Why is there always some kind of issue/concern/problem with TJ?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are some former and current TJ parents who are using their criticism of the school to make a living now with being on Fox News and writing books. Follow the money...

+1

It's all part of Republican astroturfing efforts. Asra and her MAGA buddies push RWNJ propaganda. They regularly lie and distort the truth to razz up the base.

That was my take too. Their gripe is they feel entitled to TJ admissions and feel the best way to game things is to bring about changes in FCPS leadership.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS created the definition of a scarce good when it created TJ so it’s a case study in supply-induced demand. Fights ensue.

That - plus it’s a testament to the hypocrisy of the current School Board that they constantly blather about “equity” but spend a disproportionate amount of time tinkering with processes at a school that is only attended by 3% of FCPS students in high school. The last thing in the world they actually care about are equal outcomes; they just want preferential outcomes distributed in a way that benefits them at the polls.

First of all, they don't spend a disproportionate amount of time tinkering with the process. The TJ Admissions Office does that - because it's their job.

The School Board would love nothing more than to stop talking about TJ and its admissions process, but a small group of parents looking to make a quick buck or launch their political careers continue to make an issue out of it.

Such BS on your part. Obviously you are happy with what you think the new process is at TJ, but you're delusional if you think TJ would just hum merrily along but for a "small group of parents."

Scott Brabrand was losing his support among the School Board for his overall incompetence when he seized upon the idea of changing TJ admissions as a way to work himself back into the good graces of the School Board. The School Board then spent countless hours in work sessions debating the TJ admissions change, and a TON of staff time was required to try and map out what the potential impacts of different options might be. Meanwhile other pressing issues in FCPS - learning loss due to Covid, severe overcrowding at some schools - went entirely unaddressed. All because people always see TJ as a vehicle to demonstrate their political chops and bona fides.

You folks want to claim the controversy all started with the Coalition for TJ and Asra Nomani, but it long predates that. Before the Coalition for TJ, there was the Fairfax NAACP filing a complaint with the federal Department of Education demanding an investigation into TJ's admissions practices. And before that there were other challenges. It's always something, and people will still be finding things to fight about over TJ as long as it's a selective magnet, and long after the Coalition for TJ and Asra Nomani have moved on to something else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS created the definition of a scarce good when it created TJ so it’s a case study in supply-induced demand. Fights ensue.

That - plus it’s a testament to the hypocrisy of the current School Board that they constantly blather about “equity” but spend a disproportionate amount of time tinkering with processes at a school that is only attended by 3% of FCPS students in high school. The last thing in the world they actually care about are equal outcomes; they just want preferential outcomes distributed in a way that benefits them at the polls.

First of all, they don't spend a disproportionate amount of time tinkering with the process. The TJ Admissions Office does that - because it's their job.

The School Board would love nothing more than to stop talking about TJ and its admissions process, but a small group of parents looking to make a quick buck or launch their political careers continue to make an issue out of it.

Such BS on your part. Obviously you are happy with what you think the new process is at TJ, but you're delusional if you think TJ would just hum merrily along but for a "small group of parents."

Scott Brabrand was losing his support among the School Board for his overall incompetence when he seized upon the idea of changing TJ admissions as a way to work himself back into the good graces of the School Board. The School Board then spent countless hours in work sessions debating the TJ admissions change, and a TON of staff time was required to try and map out what the potential impacts of different options might be. Meanwhile other pressing issues in FCPS - learning loss due to Covid, severe overcrowding at some schools - went entirely unaddressed. All because people always see TJ as a vehicle to demonstrate their political chops and bona fides.

You folks want to claim the controversy all started with the Coalition for TJ and Asra Nomani, but it long predates that. Before the Coalition for TJ, there was the Fairfax NAACP filing a complaint with the federal Department of Education demanding an investigation into TJ's admissions practices. And before that there were other challenges. It's always something, and people will still be finding things to fight about over TJ as long as it's a selective magnet, and long after the Coalition for TJ and Asra Nomani have moved on to something else.

I thought they changed the process to counter the rampant cheating that was unfairly skewing admission to wealthy families who invested heavily in prep to buy test access.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS created the definition of a scarce good when it created TJ so it’s a case study in supply-induced demand. Fights ensue.

That - plus it’s a testament to the hypocrisy of the current School Board that they constantly blather about “equity” but spend a disproportionate amount of time tinkering with processes at a school that is only attended by 3% of FCPS students in high school. The last thing in the world they actually care about are equal outcomes; they just want preferential outcomes distributed in a way that benefits them at the polls.

First of all, they don't spend a disproportionate amount of time tinkering with the process. The TJ Admissions Office does that - because it's their job.

The School Board would love nothing more than to stop talking about TJ and its admissions process, but a small group of parents looking to make a quick buck or launch their political careers continue to make an issue out of it.

Such BS on your part. Obviously you are happy with what you think the new process is at TJ, but you're delusional if you think TJ would just hum merrily along but for a "small group of parents."

Scott Brabrand was losing his support among the School Board for his overall incompetence when he seized upon the idea of changing TJ admissions as a way to work himself back into the good graces of the School Board. The School Board then spent countless hours in work sessions debating the TJ admissions change, and a TON of staff time was required to try and map out what the potential impacts of different options might be. Meanwhile other pressing issues in FCPS - learning loss due to Covid, severe overcrowding at some schools - went entirely unaddressed. All because people always see TJ as a vehicle to demonstrate their political chops and bona fides.

You folks want to claim the controversy all started with the Coalition for TJ and Asra Nomani, but it long predates that. Before the Coalition for TJ, there was the Fairfax NAACP filing a complaint with the federal Department of Education demanding an investigation into TJ's admissions practices. And before that there were other challenges. It's always something, and people will still be finding things to fight about over TJ as long as it's a selective magnet, and long after the Coalition for TJ and Asra Nomani have moved on to something else.

I thought they changed the process to counter the rampant cheating that was unfairly skewing admission to wealthy families who invested heavily in prep to buy test access.

I think the system needed reform in key part because it was getting taken over by the prep schools but the Braband dynamics are quite plausible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS created the definition of a scarce good when it created TJ so it’s a case study in supply-induced demand. Fights ensue.

That - plus it’s a testament to the hypocrisy of the current School Board that they constantly blather about “equity” but spend a disproportionate amount of time tinkering with processes at a school that is only attended by 3% of FCPS students in high school. The last thing in the world they actually care about are equal outcomes; they just want preferential outcomes distributed in a way that benefits them at the polls.

First of all, they don't spend a disproportionate amount of time tinkering with the process. The TJ Admissions Office does that - because it's their job.

The School Board would love nothing more than to stop talking about TJ and its admissions process, but a small group of parents looking to make a quick buck or launch their political careers continue to make an issue out of it.

Such BS on your part. Obviously you are happy with what you think the new process is at TJ, but you're delusional if you think TJ would just hum merrily along but for a "small group of parents."

Scott Brabrand was losing his support among the School Board for his overall incompetence when he seized upon the idea of changing TJ admissions as a way to work himself back into the good graces of the School Board. The School Board then spent countless hours in work sessions debating the TJ admissions change, and a TON of staff time was required to try and map out what the potential impacts of different options might be. Meanwhile other pressing issues in FCPS - learning loss due to Covid, severe overcrowding at some schools - went entirely unaddressed. All because people always see TJ as a vehicle to demonstrate their political chops and bona fides.

You folks want to claim the controversy all started with the Coalition for TJ and Asra Nomani, but it long predates that. Before the Coalition for TJ, there was the Fairfax NAACP filing a complaint with the federal Department of Education demanding an investigation into TJ's admissions practices. And before that there were other challenges. It's always something, and people will still be finding things to fight about over TJ as long as it's a selective magnet, and long after the Coalition for TJ and Asra Nomani have moved on to something else.

I thought they changed the process to counter the rampant cheating that was unfairly skewing admission to wealthy families who invested heavily in prep to buy test access.

Then you were not listening to Brabrand, but instead merely to the voices inside your head.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS created the definition of a scarce good when it created TJ so it’s a case study in supply-induced demand. Fights ensue.

That - plus it’s a testament to the hypocrisy of the current School Board that they constantly blather about “equity” but spend a disproportionate amount of time tinkering with processes at a school that is only attended by 3% of FCPS students in high school. The last thing in the world they actually care about are equal outcomes; they just want preferential outcomes distributed in a way that benefits them at the polls.

First of all, they don't spend a disproportionate amount of time tinkering with the process. The TJ Admissions Office does that - because it's their job.

The School Board would love nothing more than to stop talking about TJ and its admissions process, but a small group of parents looking to make a quick buck or launch their political careers continue to make an issue out of it.

Such BS on your part. Obviously you are happy with what you think the new process is at TJ, but you're delusional if you think TJ would just hum merrily along but for a "small group of parents."



I always fail to understand how preparing for. the test is cheating?? How about all those SAT and ACT books?? Are all those kids cheating as well if they find a word they saw in the SAT book appear in the actual test?

Scott Brabrand was losing his support among the School Board for his overall incompetence when he seized upon the idea of changing TJ admissions as a way to work himself back into the good graces of the School Board. The School Board then spent countless hours in work sessions debating the TJ admissions change, and a TON of staff time was required to try and map out what the potential impacts of different options might be. Meanwhile other pressing issues in FCPS - learning loss due to Covid, severe overcrowding at some schools - went entirely unaddressed. All because people always see TJ as a vehicle to demonstrate their political chops and bona fides.

You folks want to claim the controversy all started with the Coalition for TJ and Asra Nomani, but it long predates that. Before the Coalition for TJ, there was the Fairfax NAACP filing a complaint with the federal Department of Education demanding an investigation into TJ's admissions practices. And before that there were other challenges. It's always something, and people will still be finding things to fight about over TJ as long as it's a selective magnet, and long after the Coalition for TJ and Asra Nomani have moved on to something else.

I thought they changed the process to counter the rampant cheating that was unfairly skewing admission to wealthy families who invested heavily in prep to buy test access.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS created the definition of a scarce good when it created TJ so it’s a case study in supply-induced demand. Fights ensue.

That - plus it’s a testament to the hypocrisy of the current School Board that they constantly blather about “equity” but spend a disproportionate amount of time tinkering with processes at a school that is only attended by 3% of FCPS students in high school. The last thing in the world they actually care about are equal outcomes; they just want preferential outcomes distributed in a way that benefits them at the polls.

First of all, they don't spend a disproportionate amount of time tinkering with the process. The TJ Admissions Office does that - because it's their job.

The School Board would love nothing more than to stop talking about TJ and its admissions process, but a small group of parents looking to make a quick buck or launch their political careers continue to make an issue out of it.

Such BS on your part. Obviously you are happy with what you think the new process is at TJ, but you're delusional if you think TJ would just hum merrily along but for a "small group of parents."

Scott Brabrand was losing his support among the School Board for his overall incompetence when he seized upon the idea of changing TJ admissions as a way to work himself back into the good graces of the School Board. The School Board then spent countless hours in work sessions debating the TJ admissions change, and a TON of staff time was required to try and map out what the potential impacts of different options might be. Meanwhile other pressing issues in FCPS - learning loss due to Covid, severe overcrowding at some schools - went entirely unaddressed. All because people always see TJ as a vehicle to demonstrate their political chops and bona fides.

You folks want to claim the controversy all started with the Coalition for TJ and Asra Nomani, but it long predates that. Before the Coalition for TJ, there was the Fairfax NAACP filing a complaint with the federal Department of Education demanding an investigation into TJ's admissions practices. And before that there were other challenges. It's always something, and people will still be finding things to fight about over TJ as long as it's a selective magnet, and long after the Coalition for TJ and Asra Nomani have moved on to something else.

I thought they changed the process to counter the rampant cheating that was unfairly skewing admission to wealthy families who invested heavily in prep to buy test access.

That was part of it. Also, the atmosphere inside the school needed changing and one way to do that would be to change the admissions process and the makeup of the admitted students.

Has it worked? Not sure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS created the definition of a scarce good when it created TJ so it’s a case study in supply-induced demand. Fights ensue.

That - plus it’s a testament to the hypocrisy of the current School Board that they constantly blather about “equity” but spend a disproportionate amount of time tinkering with processes at a school that is only attended by 3% of FCPS students in high school. The last thing in the world they actually care about are equal outcomes; they just want preferential outcomes distributed in a way that benefits them at the polls.

First of all, they don't spend a disproportionate amount of time tinkering with the process. The TJ Admissions Office does that - because it's their job.

The School Board would love nothing more than to stop talking about TJ and its admissions process, but a small group of parents looking to make a quick buck or launch their political careers continue to make an issue out of it.

Such BS on your part. Obviously you are happy with what you think the new process is at TJ, but you're delusional if you think TJ would just hum merrily along but for a "small group of parents."

Scott Brabrand was losing his support among the School Board for his overall incompetence when he seized upon the idea of changing TJ admissions as a way to work himself back into the good graces of the School Board. The School Board then spent countless hours in work sessions debating the TJ admissions change, and a TON of staff time was required to try and map out what the potential impacts of different options might be. Meanwhile other pressing issues in FCPS - learning loss due to Covid, severe overcrowding at some schools - went entirely unaddressed. All because people always see TJ as a vehicle to demonstrate their political chops and bona fides.

You folks want to claim the controversy all started with the Coalition for TJ and Asra Nomani, but it long predates that. Before the Coalition for TJ, there was the Fairfax NAACP filing a complaint with the federal Department of Education demanding an investigation into TJ's admissions practices. And before that there were other challenges. It's always something, and people will still be finding things to fight about over TJ as long as it's a selective magnet, and long after the Coalition for TJ and Asra Nomani have moved on to something else.

I thought they changed the process to counter the rampant cheating that was unfairly skewing admission to wealthy families who invested heavily in prep to buy test access.

#fakenews. The process was changed because Asians were too dominant on standardized tests and were a vast majority of the admitted students every year. Elite colleges did the same thing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS created the definition of a scarce good when it created TJ so it’s a case study in supply-induced demand. Fights ensue.

That - plus it’s a testament to the hypocrisy of the current School Board that they constantly blather about “equity” but spend a disproportionate amount of time tinkering with processes at a school that is only attended by 3% of FCPS students in high school. The last thing in the world they actually care about are equal outcomes; they just want preferential outcomes distributed in a way that benefits them at the polls.

First of all, they don't spend a disproportionate amount of time tinkering with the process. The TJ Admissions Office does that - because it's their job.

The School Board would love nothing more than to stop talking about TJ and its admissions process, but a small group of parents looking to make a quick buck or launch their political careers continue to make an issue out of it.

Such BS on your part. Obviously you are happy with what you think the new process is at TJ, but you're delusional if you think TJ would just hum merrily along but for a "small group of parents."

Scott Brabrand was losing his support among the School Board for his overall incompetence when he seized upon the idea of changing TJ admissions as a way to work himself back into the good graces of the School Board. The School Board then spent countless hours in work sessions debating the TJ admissions change, and a TON of staff time was required to try and map out what the potential impacts of different options might be. Meanwhile other pressing issues in FCPS - learning loss due to Covid, severe overcrowding at some schools - went entirely unaddressed. All because people always see TJ as a vehicle to demonstrate their political chops and bona fides.

You folks want to claim the controversy all started with the Coalition for TJ and Asra Nomani, but it long predates that. Before the Coalition for TJ, there was the Fairfax NAACP filing a complaint with the federal Department of Education demanding an investigation into TJ's admissions practices. And before that there were other challenges. It's always something, and people will still be finding things to fight about over TJ as long as it's a selective magnet, and long after the Coalition for TJ and Asra Nomani have moved on to something else.

I thought they changed the process to counter the rampant cheating that was unfairly skewing admission to wealthy families who invested heavily in prep to buy test access.

#fakenews. The process was changed because Asians were too dominant on standardized tests and were a vast majority of the admitted students every year. Elite colleges did the same thing.

Nope.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS created the definition of a scarce good when it created TJ so it’s a case study in supply-induced demand. Fights ensue.

That - plus it’s a testament to the hypocrisy of the current School Board that they constantly blather about “equity” but spend a disproportionate amount of time tinkering with processes at a school that is only attended by 3% of FCPS students in high school. The last thing in the world they actually care about are equal outcomes; they just want preferential outcomes distributed in a way that benefits them at the polls.

First of all, they don't spend a disproportionate amount of time tinkering with the process. The TJ Admissions Office does that - because it's their job.

The School Board would love nothing more than to stop talking about TJ and its admissions process, but a small group of parents looking to make a quick buck or launch their political careers continue to make an issue out of it.

Such BS on your part. Obviously you are happy with what you think the new process is at TJ, but you're delusional if you think TJ would just hum merrily along but for a "small group of parents."

Scott Brabrand was losing his support among the School Board for his overall incompetence when he seized upon the idea of changing TJ admissions as a way to work himself back into the good graces of the School Board. The School Board then spent countless hours in work sessions debating the TJ admissions change, and a TON of staff time was required to try and map out what the potential impacts of different options might be. Meanwhile other pressing issues in FCPS - learning loss due to Covid, severe overcrowding at some schools - went entirely unaddressed. All because people always see TJ as a vehicle to demonstrate their political chops and bona fides.

You folks want to claim the controversy all started with the Coalition for TJ and Asra Nomani, but it long predates that. Before the Coalition for TJ, there was the Fairfax NAACP filing a complaint with the federal Department of Education demanding an investigation into TJ's admissions practices. And before that there were other challenges. It's always something, and people will still be finding things to fight about over TJ as long as it's a selective magnet, and long after the Coalition for TJ and Asra Nomani have moved on to something else.

I thought they changed the process to counter the rampant cheating that was unfairly skewing admission to wealthy families who invested heavily in prep to buy test access.

#fakenews. The process was changed because Asians were too dominant on standardized tests and were a vast majority of the admitted students every year. Elite colleges did the same thing.

Essentially: it is blatant racism against Asian students by the current school board. As in:

- the current school board is racist. Their own racist emails prove they are racists.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Because it's the crown jewel of FCPS and was once considered the best school in the country. It's one of the later remainders of the once-sterling reputation FCPS had for being one of the best school districts in the country back in the 1980s.

It's also a school that attracts a hugely disproportionate number of kids from Type A, high SES, tiger mom folks who get super pissed when they perceive their kids' chances of getting into a top 10 college might be even remotely threatened.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS created the definition of a scarce good when it created TJ so it’s a case study in supply-induced demand. Fights ensue.

That - plus it’s a testament to the hypocrisy of the current School Board that they constantly blather about “equity” but spend a disproportionate amount of time tinkering with processes at a school that is only attended by 3% of FCPS students in high school. The last thing in the world they actually care about are equal outcomes; they just want preferential outcomes distributed in a way that benefits them at the polls.

First of all, they don't spend a disproportionate amount of time tinkering with the process. The TJ Admissions Office does that - because it's their job.

The School Board would love nothing more than to stop talking about TJ and its admissions process, but a small group of parents looking to make a quick buck or launch their political careers continue to make an issue out of it.

Such BS on your part. Obviously you are happy with what you think the new process is at TJ, but you're delusional if you think TJ would just hum merrily along but for a "small group of parents."

Scott Brabrand was losing his support among the School Board for his overall incompetence when he seized upon the idea of changing TJ admissions as a way to work himself back into the good graces of the School Board. The School Board then spent countless hours in work sessions debating the TJ admissions change, and a TON of staff time was required to try and map out what the potential impacts of different options might be. Meanwhile other pressing issues in FCPS - learning loss due to Covid, severe overcrowding at some schools - went entirely unaddressed. All because people always see TJ as a vehicle to demonstrate their political chops and bona fides.

You folks want to claim the controversy all started with the Coalition for TJ and Asra Nomani, but it long predates that. Before the Coalition for TJ, there was the Fairfax NAACP filing a complaint with the federal Department of Education demanding an investigation into TJ's admissions practices. And before that there were other challenges. It's always something, and people will still be finding things to fight about over TJ as long as it's a selective magnet, and long after the Coalition for TJ and Asra Nomani have moved on to something else.

I thought they changed the process to counter the rampant cheating that was unfairly skewing admission to wealthy families who invested heavily in prep to buy test access.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS created the definition of a scarce good when it created TJ so it’s a case study in supply-induced demand. Fights ensue.

That - plus it’s a testament to the hypocrisy of the current School Board that they constantly blather about “equity” but spend a disproportionate amount of time tinkering with processes at a school that is only attended by 3% of FCPS students in high school. The last thing in the world they actually care about are equal outcomes; they just want preferential outcomes distributed in a way that benefits them at the polls.

First of all, they don't spend a disproportionate amount of time tinkering with the process. The TJ Admissions Office does that - because it's their job.

The School Board would love nothing more than to stop talking about TJ and its admissions process, but a small group of parents looking to make a quick buck or launch their political careers continue to make an issue out of it.

Such BS on your part. Obviously you are happy with what you think the new process is at TJ, but you're delusional if you think TJ would just hum merrily along but for a "small group of parents."

Scott Brabrand was losing his support among the School Board for his overall incompetence when he seized upon the idea of changing TJ admissions as a way to work himself back into the good graces of the School Board. The School Board then spent countless hours in work sessions debating the TJ admissions change, and a TON of staff time was required to try and map out what the potential impacts of different options might be. Meanwhile other pressing issues in FCPS - learning loss due to Covid, severe overcrowding at some schools - went entirely unaddressed. All because people always see TJ as a vehicle to demonstrate their political chops and bona fides.

You folks want to claim the controversy all started with the Coalition for TJ and Asra Nomani, but it long predates that. Before the Coalition for TJ, there was the Fairfax NAACP filing a complaint with the federal Department of Education demanding an investigation into TJ's admissions practices. And before that there were other challenges. It's always something, and people will still be finding things to fight about over TJ as long as it's a selective magnet, and long after the Coalition for TJ and Asra Nomani have moved on to something else.

I thought they changed the process to counter the rampant cheating that was unfairly skewing admission to wealthy families who invested heavily in prep to buy test access.

+1

If that was the reason, it wasn't articulated at the time by, you know, the people like Brabrand and Corbett Sanders who actually pushed for the changes. For Brabrand, it was about "George Floyd" and for Corbett Sanders it was about "not enough kids at TJ from my district."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS created the definition of a scarce good when it created TJ so it’s a case study in supply-induced demand. Fights ensue.

That - plus it’s a testament to the hypocrisy of the current School Board that they constantly blather about “equity” but spend a disproportionate amount of time tinkering with processes at a school that is only attended by 3% of FCPS students in high school. The last thing in the world they actually care about are equal outcomes; they just want preferential outcomes distributed in a way that benefits them at the polls.

First of all, they don't spend a disproportionate amount of time tinkering with the process. The TJ Admissions Office does that - because it's their job.

The School Board would love nothing more than to stop talking about TJ and its admissions process, but a small group of parents looking to make a quick buck or launch their political careers continue to make an issue out of it.

Such BS on your part. Obviously you are happy with what you think the new process is at TJ, but you're delusional if you think TJ would just hum merrily along but for a "small group of parents."

Scott Brabrand was losing his support among the School Board for his overall incompetence when he seized upon the idea of changing TJ admissions as a way to work himself back into the good graces of the School Board. The School Board then spent countless hours in work sessions debating the TJ admissions change, and a TON of staff time was required to try and map out what the potential impacts of different options might be. Meanwhile other pressing issues in FCPS - learning loss due to Covid, severe overcrowding at some schools - went entirely unaddressed. All because people always see TJ as a vehicle to demonstrate their political chops and bona fides.

You folks want to claim the controversy all started with the Coalition for TJ and Asra Nomani, but it long predates that. Before the Coalition for TJ, there was the Fairfax NAACP filing a complaint with the federal Department of Education demanding an investigation into TJ's admissions practices. And before that there were other challenges. It's always something, and people will still be finding things to fight about over TJ as long as it's a selective magnet, and long after the Coalition for TJ and Asra Nomani have moved on to something else.

I thought they changed the process to counter the rampant cheating that was unfairly skewing admission to wealthy families who invested heavily in prep to buy test access.

+1

If that was the reason, it wasn't articulated at the time by, you know, the people like Brabrand and Corbett Sanders who actually pushed for the changes. For Brabrand, it was about "George Floyd" and for Corbett Sanders it was about "not enough kids at TJ from my district."

There were lots of reasons to change the admissions process. Why are you singling out those?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS created the definition of a scarce good when it created TJ so it’s a case study in supply-induced demand. Fights ensue.

That - plus it’s a testament to the hypocrisy of the current School Board that they constantly blather about “equity” but spend a disproportionate amount of time tinkering with processes at a school that is only attended by 3% of FCPS students in high school. The last thing in the world they actually care about are equal outcomes; they just want preferential outcomes distributed in a way that benefits them at the polls.

First of all, they don't spend a disproportionate amount of time tinkering with the process. The TJ Admissions Office does that - because it's their job.

The School Board would love nothing more than to stop talking about TJ and its admissions process, but a small group of parents looking to make a quick buck or launch their political careers continue to make an issue out of it.

Such BS on your part. Obviously you are happy with what you think the new process is at TJ, but you're delusional if you think TJ would just hum merrily along but for a "small group of parents."

Scott Brabrand was losing his support among the School Board for his overall incompetence when he seized upon the idea of changing TJ admissions as a way to work himself back into the good graces of the School Board. The School Board then spent countless hours in work sessions debating the TJ admissions change, and a TON of staff time was required to try and map out what the potential impacts of different options might be. Meanwhile other pressing issues in FCPS - learning loss due to Covid, severe overcrowding at some schools - went entirely unaddressed. All because people always see TJ as a vehicle to demonstrate their political chops and bona fides.

You folks want to claim the controversy all started with the Coalition for TJ and Asra Nomani, but it long predates that. Before the Coalition for TJ, there was the Fairfax NAACP filing a complaint with the federal Department of Education demanding an investigation into TJ's admissions practices. And before that there were other challenges. It's always something, and people will still be finding things to fight about over TJ as long as it's a selective magnet, and long after the Coalition for TJ and Asra Nomani have moved on to something else.

So many issues with this response.

1) Regardless of any political preferences, it was not an option to use the old process for the selection of the Class of 2025. Administering an in-person exam for the number of students required would not have been feasible in any way during a part of the pandemic when it was manifestly unsafe to put kids in school together, and there would have been no way to administer the exam online without introducing a huge possibility of cheating. Assessing the free-response Student Information Sheet was possible because of the subjective nature of its evaluation, but doing the Quant-Q or ACT Aspire exams was not. Therefore, inarguably, they were going to have to come up with a different process and the extreme interest of certain groups in TJ meant that that process was going to be fraught no matter how they went about it. So much for that point.

2) Agree with you that many people do see TJ as a vehicle to demonstrate their political chops. Suparna Dutta certainly did as much before her nomination to the Virginia BOE was rejected yesterday - thank goodness. Harry Jackson is trying to do as much but is getting roundly rejected by voters in his own district... too bad, so sad.

3) The NAACP filed several complaints. None of them went anywhere. I'm not even sure an actual investigation took place. A lot of people demand things in this part of the world but that doesn't mean they actually happen.

4) If the Coalition and Asra are going to move on to something else, would they mind very much just going ahead and doing it already? It's hard to see them pulling together enough School Board votes to make a change, and Dr. Reid certainly doesn't seem in any rush to move on the current process.