INSTRUCTIONAL EQUITY WORKSHOP May 2

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They need better teachers, and better training for them once hired. THIS is what DEI should actually mean, for goodness' sakes!

Take my kids' math experience, for ex:

1. My son's 12th grade AP Calc BC teacher was awful last year. He didn't explain any of it clearly. The students who did well were very strong in math to begin with. We hired an expensive, and excellent math tutor, so DS could keep up. How on earth is this equitable?

2. My daughter's Algebra 2 teacher is similar. She doesn't explain anything on the tests unless kids show up to her office hours, which some kids can't do. Kids twiddled their thumbs for TWO days, and were told to do whatever they wanted during class, the week the notes were late. Apparently she doesn't write them herself, the math team does, and she just reads through them or something. Thankfully my daughter is naturally strong in math, and doesn't actually need much guidance. But if my son was in that class, he'd fail miserably. How is that equitable?!

I could cite you some other examples from my son's AP Computer Science Principles teacher, or his AP World History teacher. Or some of my kids' friends' experiences with abysmal world language teachers. One who long-termed subbed for a year and who didn't even speak the language! Talk about setting kids back...

This is the most basic requirement: that teachers actually know how to teach.

That requirement is not being met right now, and it should be met 100% of the time.

And look at other thread about teacher cuts. We are in a do-it-yourself teaching (or be tutored) generation...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Attention All MCPS Parents/Caregivers:

In 2023:
● Only half of all tenth graders in the county passed the English 10 MCAP exam.
● Even at our most affluent schools, only half of students receiving FARMS passed.
● At our highest poverty schools, only one third of students passed the test.

What can we do to improve student outcomes?
The MCCPTA Curriculum Committee is offering an Instructional Equity Workshop by Zoom on
Thursday, May 2 from 7-9 pm to help PTA leaders, caregivers and teachers learn how
curriculum and instruction can better support our students for their futures.
Please join us on Thursday, May 2, at 7 pm. to 9 p.m. to:
● Understand "The Opportunity Myth" and the four critical resources to help students
prepare for college and career.
● Learn the important role of instructional materials in creating equity and what this looks
like in reading and literacy classes.
● Get an update on exciting developments in K-5 Reading in MCPS and explore current 6-8
and 9-12 literature courses.
● Hear from MCPS leaders and have an opportunity to share what you're seeing in
schools.
● Walk away with clear action steps for your PTA to find out more at your school and
advocate for strong literacy experiences across K-12.
Let’s make a difference together.

Register here:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwkd-uuqjspEtOy-UYWS6fQJCoYwMqlONqv

This sounds like it might be a good thing. Anyone have any specifics on what this could be?

What a joke! Instead of spending $$ on these workshops hire teachers to get class sizes smaller.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Attention All MCPS Parents/Caregivers:

In 2023:
● Only half of all tenth graders in the county passed the English 10 MCAP exam.
● Even at our most affluent schools, only half of students receiving FARMS passed.
● At our highest poverty schools, only one third of students passed the test.

What can we do to improve student outcomes?
The MCCPTA Curriculum Committee is offering an Instructional Equity Workshop by Zoom on
Thursday, May 2 from 7-9 pm to help PTA leaders, caregivers and teachers learn how
curriculum and instruction can better support our students for their futures.
Please join us on Thursday, May 2, at 7 pm. to 9 p.m. to:
● Understand "The Opportunity Myth" and the four critical resources to help students
prepare for college and career.
● Learn the important role of instructional materials in creating equity and what this looks
like in reading and literacy classes.
● Get an update on exciting developments in K-5 Reading in MCPS and explore current 6-8
and 9-12 literature courses.
● Hear from MCPS leaders and have an opportunity to share what you're seeing in
schools.
● Walk away with clear action steps for your PTA to find out more at your school and
advocate for strong literacy experiences across K-12.
Let’s make a difference together.

Register here:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwkd-uuqjspEtOy-UYWS6fQJCoYwMqlONqv

This sounds like it might be a good thing. Anyone have any specifics on what this could be?

What a joke! Instead of spending $$ on these workshops hire teachers to get class sizes smaller.

What do you mean spend money on workshops? Do you think MCCPTA volunteers are getting paid?

[Anonymous]

volunteers doing the work for mcps. While mcps takes care of what???

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They need better teachers, and better training for them once hired. THIS is what DEI should actually mean, for goodness' sakes!

Take my kids' math experience, for ex:

1. My son's 12th grade AP Calc BC teacher was awful last year. He didn't explain any of it clearly. The students who did well were very strong in math to begin with. We hired an expensive, and excellent math tutor, so DS could keep up. How on earth is this equitable?

2. My daughter's Algebra 2 teacher is similar. She doesn't explain anything on the tests unless kids show up to her office hours, which some kids can't do. Kids twiddled their thumbs for TWO days, and were told to do whatever they wanted during class, the week the notes were late. Apparently she doesn't write them herself, the math team does, and she just reads through them or something. Thankfully my daughter is naturally strong in math, and doesn't actually need much guidance. But if my son was in that class, he'd fail miserably. How is that equitable?!

I could cite you some other examples from my son's AP Computer Science Principles teacher, or his AP World History teacher. Or some of my kids' friends' experiences with abysmal world language teachers. One who long-termed subbed for a year and who didn't even speak the language! Talk about setting kids back...

This is the most basic requirement: that teachers actually know how to teach.

That requirement is not being met right now, and it should be met 100% of the time.

And look at other thread about teacher cuts. We are in a do-it-yourself teaching (or be tutored) generation...

Part of the issue here is the lack of textbooks.

My MS kid often comes home with random Science assignments where he is expected to just Google around for the answers. It's a waste of time and so ineffective.

Or, for Spanish, there is a random mish mash of photocopied worksheets. Useless. A workbook would be a million times better and the kids could refer back to previous units.

MCPS is a mess.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:volunteers doing the work for mcps. While mcps takes care of what???

Well, isn't it obvious? Cutting positions. Paying out a former employee. Failing to find a vendor for bus tracking. Shall we go on?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They need better teachers, and better training for them once hired. THIS is what DEI should actually mean, for goodness' sakes!

Take my kids' math experience, for ex:

1. My son's 12th grade AP Calc BC teacher was awful last year. He didn't explain any of it clearly. The students who did well were very strong in math to begin with. We hired an expensive, and excellent math tutor, so DS could keep up. How on earth is this equitable?

2. My daughter's Algebra 2 teacher is similar. She doesn't explain anything on the tests unless kids show up to her office hours, which some kids can't do. Kids twiddled their thumbs for TWO days, and were told to do whatever they wanted during class, the week the notes were late. Apparently she doesn't write them herself, the math team does, and she just reads through them or something. Thankfully my daughter is naturally strong in math, and doesn't actually need much guidance. But if my son was in that class, he'd fail miserably. How is that equitable?!

I could cite you some other examples from my son's AP Computer Science Principles teacher, or his AP World History teacher. Or some of my kids' friends' experiences with abysmal world language teachers. One who long-termed subbed for a year and who didn't even speak the language! Talk about setting kids back...

This is the most basic requirement: that teachers actually know how to teach.

That requirement is not being met right now, and it should be met 100% of the time.

And look at other thread about teacher cuts. We are in a do-it-yourself teaching (or be tutored) generation...

Part of the issue here is the lack of textbooks.

My MS kid often comes home with random Science assignments where he is expected to just Google around for the answers. It's a waste of time and so ineffective.

Or, for Spanish, there is a random mish mash of photocopied worksheets. Useless. A workbook would be a million times better and the kids could refer back to previous units.

MCPS is a mess.

Oh, but a textbook is so heavy. Chromebooks much lighter with all of the world's information. !!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They need better teachers, and better training for them once hired. THIS is what DEI should actually mean, for goodness' sakes!

Take my kids' math experience, for ex:

1. My son's 12th grade AP Calc BC teacher was awful last year. He didn't explain any of it clearly. The students who did well were very strong in math to begin with. We hired an expensive, and excellent math tutor, so DS could keep up. How on earth is this equitable?

2. My daughter's Algebra 2 teacher is similar. She doesn't explain anything on the tests unless kids show up to her office hours, which some kids can't do. Kids twiddled their thumbs for TWO days, and were told to do whatever they wanted during class, the week the notes were late. Apparently she doesn't write them herself, the math team does, and she just reads through them or something. Thankfully my daughter is naturally strong in math, and doesn't actually need much guidance. But if my son was in that class, he'd fail miserably. How is that equitable?!

I could cite you some other examples from my son's AP Computer Science Principles teacher, or his AP World History teacher. Or some of my kids' friends' experiences with abysmal world language teachers. One who long-termed subbed for a year and who didn't even speak the language! Talk about setting kids back...

This is the most basic requirement: that teachers actually know how to teach.

That requirement is not being met right now, and it should be met 100% of the time.

And look at other thread about teacher cuts. We are in a do-it-yourself teaching (or be tutored) generation...

Part of the issue here is the lack of textbooks.

My MS kid often comes home with random Science assignments where he is expected to just Google around for the answers. It's a waste of time and so ineffective.

Or, for Spanish, there is a random mish mash of photocopied worksheets. Useless. A workbook would be a million times better and the kids could refer back to previous units.

MCPS is a mess.

Same for French. No textbook, and they link to an online textbook that does not have any content. I emailed the teacher to ask about it and she said it just doesn't work, and central office won't fix it. So we get a bunch of random handouts.

I feel for the teachers - it must be impossible to teach with so little support.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They need better teachers, and better training for them once hired. THIS is what DEI should actually mean, for goodness' sakes!

Take my kids' math experience, for ex:

1. My son's 12th grade AP Calc BC teacher was awful last year. He didn't explain any of it clearly. The students who did well were very strong in math to begin with. We hired an expensive, and excellent math tutor, so DS could keep up. How on earth is this equitable?

2. My daughter's Algebra 2 teacher is similar. She doesn't explain anything on the tests unless kids show up to her office hours, which some kids can't do. Kids twiddled their thumbs for TWO days, and were told to do whatever they wanted during class, the week the notes were late. Apparently she doesn't write them herself, the math team does, and she just reads through them or something. Thankfully my daughter is naturally strong in math, and doesn't actually need much guidance. But if my son was in that class, he'd fail miserably. How is that equitable?!

I could cite you some other examples from my son's AP Computer Science Principles teacher, or his AP World History teacher. Or some of my kids' friends' experiences with abysmal world language teachers. One who long-termed subbed for a year and who didn't even speak the language! Talk about setting kids back...

This is the most basic requirement: that teachers actually know how to teach.

That requirement is not being met right now, and it should be met 100% of the time.

And look at other thread about teacher cuts. We are in a do-it-yourself teaching (or be tutored) generation...

Part of the issue here is the lack of textbooks.

My MS kid often comes home with random Science assignments where he is expected to just Google around for the answers. It's a waste of time and so ineffective.

Or, for Spanish, there is a random mish mash of photocopied worksheets. Useless. A workbook would be a million times better and the kids could refer back to previous units.

MCPS is a mess.

Same for French. No textbook, and they link to an online textbook that does not have any content. I emailed the teacher to ask about it and she said it just doesn't work, and central office won't fix it. So we get a bunch of random handouts.

I feel for the teachers - it must be impossible to teach with so little support.

Save all the handouts if you can and place in binder. Make your own "textbook". Did it with older kid and younger one used same "textbook". And duo lingo for all else.

[Anonymous]

So a poor kid sitting next to a rich kid in the same class scores lower on tests. Surely the problem is the teacher!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Attention All MCPS Parents/Caregivers:

In 2023:
● Only half of all tenth graders in the county passed the English 10 MCAP exam.
● Even at our most affluent schools, only half of students receiving FARMS passed.
● At our highest poverty schools, only one third of students passed the test.

What can we do to improve student outcomes?
The MCCPTA Curriculum Committee is offering an Instructional Equity Workshop by Zoom on
Thursday, May 2 from 7-9 pm to help PTA leaders, caregivers and teachers learn how
curriculum and instruction can better support our students for their futures.
Please join us on Thursday, May 2, at 7 pm. to 9 p.m. to:
● Understand "The Opportunity Myth" and the four critical resources to help students
prepare for college and career.
● Learn the important role of instructional materials in creating equity and what this looks
like in reading and literacy classes.
● Get an update on exciting developments in K-5 Reading in MCPS and explore current 6-8
and 9-12 literature courses.
● Hear from MCPS leaders and have an opportunity to share what you're seeing in
schools.
● Walk away with clear action steps for your PTA to find out more at your school and
advocate for strong literacy experiences across K-12.
Let’s make a difference together.

Register here:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwkd-uuqjspEtOy-UYWS6fQJCoYwMqlONqv

This sounds like it might be a good thing. Anyone have any specifics on what this could be?

Thanks! This sounds awesome. I'm definitely going!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They need better teachers, and better training for them once hired. THIS is what DEI should actually mean, for goodness' sakes!

Take my kids' math experience, for ex:

1. My son's 12th grade AP Calc BC teacher was awful last year. He didn't explain any of it clearly. The students who did well were very strong in math to begin with. We hired an expensive, and excellent math tutor, so DS could keep up. How on earth is this equitable?

2. My daughter's Algebra 2 teacher is similar. She doesn't explain anything on the tests unless kids show up to her office hours, which some kids can't do. Kids twiddled their thumbs for TWO days, and were told to do whatever they wanted during class, the week the notes were late. Apparently she doesn't write them herself, the math team does, and she just reads through them or something. Thankfully my daughter is naturally strong in math, and doesn't actually need much guidance. But if my son was in that class, he'd fail miserably. How is that equitable?!

I could cite you some other examples from my son's AP Computer Science Principles teacher, or his AP World History teacher. Or some of my kids' friends' experiences with abysmal world language teachers. One who long-termed subbed for a year and who didn't even speak the language! Talk about setting kids back...

This is the most basic requirement: that teachers actually know how to teach.

That requirement is not being met right now, and it should be met 100% of the time.

And look at other thread about teacher cuts. We are in a do-it-yourself teaching (or be tutored) generation...

Part of the issue here is the lack of textbooks.

My MS kid often comes home with random Science assignments where he is expected to just Google around for the answers. It's a waste of time and so ineffective.

Or, for Spanish, there is a random mish mash of photocopied worksheets. Useless. A workbook would be a million times better and the kids could refer back to previous units.

MCPS is a mess.

Oh, but a textbook is so heavy. Chromebooks much lighter with all of the world's information. !!!

Yes, textbooks are obsolete. They have this thing called the internet which is like 1,000,000 textbooks but better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They need better teachers, and better training for them once hired. THIS is what DEI should actually mean, for goodness' sakes!

Take my kids' math experience, for ex:

1. My son's 12th grade AP Calc BC teacher was awful last year. He didn't explain any of it clearly. The students who did well were very strong in math to begin with. We hired an expensive, and excellent math tutor, so DS could keep up. How on earth is this equitable?

2. My daughter's Algebra 2 teacher is similar. She doesn't explain anything on the tests unless kids show up to her office hours, which some kids can't do. Kids twiddled their thumbs for TWO days, and were told to do whatever they wanted during class, the week the notes were late. Apparently she doesn't write them herself, the math team does, and she just reads through them or something. Thankfully my daughter is naturally strong in math, and doesn't actually need much guidance. But if my son was in that class, he'd fail miserably. How is that equitable?!

I could cite you some other examples from my son's AP Computer Science Principles teacher, or his AP World History teacher. Or some of my kids' friends' experiences with abysmal world language teachers. One who long-termed subbed for a year and who didn't even speak the language! Talk about setting kids back...

This is the most basic requirement: that teachers actually know how to teach.

That requirement is not being met right now, and it should be met 100% of the time.

And look at other thread about teacher cuts. We are in a do-it-yourself teaching (or be tutored) generation...

Part of the issue here is the lack of textbooks.

My MS kid often comes home with random Science assignments where he is expected to just Google around for the answers. It's a waste of time and so ineffective.

Or, for Spanish, there is a random mish mash of photocopied worksheets. Useless. A workbook would be a million times better and the kids could refer back to previous units.

MCPS is a mess.

Oh, but a textbook is so heavy. Chromebooks much lighter with all of the world's information. !!!

Yes, textbooks are obsolete. They have this thing called the internet which is like 1,000,000 textbooks but better.

The internet does not present the information in a structured, laddered way that enables someone to learn content. That’s what a textbook can do.

Sending a child to the internet to learn is like throwing a thirsty person into the middle of the ocean. What they need is there, but it can’t be accessed in a usable way.

[Anonymous]

MCPTA is as bad of a bureaucracy as MCPS. Why is this an MCPTA priority? Ridiculous!

[Anonymous]

Ditto on not having textbooks. Ultimately we need to refocus on EDUCATION, nothing else. Doing well in school and getting a great job is the game changer in life for poor black and brown students. Really, for everyone. Bring textbooks back, have a clear syllabus so parents know what the hell the teachers are teaching each week, bring back free tutoring, and streamline the career programs so that every kid regardless of their homeschool, has access to the one they want.