S/O MCPS HS "Honors" English 9/10 courses

[Anonymous]

Several threads are talking about the English curriclum in HS. Here is the link to the new English 9 framework that MCPS just updated: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14XsG7HxnXcr5tO7u7HpE7I28XTur-dKuQmAkJ1T0z_I/edit

Since most MCPS HS have an "honors for all" model for HS in English, this is what the honors students are getting for English 9. It seems pretty basic, including graphic novel options.

[Anonymous]

So there will be no more separate English 9A and Honors English 9A (as an example)?

[Anonymous]

In most schools it is only Honors English 9A. A few schools may still have the on-level course, but that's rare. And there are no standards for what constitutes the honors version of the course. A kid could take it and read mostly below-grade level texts.

[Anonymous]

It's nice to see this included on page 2 as a required element, but is it just lip service?

Differentiated instruction to ensure all students have access to grade-level texts and tasks and to meet the needs of those requiring scaffolds, supports, enrichment, and extension

[Anonymous]

The "Honors for All" model is one of the things I hope Superintendent Taylor turns to as soon as humanly possible. It is a relatively new initiative, and would be incredibly easy to walk back. Parents want it, teachers want it, and administrators want it. No one wins when a teacher is trying to teach vastly heterogenous classrooms at one time.

[Anonymous]

How can it be honors if they are reading grade level texts?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How can it be honors if they are reading grade level texts?

Because they say so. Just like Health classes are Honors. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[Anonymous]

I was told my kid's school is piloting a new curriculum. But have no idea where to find it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The "Honors for All" model is one of the things I hope Superintendent Taylor turns to as soon as humanly possible. It is a relatively new initiative, and would be incredibly easy to walk back. Parents want it, teachers want it, and administrators want it. No one wins when a teacher is trying to teach vastly heterogenous classrooms at one time.

I agree. "Honors for All" has to go.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's nice to see this included on page 2 as a required element, but is it just lip service?

Differentiated instruction to ensure all students have access to grade-level texts and tasks and to meet the needs of those requiring scaffolds, supports, enrichment, and extension

Yes. If it weren't lip service, it would actually name specifics, like the Honors math curriculum does.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How can it be honors if they are reading grade level texts?

Honors doesn't have to mean above grade level text. It could be about depth, pacing, and/or amount and type of work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was told my kid's school is piloting a new curriculum. But have no idea where to find it.

Is your kid in 10th grade? The pilot is for 10th grade. All students are getting the 9th grade update this year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How can it be honors if they are reading grade level texts?

They aren't even reading grade level texts. A bunch of them are well below grade level. It's not even an on-grade level class.

[Anonymous]

It's ABYSMAL is what it is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In most schools it is only Honors English 9A. A few schools may still have the on-level course, but that's rare. And there are no standards for what constitutes the honors version of the course. A kid could take it and read mostly below-grade level texts.

I wish I could figure out 9A vs H9A. My kid is in Bridge and he is enrolled in 9A and I’ve been told no H9A. I want someone to explain the difference. What is going on in the H9A class that warrants the extra .5 gpa bump? More in depth text analysis, more writing, higher expectations?

My kid has already complained that English is silly and it’s very easy. For now, I’m looking at outside tutoring.