How bad are Montgomery County Schools?

[Anonymous]

This is osomething that makes me prefer the Virginia state testing system.

Students do recieve individual test scores for each test given. And the tests aren't just reading and math -- they are also testing in science and social studies and computer science. So those subjects tend to get taught more often.

[Anonymous]

In MD, I always thought they only tested reading and math on the MSA. So they test other subjects on the VA version of the state assessment? Maybe I should move there so my child can actually study those subjects sometimes. It seems like science, social studies and other subjects get pushed to the side in favor of math and reading b/c they test them on the MSA.

[Anonymous]

I think the Maryland MSA just added science but only for 5th grade.

In VA, at least as long as a few years ago, kids were tested in 3rd and 5th grade on language arts, math, science, social studies (inc. economics, geography, history and civics) and technology.

I think they may have dropped some tests though, or moved them to different grade levels. But I do remember that they really had to teach science and social studies every day, in order to be sure kids were learning the subjects. As opposed to teaching just 30 minutes every other day,

[Anonymous]

MSA is for math and reading 3-8th grade. 5th and 8th graders also get tested on science.

I only give my child's test scores a brief glance as I know they mean nothing more than how much time was spent prepping her to write mindless BCRs and other useless skills. Such a waste of time. They already started sending home the MSA packets with nice bribes for all the kiddies who complete the huge packet of worksheets every week. In addition to other homework.

[Anonymous]

Are the MSA worksheets voluntary? My DD's homework (practice BCRs and other lame worksheets w/ MSA sample written on the bottom) are all mandatory. She's in 2nd grade. I hate to say it, but I'd rather them save the trees and just have her read or do a longterm project than these crazy worksheets. She gets all bent out of shape about getting them done and done right (so she can get her name in the raffle for some stupid prize).

[Anonymous]

At our school the fat packets of worksheets are considered voluntary (since the teachers won't keep the kids in for recess if they aren't completed the way they will if they don't complete their homework...another major complaint for another thread!) but most teachers give enough bribes that the kids feel that they must complete the packets or they will be left out of the fun (pizza party, prizes, etc.)

[Anonymous]

I do feel bad for the teachers who feel that they need to resort to such practices. The pressure comes down from above. Parents need to complain to the principal!

[Anonymous]

In Virginia, different tests are given in different years:

Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) tests are given in reading and mathematics to all students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, and science tests are given to students in grades 3, 5, and 8. History SOL tests are administered in grades 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8. In high school, SOL tests are administered when students complete specific courses. The course types and number of SOL tests administered in each area are: English (2), mathematics (3), science (3), and history (3).

[Anonymous]

"At our school the fat packets of worksheets are considered voluntary (since the teachers won't keep the kids in for recess if they aren't completed the way they will if they don't complete their homework...another major complaint for another thread!) but most teachers give enough bribes that the kids feel that they must complete the packets or they will be left out of the fun (pizza party, prizes, etc.) "

OK now I am worried and ticked off I spent so much to move out here only to have my kid bribed with pizza to fill out meangingless worksheet so the school can feel its performing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are the MSA worksheets voluntary? My DD's homework (practice BCRs and other lame worksheets w/ MSA sample written on the bottom) are all mandatory. She's in 2nd grade. I hate to say it, but I'd rather them save the trees and just have her read or do a longterm project than these crazy worksheets. She gets all bent out of shape about getting them done and done right (so she can get her name in the raffle for some stupid prize).

It probably depends on the school and the teacher. My child is in MD public schools in 2nd grade and does not have to do any MSA worksheets -- at least not so far.

[Anonymous]

The MSA does not begin until 3rd grade so most schools don't begin test prep until then. From what I've witnessed at our own school and heard from several friends who are MCPS teachers, there is a wide variation on how different schools handle this. Some schools - especially in the "red zone" - will start MSA prep from the first day of the school year (the tests are in the spring) and carve out large portions of time for it. Other schools - usually those in the more affluent areas who maybe feel that their students will score well no matter what - will do nothing more than tell kids that they will be taking a test.

Our school starts sending home packets in December. I don't feel that they have learned a single thing from completing the packets. A total waste of time. Also, the practice is counter-productive as many kids get very anxious about the test since such a big deal is made about it.

I am curious what others are experiencing.

[Anonymous]

Our school is a good school and always gets high scores and starts the homework MSA practice worksheets in the fall. They don't wait until 3rd grade either. My first grader (last year) had lots of MSA prep worksheets as his classwork. They have high test scores for a reason.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our school is a good school and always gets high scores and starts the homework MSA practice worksheets in the fall. They don't wait until 3rd grade either. My first grader (last year) had lots of MSA prep worksheets as his classwork. They have high test scores for a reason.

That is so depressing. Just wondering if anyone has ever complained to the administration about it?

[Anonymous]

They are so bad that . . . (drum roll, please)

even gang members are afraid to attend.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We moved out to Montgomery County for the great schools and we are in one of the top clusters. I keep hearing from more and more parents though about how unhappy they are with the public schools. If your child does not enter K reading extremely well, or is unable to sit down, shut up, and do exactly what they teacher wants then s/he will have a horrible experience. The focus is only reading, writing, and math. Very little if any real art, music, outdoor time, science or any true conceptual learning and its all about teaching to the test. I hear about bad administrations and teachers trying to manage large classes.

We are very disappointed because we moved out here for the schools. If we need to go private, we may have well have stayed in the city

If you are going to deal with a public school it might as well be the best on record. Personally I am a pro private school parent because of the intentional emphasis on ethics and religious practices. Religion not neccessarily Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism etc. is helpful for all. People who excercise faith are healthier and happier people and that is what a private school can do. I would say stick with your plan. Study learning levels and make sure your kds are on target and above in all fsubjects. Be prepared to do for them whatever you feel is missing in their educational process.