Literally every single MCPS kid I know has a tutor. Do YOU?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:


I don't understand why they had to toss out perfectly fine, plain English words (add and subtract, multiply and divide) for words like compose and decompose. That last one especially always makes me cringe.

Don't worry, they still use add, subtract, multiply, and divide. But none of those four words means what compose/decompose mean. If you know a fine, plain English word for this, please tell me; I don't know one.

Well, from what I can tell when my kids are "decomposing" it looks like they are just breaking numbers apart (or how about "separating" them) into ones, tens, and hundreds. And as far as I can tell, when they're "composing" they're simply adding up the place values.

I'm sorry but decomposing reminds me of rotting bodies.

I admit that I prefer the previous "regrouping". But I don't mind "decomposing". I like compost.

[Anonymous]

Really? My parents didn't tutor me. My husband's parents didn't tutor him. I guess they weren't actually parents.

must have sucked in your household if your parents were incapable or unwilling to tutor, mentor, coach and guide you as a young child. what a pity. you're right. they must have been LOUSY parents. what did they do while you were kids? Were you farmed to public or boarding schools for parenthood?

[Anonymous]

No, not tutor, and don't plan to hire one. We don't help DS do his homework, either.

He is in HGC, however. And also got into JH CTY program, which I had him test for just in case he didn't get into HGC. But the CTY classes are too expensive, so we probably wouldn't have signed up for any.

All 5 of my children went to HGC and got into JH CTY program. This was clearly inherited ability from me. No need for tutors. We never helped them with their homework. In fact, we never kept track of their homework or reminded any of our children when the homework was due from PreK onward.

[Anonymous]

When the tests are aligned to the common standards, the curriculum will line up as well—and that will unleash powerful market forces in the service of better teaching. For the first time, there will be a large base of customers eager to buy products that can help every kid learn and every teacher get better.

Bill Gates - National Conference of State Legislatures

July 21, 2009

[Anonymous]

I think this debate is pointless.

I am an Asian mom. I will continue to tutor my child and make sure that I am following a textbook and an international curriculum to teach him.

If it aligns with MCPS - great! If not - then I am not going to let my child's schooling interfere with his education.

I think parents who think like me are doing a disservice to our own children when we start touting the benefits of more rigorous education, parental involvement or following an international curriculum.

We do this mainly because we have had first hand experience of being educated in another country where standards were high, and many of us have maintained our ties so we are aware what is being taught in these countries even today. People who were raised and educated here will naturally gravitate towards the type of education they are used to. This is cultural.

On the other hand, it reduced competition for my child if others do not have high standards for their children and rely on MCPS. So, why are we wasting our time trying to convince others? Let's nod our heads and agree that we are doing something utterly wrong by focusing on education and valuing achievement, and get people off our backs.

[Anonymous]

I think this debate is pointless.

I am an Asian mom. I will continue to tutor my child and make sure that I am following a textbook and an international curriculum to teach him.

If it aligns with MCPS - great! If not - then I am not going to let my child's schooling interfere with his education.

I think parents who think like me are doing a disservice to our own children when we start touting the benefits of more rigorous education, parental involvement or following an international curriculum.

We do this mainly because we have had first hand experience of being educated in another country where standards were high, and many of us have maintained our ties so we are aware what is being taught in these countries even today. People who were raised and educated here will naturally gravitate towards the type of education they are used to. This is cultural.

On the other hand, it reduced competition for my child if others do not have high standards for their children and rely on MCPS. So, why are we wasting our time trying to convince others? Let's nod our heads and agree that we are doing something utterly wrong by focusing on education and valuing achievement, and get people off our backs.

I have heard this exact same perspective from many of my Chinese friends. There is overwhelming disapproval for 2.0 and articulate, knowledge parents who can speak clearly on what is wrong and what can change but they have no interest in raising their voices to MCPS. I know it feels like a waste of time and MCPS certainly doesn't have a good track record ever listening to parents but it is in your interest to come forward and speak out.

The farther MCPS diverges from a quality education, the more difficult it will be for your children to bridge the gap. You have already seen opportunities vanish as math acceleration was removed. What else will go if you don't stand up? No AP math classes because everyone was forced down two years behind the rest of the world? Your children are missing out on feeling pride in achievement from school when everyone gets a P for doing basic work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
I have heard this exact same perspective from many of my Chinese friends. There is overwhelming disapproval for 2.0 and articulate, knowledge parents who can speak clearly on what is wrong and what can change but they have no interest in raising their voices to MCPS. I know it feels like a waste of time and MCPS certainly doesn't have a good track record ever listening to parents but it is in your interest to come forward and speak out.

The farther MCPS diverges from a quality education, the more difficult it will be for your children to bridge the gap. You have already seen opportunities vanish as math acceleration was removed. What else will go if you don't stand up? No AP math classes because everyone was forced down two years behind the rest of the world? Your children are missing out on feeling pride in achievement from school when everyone gets a P for doing basic work.

Evidence that math in Curriculum 2.0 is "two years behind the rest of the world", please.

Actually, evidence for "everyone gets a P", please, too.

Also, I consider myself an articulate, knowledgeable parent, and far from disapproving, I think that Curriculum 2.0 is better than the previous curriculum.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I have heard this exact same perspective from many of my Chinese friends. There is overwhelming disapproval for 2.0 and articulate, knowledge parents who can speak clearly on what is wrong and what can change but they have no interest in raising their voices to MCPS. I know it feels like a waste of time and MCPS certainly doesn't have a good track record ever listening to parents but it is in your interest to come forward and speak out.

The farther MCPS diverges from a quality education, the more difficult it will be for your children to bridge the gap. You have already seen opportunities vanish as math acceleration was removed. What else will go if you don't stand up? No AP math classes because everyone was forced down two years behind the rest of the world? Your children are missing out on feeling pride in achievement from school when everyone gets a P for doing basic work.

Evidence that math in Curriculum 2.0 is "two years behind the rest of the world", please.

Actually, evidence for "everyone gets a P", please, too.

Also, I consider myself an articulate, knowledgeable parent, and far from disapproving, I think that Curriculum 2.0 is better than the previous curriculum.

+1000000

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I think this debate is pointless.

I am an Asian mom. I will continue to tutor my child and make sure that I am following a textbook and an international curriculum to teach him.

If it aligns with MCPS - great! If not - then I am not going to let my child's schooling interfere with his education.

I think parents who think like me are doing a disservice to our own children when we start touting the benefits of more rigorous education, parental involvement or following an international curriculum.

We do this mainly because we have had first hand experience of being educated in another country where standards were high, and many of us have maintained our ties so we are aware what is being taught in these countries even today. People who were raised and educated here will naturally gravitate towards the type of education they are used to. This is cultural.

On the other hand, it reduced competition for my child if others do not have high standards for their children and rely on MCPS. So, why are we wasting our time trying to convince others? Let's nod our heads and agree that we are doing something utterly wrong by focusing on education and valuing achievement, and get people off our backs.

I have heard this exact same perspective from many of my Chinese friends. There is overwhelming disapproval for 2.0 and articulate, knowledge parents who can speak clearly on what is wrong and what can change but they have no interest in raising their voices to MCPS. I know it feels like a waste of time and MCPS certainly doesn't have a good track record ever listening to parents but it is in your interest to come forward and speak out.

The farther MCPS diverges from a quality education, the more difficult it will be for your children to bridge the gap. You have already seen opportunities vanish as math acceleration was removed. What else will go if you don't stand up? No AP math classes because everyone was forced down two years behind the rest of the world? Your children are missing out on feeling pride in achievement from school when everyone gets a P for doing basic work.

I give little credence to people whose baseline attitude is they are smarter than everydamnbody else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think this debate is pointless.

I am an Asian mom. I will continue to tutor my child and make sure that I am following a textbook and an international curriculum to teach him.

If it aligns with MCPS - great! If not - then I am not going to let my child's schooling interfere with his education.

I think parents who think like me are doing a disservice to our own children when we start touting the benefits of more rigorous education, parental involvement or following an international curriculum.

We do this mainly because we have had first hand experience of being educated in another country where standards were high, and many of us have maintained our ties so we are aware what is being taught in these countries even today. People who were raised and educated here will naturally gravitate towards the type of education they are used to. This is cultural.

On the other hand, it reduced competition for my child if others do not have high standards for their children and rely on MCPS. So, why are we wasting our time trying to convince others? Let's nod our heads and agree that we are doing something utterly wrong by focusing on education and valuing achievement, and get people off our backs.

OK, I'm confused. You are doing a disservice to your child here? Then stop thinking this way. Or am I reading this wrong, or was this a typo?

I agree with other PP that if parents really don't like 2.0 then let yourself be heard. Otherwise, nothing will change. Also, if you hate 2.0 so much, and you are not from this country, and you feel your home country's educational system is better, why not go back to that country? I'm not being snarky. I'm serious. We moved across the country because we did not like the schools in the state we moved from. And don't say it's not always possible. You live here because you want, irrespective of your opinion on the educational system here.

Not saying we should not complain; parents should definitely advocate for their kids. Also, not saying 2.0 here is perfect. But if you are that displeased with the education here then speak up to the school board.

But I also disagree with the Asian style of after school tutoring craze here, especially for ES kids. I don't want this country to mimic the Asian educational system. I think if most Americans knew what it was really like, they would not want it either. It is mostly rote learning, although I've heard it's changing. The only emphasis is on test scores, not what you really learned or the love of learning. Teachers are bribed by rich parents. Some schools still practice corporal punishment. All the world sees is their test scores. Most of us don't see what the kids have to go through to get these scores.

Again, not saying our system is perfect, but really, neither is their's.

BTW, I'm Asian.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think this debate is pointless.

I am an Asian mom. I will continue to tutor my child and make sure that I am following a textbook and an international curriculum to teach him.

If it aligns with MCPS - great! If not - then I am not going to let my child's schooling interfere with his education.

I think parents who think like me are doing a disservice to our own children when we start touting the benefits of more rigorous education, parental involvement or following an international curriculum.

We do this mainly because we have had first hand experience of being educated in another country where standards were high, and many of us have maintained our ties so we are aware what is being taught in these countries even today. People who were raised and educated here will naturally gravitate towards the type of education they are used to. This is cultural.

On the other hand, it reduced competition for my child if others do not have high standards for their children and rely on MCPS. So, why are we wasting our time trying to convince others? Let's nod our heads and agree that we are doing something utterly wrong by focusing on education and valuing achievement, and get people off our backs.

OK, I'm confused. You are doing a disservice to your child here? Then stop thinking this way. Or am I reading this wrong, or was this a typo?

I agree with other PP that if parents really don't like 2.0 then let yourself be heard. Otherwise, nothing will change. Also, if you hate 2.0 so much, and you are not from this country, and you feel your home country's educational system is better, why not go back to that country? I'm not being snarky. I'm serious. We moved across the country because we did not like the schools in the state we moved from. And don't say it's not always possible. You live here because you want, irrespective of your opinion on the educational system here.

Not saying we should not complain; parents should definitely advocate for their kids. Also, not saying 2.0 here is perfect. But if you are that displeased with the education here then speak up to the school board.

But I also disagree with the Asian style of after school tutoring craze here, especially for ES kids. I don't want this country to mimic the Asian educational system. I think if most Americans knew what it was really like, they would not want it either. It is mostly rote learning, although I've heard it's changing. The only emphasis is on test scores, not what you really learned or the love of learning. Teachers are bribed by rich parents. Some schools still practice corporal punishment. All the world sees is their test scores. Most of us don't see what the kids have to go through to get these scores.

Again, not saying our system is perfect, but really, neither is their's.

BTW, I'm Asian.

The benefit of being from another country and staying here is that we can pick and choose the best from each country and culture and discard the negatives. Yes, there are many negatives in the Asian system and we have discarded that, just as we have discarded the negatives of the system here.

People have spoken to the school board, I have written to the board, spoken in the PTA - and eventually accepted that in a democratic system the majority will rule. So, in this case majority has ruled but in this case it is not necessarily the right step.

I have stopped trying to change the system and have started to concentrate on the education and opportunities of my own children. I have learned to navigate the system here and made sure that my children are in the magnet programs. I have made sure that they are excelling in education, sports, and other extra-curricular activities. I have made sure that they are with a cohort of kids with similar abilities and like-minded parents.

If you are happy with what you are getting at MCPS then good for you. I am not and so I have taken matters in my own hands. I also realize that my model is not one that can be easily replicated by others because it requires parents who are vested in their kids education and can invest their time in their education. I realize that for many parents time is one commodity that they lack. Many resort to tutoring not because their kids are struggling but because they are unhappy with 1) the curriculum 2) the way material is organized 3) lack of acceleration. Tutoring, summer schools, academic camps are not necessarily for the struggling student but also for the advanced student who wants to get ahead and become competitive in the global workplace.

You are being snarky when you say that we should go back to our home country. If I do not agree with something here, I should leave? Maybe we should all leave because this land belongs to the native Americans! This conversation will require another thread.

There are many people from other countries who are here, and they are highly successful and educated people. If they are saying (based on their own experience) that something is not working in the education system - then perhaps it is beneficial for the school district to at least hear them out.

Finally, if my kid was struggling at school - maybe I would have been happy with the lower standards of 2.0 (or MCPS interpretation of 2.0) - but they are advanced student, and they have much to lose if I am not proactive. If your kids are not in the same shoes then we have nothing in common - even if you claim that you are Asian.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I have heard this exact same perspective from many of my Chinese friends. There is overwhelming disapproval for 2.0 and articulate, knowledge parents who can speak clearly on what is wrong and what can change but they have no interest in raising their voices to MCPS. I know it feels like a waste of time and MCPS certainly doesn't have a good track record ever listening to parents but it is in your interest to come forward and speak out.

The farther MCPS diverges from a quality education, the more difficult it will be for your children to bridge the gap. You have already seen opportunities vanish as math acceleration was removed. What else will go if you don't stand up? No AP math classes because everyone was forced down two years behind the rest of the world? Your children are missing out on feeling pride in achievement from school when everyone gets a P for doing basic work.

Evidence that math in Curriculum 2.0 is "two years behind the rest of the world", please.

Actually, evidence for "everyone gets a P", please, too.

Also, I consider myself an articulate, knowledgeable parent, and far from disapproving, I think that Curriculum 2.0 is better than the previous curriculum.

+1000000

I agree - where's the evidence?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I have heard this exact same perspective from many of my Chinese friends. There is overwhelming disapproval for 2.0 and articulate, knowledge parents who can speak clearly on what is wrong and what can change but they have no interest in raising their voices to MCPS. I know it feels like a waste of time and MCPS certainly doesn't have a good track record ever listening to parents but it is in your interest to come forward and speak out.

The farther MCPS diverges from a quality education, the more difficult it will be for your children to bridge the gap. You have already seen opportunities vanish as math acceleration was removed. What else will go if you don't stand up? No AP math classes because everyone was forced down two years behind the rest of the world? Your children are missing out on feeling pride in achievement from school when everyone gets a P for doing basic work.

Evidence that math in Curriculum 2.0 is "two years behind the rest of the world", please.

Actually, evidence for "everyone gets a P", please, too.

Also, I consider myself an articulate, knowledgeable parent, and far from disapproving, I think that Curriculum 2.0 is better than the previous curriculum.

+1000000

I agree - where's the evidence?

Some 5th graders in HGC were doing 7th grade math this year - but next year (6th grade) they will repeat the compacted 6/7 math instead of going on to do 8th grade Math! If there is the capability to do advanced Math why are we holding these kids back?

Again - if your kids are not advanced students you have nothing to worry, because MCPS is teaching your kids at their capability and interest!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Some 5th graders in HGC were doing 7th grade math this year - but next year (6th grade) they will repeat the compacted 6/7 math instead of going on to do 8th grade Math! If there is the capability to do advanced Math why are we holding these kids back?

Again - if your kids are not advanced students you have nothing to worry, because MCPS is teaching your kids at their capability and interest!

That is not an MCPS decision. That is a decision made by the middle school. How do I know this? Because my 5th grader in the HGC is doing 7th grade math this year and will do 8th grade math next year in middle school (a different middle school).

-supporter of Curriculum 2.0 with advanced students (hi!)

[Anonymous]

It depends of whether C2.0 closely follows common core. James Milgram of Stanford did say common core math is 2 year behind the highest achieving country at 8th grade.

http://educationnext.org/the-common-core-math-standards/