Is Einstein getting totally screwed in the boundary and program study proposals?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They should have the same strong offerings at every school. Having speciality programs at different schools is silly if students don’t get school choose and each school doesn’t have equal strong offerings. Taylor and the BOE clearly ditched equity and student needs. How many kids want a teacher academy. They reduced the current program a few years ago. How about a poll asking parents, teachers and students what they want at these schools. People are going to bail from Einstein if they can and either move or go private. It and Kennedy will be the weak links.

+1

The DCC is what keeps wealthier kids in public schools. DH and I have just discussed upping our 529 contributions so we can afford private if need be.

Having a standardized base of strong offerings at all schools is part of the plan. Funny how most people are not asking questions or focused on that piece.

We don't buy it because MCPS has caveated it with saying they will offer courses "if there is interest" which is a circular way of saying they won't actually offer that strong base or will have it be virtual in the lower income schools, which will lead wealthy families to flee public schools.

The more comfortable families will leave Einstein and the FARM rate will likely rise. The school gained students for its VAPA program, but many academically strong students now choose magnets or lottery into Blair or Wheaton due to Einstein's limited advanced course offerings. The principal claims there's no demand for higher-level classes, but demand is low because the classes aren't offered. Students are often pushed through AB, BC, then Stats, with no alternatives. MCPS offers no virtual high school math options and has no plans to. Students are left with three choices: take what is available, drive their kids to another school, or to Montgomery College for the classes they need. There is no excuse for MCPS not providing enough math to meet graduation requirements. The minimum at each school should be MVC as then students can take Statistics after MVC if they need an extra math class.

DP - I think you’re overstating how many families will leave Einstein (and how many inbounds kids currently choose Blair or Wheaton). There are a lot of highly educated parents here (e.g., Feds and academics with PhDs) who don’t necessarily have the money to shell out for private nor to move. And a lot of us who are willing to work to improve our school, inasmuch as it needs improving. I don’t love the proposed changes, but they’re not untenable with some modifications along the lines of what people have proposed.

If MVC is the minimum, most high schools shouldn’t go much farther than that. It’s *high school*. We’d be better served by pushing the BOE hard on offering robust programs at all schools, i.e., increasing parity, than arguing for super advanced classes.

There are a bunch of $1 million+ houses being sold in the Einstein area. If MCPS isn't offering a decent set of courses for smart (but not "gifted") college bound kids, some of those students will certainly leave the system. Not all of them, but it creates a vicious cycle.

Many of the rebuilds are going for 1-2 million. Minimum house now is $550-600K for a 800 square foot one level fixer upper.

Many of the kids go to Blair or Wheaton who are more advanced.

But without the DCC they don't have a choice of Blair. What is my STEM talented but not magnet talented kid supposed to go? If we were in an other HS district she would get more choice. Why is her educational opportunity curtailed because I can't afford a $1.5M house elsewhere.

Won't all high schools be required to offer AP Bio, Chem, Phys and AP Calc BC and Stats?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is the most effective way to voice our concerns and provide feedback? It is not immediately obvious.

That is the problem. MCPS wants to shake everything up in a brief amount of time without adequate public discourse. MCCPTA will be voting a resolution to slow this process so all voices can be heard.

Attend the County Council's Education and Culture Committee session tomorrow from 1:30-4:30pm at 100 Maryland Avenue in Rockville in the 3rd Floor Hearing Room and bring signs/t shirts from your school if you have one

Here is the link to the agenda for this public meeting. The third item relates to the regional program proposal. https://montgomerycountymd.granicus.com/Gener...d=169&event_id=16606

Oops, bad link, here it is: https://montgomerycountymd.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=169&event_id=16606

What can County Council's Education and Culture Committee do about MCPS trying to unilaterally implement this regional model without public buy-in?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They should have the same strong offerings at every school. Having speciality programs at different schools is silly if students don’t get school choose and each school doesn’t have equal strong offerings. Taylor and the BOE clearly ditched equity and student needs. How many kids want a teacher academy. They reduced the current program a few years ago. How about a poll asking parents, teachers and students what they want at these schools. People are going to bail from Einstein if they can and either move or go private. It and Kennedy will be the weak links.

+1

The DCC is what keeps wealthier kids in public schools. DH and I have just discussed upping our 529 contributions so we can afford private if need be.

Having a standardized base of strong offerings at all schools is part of the plan. Funny how most people are not asking questions or focused on that piece.

We don't buy it because MCPS has caveated it with saying they will offer courses "if there is interest" which is a circular way of saying they won't actually offer that strong base or will have it be virtual in the lower income schools, which will lead wealthy families to flee public schools.

The more comfortable families will leave Einstein and the FARM rate will likely rise. The school gained students for its VAPA program, but many academically strong students now choose magnets or lottery into Blair or Wheaton due to Einstein's limited advanced course offerings. The principal claims there's no demand for higher-level classes, but demand is low because the classes aren't offered. Students are often pushed through AB, BC, then Stats, with no alternatives. MCPS offers no virtual high school math options and has no plans to. Students are left with three choices: take what is available, drive their kids to another school, or to Montgomery College for the classes they need. There is no excuse for MCPS not providing enough math to meet graduation requirements. The minimum at each school should be MVC as then students can take Statistics after MVC if they need an extra math class.

DP - I think you’re overstating how many families will leave Einstein (and how many inbounds kids currently choose Blair or Wheaton). There are a lot of highly educated parents here (e.g., Feds and academics with PhDs) who don’t necessarily have the money to shell out for private nor to move. And a lot of us who are willing to work to improve our school, inasmuch as it needs improving. I don’t love the proposed changes, but they’re not untenable with some modifications along the lines of what people have proposed.

If MVC is the minimum, most high schools shouldn’t go much farther than that. It’s *high school*. We’d be better served by pushing the BOE hard on offering robust programs at all schools, i.e., increasing parity, than arguing for super advanced classes.

There are a bunch of $1 million+ houses being sold in the Einstein area. If MCPS isn't offering a decent set of courses for smart (but not "gifted") college bound kids, some of those students will certainly leave the system. Not all of them, but it creates a vicious cycle.

Many of the rebuilds are going for 1-2 million. Minimum house now is $550-600K for a 800 square foot one level fixer upper.

Many of the kids go to Blair or Wheaton who are more advanced.

But without the DCC they don't have a choice of Blair. What is my STEM talented but not magnet talented kid supposed to go? If we were in an other HS district she would get more choice. Why is her educational opportunity curtailed because I can't afford a $1.5M house elsewhere.

Won't all high schools be required to offer AP Bio, Chem, Phys and AP Calc BC and Stats?

Not a chance. There are not enough qualified teachers available for hire, especially for advanced STEM classes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What is the most effective way to voice our concerns and provide feedback? It is not immediately obvious.

The problem is that MCPS is refusing to collect or listen to feedback.

Given that, I think the best approach is to focus on the Board of Ed. Some of them have indicated they are inclined to defer to MCPS on this, but I think if the uproar is big enough that will change things. Especially if the ask for now is just to slow things down a year to take the time to collect feedback and understand the budgetary and transportation implications before making any final decisions. We have to push them hard on this though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They should have the same strong offerings at every school. Having speciality programs at different schools is silly if students don’t get school choose and each school doesn’t have equal strong offerings. Taylor and the BOE clearly ditched equity and student needs. How many kids want a teacher academy. They reduced the current program a few years ago. How about a poll asking parents, teachers and students what they want at these schools. People are going to bail from Einstein if they can and either move or go private. It and Kennedy will be the weak links.

+1

The DCC is what keeps wealthier kids in public schools. DH and I have just discussed upping our 529 contributions so we can afford private if need be.

Having a standardized base of strong offerings at all schools is part of the plan. Funny how most people are not asking questions or focused on that piece.

We don't buy it because MCPS has caveated it with saying they will offer courses "if there is interest" which is a circular way of saying they won't actually offer that strong base or will have it be virtual in the lower income schools, which will lead wealthy families to flee public schools.

The more comfortable families will leave Einstein and the FARM rate will likely rise. The school gained students for its VAPA program, but many academically strong students now choose magnets or lottery into Blair or Wheaton due to Einstein's limited advanced course offerings. The principal claims there's no demand for higher-level classes, but demand is low because the classes aren't offered. Students are often pushed through AB, BC, then Stats, with no alternatives. MCPS offers no virtual high school math options and has no plans to. Students are left with three choices: take what is available, drive their kids to another school, or to Montgomery College for the classes they need. There is no excuse for MCPS not providing enough math to meet graduation requirements. The minimum at each school should be MVC as then students can take Statistics after MVC if they need an extra math class.

DP - I think you’re overstating how many families will leave Einstein (and how many inbounds kids currently choose Blair or Wheaton). There are a lot of highly educated parents here (e.g., Feds and academics with PhDs) who don’t necessarily have the money to shell out for private nor to move. And a lot of us who are willing to work to improve our school, inasmuch as it needs improving. I don’t love the proposed changes, but they’re not untenable with some modifications along the lines of what people have proposed.

If MVC is the minimum, most high schools shouldn’t go much farther than that. It’s *high school*. We’d be better served by pushing the BOE hard on offering robust programs at all schools, i.e., increasing parity, than arguing for super advanced classes.

There are a bunch of $1 million+ houses being sold in the Einstein area. If MCPS isn't offering a decent set of courses for smart (but not "gifted") college bound kids, some of those students will certainly leave the system. Not all of them, but it creates a vicious cycle.

Many of the rebuilds are going for 1-2 million. Minimum house now is $550-600K for a 800 square foot one level fixer upper.

Many of the kids go to Blair or Wheaton who are more advanced.

But without the DCC they don't have a choice of Blair. What is my STEM talented but not magnet talented kid supposed to go? If we were in an other HS district she would get more choice. Why is her educational opportunity curtailed because I can't afford a $1.5M house elsewhere.

Won't all high schools be required to offer AP Bio, Chem, Phys and AP Calc BC and Stats?

I believe the slide said either AP or IB.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is the most effective way to voice our concerns and provide feedback? It is not immediately obvious.

That is the problem. MCPS wants to shake everything up in a brief amount of time without adequate public discourse. MCCPTA will be voting a resolution to slow this process so all voices can be heard.

Attend the County Council's Education and Culture Committee session tomorrow from 1:30-4:30pm at 100 Maryland Avenue in Rockville in the 3rd Floor Hearing Room and bring signs/t shirts from your school if you have one

Here is the link to the agenda for this public meeting. The third item relates to the regional program proposal. https://montgomerycountymd.granicus.com/Gener...d=169&event_id=16606

Oops, bad link, here it is: https://montgomerycountymd.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=169&event_id=16606

What can County Council's Education and Culture Committee do about MCPS trying to unilaterally implement this regional model without public buy-in?

Central office will lie in front of the public that they had communicated well and collected feedbacks through webminars.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is the most effective way to voice our concerns and provide feedback? It is not immediately obvious.

That is the problem. MCPS wants to shake everything up in a brief amount of time without adequate public discourse. MCCPTA will be voting a resolution to slow this process so all voices can be heard.

Attend the County Council's Education and Culture Committee session tomorrow from 1:30-4:30pm at 100 Maryland Avenue in Rockville in the 3rd Floor Hearing Room and bring signs/t shirts from your school if you have one

Here is the link to the agenda for this public meeting. The third item relates to the regional program proposal. https://montgomerycountymd.granicus.com/Gener...d=169&event_id=16606

Oops, bad link, here it is: https://montgomerycountymd.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=169&event_id=16606

What can County Council's Education and Culture Committee do about MCPS trying to unilaterally implement this regional model without public buy-in?

The council does not have direct authority over how MCPS uses the money the council gives them. However, these are public meetings that can increase visibility of concerns and make it harder for BOE members to let this go. Karla Silvestre and Julie Yang are running for council seats which I think puts more pressure on them to be responsive to the public.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is the most effective way to voice our concerns and provide feedback? It is not immediately obvious.

That is the problem. MCPS wants to shake everything up in a brief amount of time without adequate public discourse. MCCPTA will be voting a resolution to slow this process so all voices can be heard.

Attend the County Council's Education and Culture Committee session tomorrow from 1:30-4:30pm at 100 Maryland Avenue in Rockville in the 3rd Floor Hearing Room and bring signs/t shirts from your school if you have one

Here is the link to the agenda for this public meeting. The third item relates to the regional program proposal. https://montgomerycountymd.granicus.com/Gener...d=169&event_id=16606

Oops, bad link, here it is: https://montgomerycountymd.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=169&event_id=16606

What can County Council's Education and Culture Committee do about MCPS trying to unilaterally implement this regional model without public buy-in?

Central office will lie in front of the public that they had communicated well and collected feedbacks through webminars.

So when the council members don't question them on this, call their offices and inform them of your displeasure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They should have the same strong offerings at every school. Having speciality programs at different schools is silly if students don’t get school choose and each school doesn’t have equal strong offerings. Taylor and the BOE clearly ditched equity and student needs. How many kids want a teacher academy. They reduced the current program a few years ago. How about a poll asking parents, teachers and students what they want at these schools. People are going to bail from Einstein if they can and either move or go private. It and Kennedy will be the weak links.

+1

The DCC is what keeps wealthier kids in public schools. DH and I have just discussed upping our 529 contributions so we can afford private if need be.

Having a standardized base of strong offerings at all schools is part of the plan. Funny how most people are not asking questions or focused on that piece.

We don't buy it because MCPS has caveated it with saying they will offer courses "if there is interest" which is a circular way of saying they won't actually offer that strong base or will have it be virtual in the lower income schools, which will lead wealthy families to flee public schools.

The more comfortable families will leave Einstein and the FARM rate will likely rise. The school gained students for its VAPA program, but many academically strong students now choose magnets or lottery into Blair or Wheaton due to Einstein's limited advanced course offerings. The principal claims there's no demand for higher-level classes, but demand is low because the classes aren't offered. Students are often pushed through AB, BC, then Stats, with no alternatives. MCPS offers no virtual high school math options and has no plans to. Students are left with three choices: take what is available, drive their kids to another school, or to Montgomery College for the classes they need. There is no excuse for MCPS not providing enough math to meet graduation requirements. The minimum at each school should be MVC as then students can take Statistics after MVC if they need an extra math class.

DP - I think you’re overstating how many families will leave Einstein (and how many inbounds kids currently choose Blair or Wheaton). There are a lot of highly educated parents here (e.g., Feds and academics with PhDs) who don’t necessarily have the money to shell out for private nor to move. And a lot of us who are willing to work to improve our school, inasmuch as it needs improving. I don’t love the proposed changes, but they’re not untenable with some modifications along the lines of what people have proposed.

If MVC is the minimum, most high schools shouldn’t go much farther than that. It’s *high school*. We’d be better served by pushing the BOE hard on offering robust programs at all schools, i.e., increasing parity, than arguing for super advanced classes.

There are a bunch of $1 million+ houses being sold in the Einstein area. If MCPS isn't offering a decent set of courses for smart (but not "gifted") college bound kids, some of those students will certainly leave the system. Not all of them, but it creates a vicious cycle.

Many of the rebuilds are going for 1-2 million. Minimum house now is $550-600K for a 800 square foot one level fixer upper.

Many of the kids go to Blair or Wheaton who are more advanced.

But without the DCC they don't have a choice of Blair. What is my STEM talented but not magnet talented kid supposed to go? If we were in an other HS district she would get more choice. Why is her educational opportunity curtailed because I can't afford a $1.5M house elsewhere.

Won't all high schools be required to offer AP Bio, Chem, Phys and AP Calc BC and Stats?

I believe the slide said either AP or IB.

Yes, this is from the June BOE meeting, recommending baseline courses to be at all high schools:

Advanced Placement (or IB) Courses

Math
● Pre-Calculus, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Statistics

English
● English 10 AP Seminar, Language and Literature,
English Literature

Science
● Biology, Chemistry, Physics

Social Studies
● Government, U.S. History, World History, Psychology,
Human Geography

World Languages
● Spanish, French

Technology
● Computer Science Principles, Computer Science
Java Arts
● 1–2 minimum based on student interest

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is the most effective way to voice our concerns and provide feedback? It is not immediately obvious.

That is the problem. MCPS wants to shake everything up in a brief amount of time without adequate public discourse. MCCPTA will be voting a resolution to slow this process so all voices can be heard.

Attend the County Council's Education and Culture Committee session tomorrow from 1:30-4:30pm at 100 Maryland Avenue in Rockville in the 3rd Floor Hearing Room and bring signs/t shirts from your school if you have one

Here is the link to the agenda for this public meeting. The third item relates to the regional program proposal. https://montgomerycountymd.granicus.com/Gener...d=169&event_id=16606

Oops, bad link, here it is: https://montgomerycountymd.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=169&event_id=16606

What can County Council's Education and Culture Committee do about MCPS trying to unilaterally implement this regional model without public buy-in?

Central office will lie in front of the public that they had communicated well and collected feedbacks through webminars.

So when the council members don't question them on this, call their offices and inform them of your displeasure.

Believe me, I did this a couple of times to BOE. I put together all publicly available links to documents that I can find and made summary table for them to list concerns from the community. No one responds. No one cares. They let central office lie and they help them disguise.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They should have the same strong offerings at every school. Having speciality programs at different schools is silly if students don’t get school choose and each school doesn’t have equal strong offerings. Taylor and the BOE clearly ditched equity and student needs. How many kids want a teacher academy. They reduced the current program a few years ago. How about a poll asking parents, teachers and students what they want at these schools. People are going to bail from Einstein if they can and either move or go private. It and Kennedy will be the weak links.

+1

The DCC is what keeps wealthier kids in public schools. DH and I have just discussed upping our 529 contributions so we can afford private if need be.

Having a standardized base of strong offerings at all schools is part of the plan. Funny how most people are not asking questions or focused on that piece.

We don't buy it because MCPS has caveated it with saying they will offer courses "if there is interest" which is a circular way of saying they won't actually offer that strong base or will have it be virtual in the lower income schools, which will lead wealthy families to flee public schools.

The more comfortable families will leave Einstein and the FARM rate will likely rise. The school gained students for its VAPA program, but many academically strong students now choose magnets or lottery into Blair or Wheaton due to Einstein's limited advanced course offerings. The principal claims there's no demand for higher-level classes, but demand is low because the classes aren't offered. Students are often pushed through AB, BC, then Stats, with no alternatives. MCPS offers no virtual high school math options and has no plans to. Students are left with three choices: take what is available, drive their kids to another school, or to Montgomery College for the classes they need. There is no excuse for MCPS not providing enough math to meet graduation requirements. The minimum at each school should be MVC as then students can take Statistics after MVC if they need an extra math class.

DP - I think you’re overstating how many families will leave Einstein (and how many inbounds kids currently choose Blair or Wheaton). There are a lot of highly educated parents here (e.g., Feds and academics with PhDs) who don’t necessarily have the money to shell out for private nor to move. And a lot of us who are willing to work to improve our school, inasmuch as it needs improving. I don’t love the proposed changes, but they’re not untenable with some modifications along the lines of what people have proposed.

If MVC is the minimum, most high schools shouldn’t go much farther than that. It’s *high school*. We’d be better served by pushing the BOE hard on offering robust programs at all schools, i.e., increasing parity, than arguing for super advanced classes.

There are a bunch of $1 million+ houses being sold in the Einstein area. If MCPS isn't offering a decent set of courses for smart (but not "gifted") college bound kids, some of those students will certainly leave the system. Not all of them, but it creates a vicious cycle.

Many of the rebuilds are going for 1-2 million. Minimum house now is $550-600K for a 800 square foot one level fixer upper.

Many of the kids go to Blair or Wheaton who are more advanced.

But without the DCC they don't have a choice of Blair. What is my STEM talented but not magnet talented kid supposed to go? If we were in an other HS district she would get more choice. Why is her educational opportunity curtailed because I can't afford a $1.5M house elsewhere.

Won't all high schools be required to offer AP Bio, Chem, Phys and AP Calc BC and Stats?

Jesus. You really don't understand, do you? Most stem oriented kids today want to go beyond BC Calc in HS. They want to take MVC, which Einstein does not offer, whereas other MCPS schools do.

We made the mistake of sending our STEM-oriented older child to Einstein inbounds. The math and science SUCKED. He has struggled in college trying to major in a STEM subject.

Based on that we knew to send our younger son to Wheaton. He did not get into the magnet engineering program, but thanks to the Wheaton engineering academy, he was able to take multivariable calculus, six engineering courses, etc., with the teachers who also taught in the magnet and who were fantastic teachers.

Compare that to my kid at Einstein, who had the same terrible math teacher for a year and a half, was only able to take BC Calc senior year AND was stuck with NO TEACHER for the first couple months of Calculus. They had to teach themselves from PPT! It was absurd.

Thanks god we were able to send our younger kid to Wheaton.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They should have the same strong offerings at every school. Having speciality programs at different schools is silly if students don’t get school choose and each school doesn’t have equal strong offerings. Taylor and the BOE clearly ditched equity and student needs. How many kids want a teacher academy. They reduced the current program a few years ago. How about a poll asking parents, teachers and students what they want at these schools. People are going to bail from Einstein if they can and either move or go private. It and Kennedy will be the weak links.

+1

The DCC is what keeps wealthier kids in public schools. DH and I have just discussed upping our 529 contributions so we can afford private if need be.

Having a standardized base of strong offerings at all schools is part of the plan. Funny how most people are not asking questions or focused on that piece.

We don't buy it because MCPS has caveated it with saying they will offer courses "if there is interest" which is a circular way of saying they won't actually offer that strong base or will have it be virtual in the lower income schools, which will lead wealthy families to flee public schools.

The more comfortable families will leave Einstein and the FARM rate will likely rise. The school gained students for its VAPA program, but many academically strong students now choose magnets or lottery into Blair or Wheaton due to Einstein's limited advanced course offerings. The principal claims there's no demand for higher-level classes, but demand is low because the classes aren't offered. Students are often pushed through AB, BC, then Stats, with no alternatives. MCPS offers no virtual high school math options and has no plans to. Students are left with three choices: take what is available, drive their kids to another school, or to Montgomery College for the classes they need. There is no excuse for MCPS not providing enough math to meet graduation requirements. The minimum at each school should be MVC as then students can take Statistics after MVC if they need an extra math class.

DP - I think you’re overstating how many families will leave Einstein (and how many inbounds kids currently choose Blair or Wheaton). There are a lot of highly educated parents here (e.g., Feds and academics with PhDs) who don’t necessarily have the money to shell out for private nor to move. And a lot of us who are willing to work to improve our school, inasmuch as it needs improving. I don’t love the proposed changes, but they’re not untenable with some modifications along the lines of what people have proposed.

If MVC is the minimum, most high schools shouldn’t go much farther than that. It’s *high school*. We’d be better served by pushing the BOE hard on offering robust programs at all schools, i.e., increasing parity, than arguing for super advanced classes.

There are a bunch of $1 million+ houses being sold in the Einstein area. If MCPS isn't offering a decent set of courses for smart (but not "gifted") college bound kids, some of those students will certainly leave the system. Not all of them, but it creates a vicious cycle.

Many of the rebuilds are going for 1-2 million. Minimum house now is $550-600K for a 800 square foot one level fixer upper.

Many of the kids go to Blair or Wheaton who are more advanced.

But without the DCC they don't have a choice of Blair. What is my STEM talented but not magnet talented kid supposed to go? If we were in an other HS district she would get more choice. Why is her educational opportunity curtailed because I can't afford a $1.5M house elsewhere.

Won't all high schools be required to offer AP Bio, Chem, Phys and AP Calc BC and Stats?

I believe the slide said either AP or IB.

Yes, this is from the June BOE meeting, recommending baseline courses to be at all high schools:

Advanced Placement (or IB) Courses

Math
● Pre-Calculus, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Statistics

English
● English 10 AP Seminar, Language and Literature,
English Literature

Science
● Biology, Chemistry, Physics

Social Studies
● Government, U.S. History, World History, Psychology,
Human Geography

World Languages
● Spanish, French

Technology
● Computer Science Principles, Computer Science
Java Arts
● 1–2 minimum based on student interest

W's have much more course offerings than this list already. How to address the inequity for the additional "optional" courses that are already exist in some HSs, while others can't even offer the bare minimum from this list?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They should have the same strong offerings at every school. Having speciality programs at different schools is silly if students don’t get school choose and each school doesn’t have equal strong offerings. Taylor and the BOE clearly ditched equity and student needs. How many kids want a teacher academy. They reduced the current program a few years ago. How about a poll asking parents, teachers and students what they want at these schools. People are going to bail from Einstein if they can and either move or go private. It and Kennedy will be the weak links.

+1

The DCC is what keeps wealthier kids in public schools. DH and I have just discussed upping our 529 contributions so we can afford private if need be.

Having a standardized base of strong offerings at all schools is part of the plan. Funny how most people are not asking questions or focused on that piece.

We don't buy it because MCPS has caveated it with saying they will offer courses "if there is interest" which is a circular way of saying they won't actually offer that strong base or will have it be virtual in the lower income schools, which will lead wealthy families to flee public schools.

The more comfortable families will leave Einstein and the FARM rate will likely rise. The school gained students for its VAPA program, but many academically strong students now choose magnets or lottery into Blair or Wheaton due to Einstein's limited advanced course offerings. The principal claims there's no demand for higher-level classes, but demand is low because the classes aren't offered. Students are often pushed through AB, BC, then Stats, with no alternatives. MCPS offers no virtual high school math options and has no plans to. Students are left with three choices: take what is available, drive their kids to another school, or to Montgomery College for the classes they need. There is no excuse for MCPS not providing enough math to meet graduation requirements. The minimum at each school should be MVC as then students can take Statistics after MVC if they need an extra math class.

DP - I think you’re overstating how many families will leave Einstein (and how many inbounds kids currently choose Blair or Wheaton). There are a lot of highly educated parents here (e.g., Feds and academics with PhDs) who don’t necessarily have the money to shell out for private nor to move. And a lot of us who are willing to work to improve our school, inasmuch as it needs improving. I don’t love the proposed changes, but they’re not untenable with some modifications along the lines of what people have proposed.

If MVC is the minimum, most high schools shouldn’t go much farther than that. It’s *high school*. We’d be better served by pushing the BOE hard on offering robust programs at all schools, i.e., increasing parity, than arguing for super advanced classes.

There are a bunch of $1 million+ houses being sold in the Einstein area. If MCPS isn't offering a decent set of courses for smart (but not "gifted") college bound kids, some of those students will certainly leave the system. Not all of them, but it creates a vicious cycle.

Many of the rebuilds are going for 1-2 million. Minimum house now is $550-600K for a 800 square foot one level fixer upper.

Many of the kids go to Blair or Wheaton who are more advanced.

But without the DCC they don't have a choice of Blair. What is my STEM talented but not magnet talented kid supposed to go? If we were in an other HS district she would get more choice. Why is her educational opportunity curtailed because I can't afford a $1.5M house elsewhere.

Won't all high schools be required to offer AP Bio, Chem, Phys and AP Calc BC and Stats?

Jesus. You really don't understand, do you? Most stem oriented kids today want to go beyond BC Calc in HS. They want to take MVC, which Einstein does not offer, whereas other MCPS schools do.

We made the mistake of sending our STEM-oriented older child to Einstein inbounds. The math and science SUCKED. He has struggled in college trying to major in a STEM subject.

Based on that we knew to send our younger son to Wheaton. He did not get into the magnet engineering program, but thanks to the Wheaton engineering academy, he was able to take multivariable calculus, six engineering courses, etc., with the teachers who also taught in the magnet and who were fantastic teachers.

Compare that to my kid at Einstein, who had the same terrible math teacher for a year and a half, was only able to take BC Calc senior year AND was stuck with NO TEACHER for the first couple months of Calculus. They had to teach themselves from PPT! It was absurd.

Thanks god we were able to send our younger kid to Wheaton.

If they don’t have high school kids or care about stem they don’t know. Most kids only do Calc. Wheaton is a much stronger school. We have kids at both.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They should have the same strong offerings at every school. Having speciality programs at different schools is silly if students don’t get school choose and each school doesn’t have equal strong offerings. Taylor and the BOE clearly ditched equity and student needs. How many kids want a teacher academy. They reduced the current program a few years ago. How about a poll asking parents, teachers and students what they want at these schools. People are going to bail from Einstein if they can and either move or go private. It and Kennedy will be the weak links.

+1

The DCC is what keeps wealthier kids in public schools. DH and I have just discussed upping our 529 contributions so we can afford private if need be.

Having a standardized base of strong offerings at all schools is part of the plan. Funny how most people are not asking questions or focused on that piece.

We don't buy it because MCPS has caveated it with saying they will offer courses "if there is interest" which is a circular way of saying they won't actually offer that strong base or will have it be virtual in the lower income schools, which will lead wealthy families to flee public schools.

The more comfortable families will leave Einstein and the FARM rate will likely rise. The school gained students for its VAPA program, but many academically strong students now choose magnets or lottery into Blair or Wheaton due to Einstein's limited advanced course offerings. The principal claims there's no demand for higher-level classes, but demand is low because the classes aren't offered. Students are often pushed through AB, BC, then Stats, with no alternatives. MCPS offers no virtual high school math options and has no plans to. Students are left with three choices: take what is available, drive their kids to another school, or to Montgomery College for the classes they need. There is no excuse for MCPS not providing enough math to meet graduation requirements. The minimum at each school should be MVC as then students can take Statistics after MVC if they need an extra math class.

DP - I think you’re overstating how many families will leave Einstein (and how many inbounds kids currently choose Blair or Wheaton). There are a lot of highly educated parents here (e.g., Feds and academics with PhDs) who don’t necessarily have the money to shell out for private nor to move. And a lot of us who are willing to work to improve our school, inasmuch as it needs improving. I don’t love the proposed changes, but they’re not untenable with some modifications along the lines of what people have proposed.

If MVC is the minimum, most high schools shouldn’t go much farther than that. It’s *high school*. We’d be better served by pushing the BOE hard on offering robust programs at all schools, i.e., increasing parity, than arguing for super advanced classes.

There are a bunch of $1 million+ houses being sold in the Einstein area. If MCPS isn't offering a decent set of courses for smart (but not "gifted") college bound kids, some of those students will certainly leave the system. Not all of them, but it creates a vicious cycle.

Many of the rebuilds are going for 1-2 million. Minimum house now is $550-600K for a 800 square foot one level fixer upper.

Many of the kids go to Blair or Wheaton who are more advanced.

But without the DCC they don't have a choice of Blair. What is my STEM talented but not magnet talented kid supposed to go? If we were in an other HS district she would get more choice. Why is her educational opportunity curtailed because I can't afford a $1.5M house elsewhere.

The same thing as the rest of ours.., they go to Einstein and go without or you move or cosa.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They should have the same strong offerings at every school. Having speciality programs at different schools is silly if students don’t get school choose and each school doesn’t have equal strong offerings. Taylor and the BOE clearly ditched equity and student needs. How many kids want a teacher academy. They reduced the current program a few years ago. How about a poll asking parents, teachers and students what they want at these schools. People are going to bail from Einstein if they can and either move or go private. It and Kennedy will be the weak links.

+1

The DCC is what keeps wealthier kids in public schools. DH and I have just discussed upping our 529 contributions so we can afford private if need be.

Having a standardized base of strong offerings at all schools is part of the plan. Funny how most people are not asking questions or focused on that piece.

We don't buy it because MCPS has caveated it with saying they will offer courses "if there is interest" which is a circular way of saying they won't actually offer that strong base or will have it be virtual in the lower income schools, which will lead wealthy families to flee public schools.

The more comfortable families will leave Einstein and the FARM rate will likely rise. The school gained students for its VAPA program, but many academically strong students now choose magnets or lottery into Blair or Wheaton due to Einstein's limited advanced course offerings. The principal claims there's no demand for higher-level classes, but demand is low because the classes aren't offered. Students are often pushed through AB, BC, then Stats, with no alternatives. MCPS offers no virtual high school math options and has no plans to. Students are left with three choices: take what is available, drive their kids to another school, or to Montgomery College for the classes they need. There is no excuse for MCPS not providing enough math to meet graduation requirements. The minimum at each school should be MVC as then students can take Statistics after MVC if they need an extra math class.

DP - I think you’re overstating how many families will leave Einstein (and how many inbounds kids currently choose Blair or Wheaton). There are a lot of highly educated parents here (e.g., Feds and academics with PhDs) who don’t necessarily have the money to shell out for private nor to move. And a lot of us who are willing to work to improve our school, inasmuch as it needs improving. I don’t love the proposed changes, but they’re not untenable with some modifications along the lines of what people have proposed.

If MVC is the minimum, most high schools shouldn’t go much farther than that. It’s *high school*. We’d be better served by pushing the BOE hard on offering robust programs at all schools, i.e., increasing parity, than arguing for super advanced classes.

There are a bunch of $1 million+ houses being sold in the Einstein area. If MCPS isn't offering a decent set of courses for smart (but not "gifted") college bound kids, some of those students will certainly leave the system. Not all of them, but it creates a vicious cycle.

Many of the rebuilds are going for 1-2 million. Minimum house now is $550-600K for a 800 square foot one level fixer upper.

Many of the kids go to Blair or Wheaton who are more advanced.

But without the DCC they don't have a choice of Blair. What is my STEM talented but not magnet talented kid supposed to go? If we were in an other HS district she would get more choice. Why is her educational opportunity curtailed because I can't afford a $1.5M house elsewhere.

Won't all high schools be required to offer AP Bio, Chem, Phys and AP Calc BC and Stats?

Ap science, no.