH unless your child is intelligent enough to guarantee 4 and 5's on test.

Question - does the score get sent to colleges? Meaning unless you choose to disclose the score would colleges know? Or would they simply know that you took an AP course and whatever grade you received?

The score only gets sent it you choose to send it.

Under this advice, I would and have encouraged my kids to take APs and not stress about the exam. I think the goal should be taking classes with a strong cohort and getting a great grade on your transcript. If you then get a 4 or 5 great but its all about the class showing up on the transcript from what I am learning. Not sure why anyone would care about the test grade.

The reason why I care is because the disparity between the classroom grade and the exam shows how well or poorly the material was taught.

You have to remember within MCPS that there is an incredible amount of latitude given, with regard to flexible deadlines and test retakes. AP is MEANT to reflect the rigor of college. In college, you don’t get flexible deadlines and retake opportunities.

So kids are earning A’s or AB’s thinking their college ready, when in reality, they aren’t because they aren’t in fact performing at the college level truly since MCPS has so many training wheels on them.

MCPS should be holding itself accountable and view it as a serious issue that as many schools as I listed have less than 50% of their AP students scoring a 3 or more their AP exams.

No, you don't really care. You just want to push your right wing agenda and the "sky is falling" tactic because over 70% of MCPS kids are passing the AP tests, which means it is properly taught.

You keep citing the 70% percent district wide rate, even though I pointed out to you that several high schools in MCPS have much lower pass rates. My kid is at one of those schools.

The fact that you’re ignoring the data shared to continue pushing your narrative that nothing is going wrong in MCPS speaks volumes about your agenda and your privilege.

Only 4 schools out of 25 have lower than 50% passing rate.
The fact that you keep ignoring facts and screaming the "sky is falling" speak volume about your agenda.

The fact that you think four MCPS high schools having less than 50% pass rates on AP exams and they happen to be schools with majority black and brown populations and you don’t see it as a cause for concern speaks to your bigotry of low expectations.

Clearly, it’s not your concern because you don’t about the well-being of those kids. But those of us who have kids in those schools feel let down by MCPS. And that’s our experience and our truth.

We don’t care if you like it or if interferes with your happy-go-lucky narrative you’ve concocted for how MCPS runs. Kick rocks.

Oops, you blew your whistle at too low a pitch.

[Anonymous]

My Freshman is taking APUSH at a W. It wasn't really a question by the guidance counsellor (we moved so met about classes).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My Freshman is taking APUSH at a W. It wasn't really a question by the guidance counsellor (we moved so met about classes).

Mine is too at the SMCS magnet and already thinking it was a mistake. Loves history and writing but it feels like a bad idea to make freshman year this intense. Pondering changing after school starts if the academics seem crazy.

[Anonymous]

My kids is at Wootton. It’s either Honors USH or AP Gov. It seems like many are not taking AP Gov and taking AP Computer Science instead and now I feel like I am pushing my kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The passing rates are declining. It was 68% overall with a “passing” and they NEVER differentiate 3-5.

Most colleges won’t accept a 3

Also there were 9 schools that didn’t hit 50%

Stop spreading misinformation. The passing rate for MCPS has been going up and it was over 70% between 2019-2021.
Only 4 schools didn't hit 50%.

Umm not the PP but I just did a quick google search and you are wrong and they are right.

https://moderatelymoco.com/mcps-advanced-placement-ap-tests-scores-by-school-2019-2021-data-analysis/

[Anonymous]

I teach AP Social Studies courses, including AP Govt. Several years ago, the Collegeboard put out a statement that they do not recommend that 9th grade students take AP courses. However, I hate to admit this, but when my kid goes to HS next year I will insist that he enroll in and many APs offered at each grade level, which including 9th. He is a smart but not overly diligent student and I think it’s good to be in the advanced courses whenever possible. Better cohort, better teachers, GPA boost, better curriculum, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The passing rates are declining. It was 68% overall with a “passing” and they NEVER differentiate 3-5.

Most colleges won’t accept a 3

Also there were 9 schools that didn’t hit 50%

Stop spreading misinformation. The passing rate for MCPS has been going up and it was over 70% between 2019-2021.
Only 4 schools didn't hit 50%.

Umm not the PP but I just did a quick google search and you are wrong and they are right.

https://moderatelymoco.com/mcps-advanced-placement-ap-tests-scores-by-school-2019-2021-data-analysis/

Thanks for sharing this. I wish we had the pass rate for each AP course/exam at each school. That would help inform the specific APs I would encourage my kid to take.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The passing rates are declining. It was 68% overall with a “passing” and they NEVER differentiate 3-5.

Most colleges won’t accept a 3

Also there were 9 schools that didn’t hit 50%

Stop spreading misinformation. The passing rate for MCPS has been going up and it was over 70% between 2019-2021.
Only 4 schools didn't hit 50%.

Umm not the PP but I just did a quick google search and you are wrong and they are right.

https://moderatelymoco.com/mcps-advanced-placement-ap-tests-scores-by-school-2019-2021-data-analysis/

Thanks for sharing this. I wish we had the pass rate for each AP course/exam at each school. That would help inform the specific APs I would encourage my kid to take.

We do have that. See table C3 here:

https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/sharedaccountability/reports/2023/230209_2022_AP_IB_Exams_HS%20Principals.pdf