Middle school magnet testing for Takoma/ Eastern: have you received 'invite'?

[Anonymous]

Back to the original topic - no notice today, Friday 12/8/17

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Back to the original topic - no notice today, Friday 12/8/17

+1 and we had a HGC school event yesterday - in the field test area - and none of the other families in the conversation had either.


The timeline originally presented seemed ambitious, I"m not surprised that they're running behind; will be interesting to see how it all plays out.

[Anonymous]

There is an update on the website:
The central review process for Grade 5 students in the Eastern and Takoma Park Middle Schools catchment area has been conducted. Parent information results will be mailed by 12/8/2017. If you have not received information by 12/12/2017, contact your school counselor.

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/specialprograms/admissions/applications.aspx

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Back to the original topic - no notice today, Friday 12/8/17

+1 and we had a HGC school event yesterday - in the field test area - and none of the other families in the conversation had either.


The timeline originally presented seemed ambitious, I"m not surprised that they're running behind; will be interesting to see how it all plays out.

What is 'field test area'?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: What is 'field test area'?

The ES schools zoned to go to Takoma Park or Eastern.

[Anonymous]

Called AEI and they were supposed to go out last week but they didn't, so be patient. The invites are coming this week, but no one probably should have received them yet.

[Anonymous]

DS said they told his HGC class that the test will be 1/20, and the letters will be mailed in the next few days

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DS said they told his HGC class that the test will be 1/20, and the letters will be mailed in the next few days

Well, this is turning out to be pretty disorganized. They stated that the test would be Jan 6. We had to make some plans in January and planned around that day (our child is likely in the range of those sitting for the test, so we figured that we better keep that date open just in case).

[Anonymous]

I would imagine that the 2 week delay in testing could also push notification back.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DS said they told his HGC class that the test will be 1/20, and the letters will be mailed in the next few days

Well, this is turning out to be pretty disorganized. They stated that the test would be Jan 6. We had to make some plans in January and planned around that day (our child is likely in the range of those sitting for the test, so we figured that we better keep that date open just in case).

I wouldn't rely on the test date being January 20 unless you hear it from AEI itself. Back in October, when I asked, they said that January 6 was the major test date and that they might have extra test dates where some schools took the test during the school day -- presumably those schools with concentrations of families that might find it difficult to get to a test center on the weekend. Anyway, I don't remember the details of my conversation, I just wouldn't change your plans without more definite information.

[Anonymous]

It would make a lot more sense to test everyone during the school day.

[Anonymous]

We were received our notification. Test is January 9th. It may vary by school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We were received our notification. Test is January 9th. It may vary by school.

[Anonymous]

Got the letter for Eastern/Takoma today, but I'm still confused about the process.

It says that everyone at my kid's home elementary school will be "considered" for a seat in the MS magnets, and that my child will be "evaluated" for both magnet programs unless I decline. And the "evaluation" includes a test given in school on Jan. 8th. "Selection" decisions will be mailed in early Feb.

It's those varying terms that are confusing. It *sounds* to me like everyone is "considered," then based on test scores or grades or whatever, some are chosen for further "evaluation" through the testing in January, then the top tier is "selected" for one or both magnets.

Am I reading this right? Or do they mean that everyone at her school is being considered, so everyone got this letter—meaning everyone takes the test? In which case, what was the point of the letter?

I guess it doesn't really matter for us, since either way she's in the pool of candidates for both, but it doesn't seem like they're being very transparent about the process even now.

And still no word on what kind of test it will be, even though they provide a short test prep booklet for the Clemente testing. I wouldn't plan on having the poor kid cram over winter break regardless, but it would be nice for her to have some idea of what to expect going in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Got the letter for Eastern/Takoma today, but I'm still confused about the process.

It says that everyone at my kid's home elementary school will be "considered" for a seat in the MS magnets, and that my child will be "evaluated" for both magnet programs unless I decline. And the "evaluation" includes a test given in school on Jan. 8th. "Selection" decisions will be mailed in early Feb.

It's those varying terms that are confusing. It *sounds* to me like everyone is "considered," then based on test scores or grades or whatever, some are chosen for further "evaluation" through the testing in January, then the top tier is "selected" for one or both magnets.

Am I reading this right? Or do they mean that everyone at her school is being considered, so everyone got this letter—meaning everyone takes the test? In which case, what was the point of the letter?

I guess it doesn't really matter for us, since either way she's in the pool of candidates for both, but it doesn't seem like they're being very transparent about the process even now.

And still no word on what kind of test it will be, even though they provide a short test prep booklet for the Clemente testing. I wouldn't plan on having the poor kid cram over winter break regardless, but it would be nice for her to have some idea of what to expect going in.

[Sigh] I really do wish that people would either attend the meeting or read up on it before complaining about how non-transparent the process is. Ok, for the umpteenth time - everyone was considered by a central committee - the letters went out to those that the central committee thought should be further evaluated for magnet school. EVEN IF the central committee does not believe your child should be further evaluated you can STILL HAVE YOUR CHILD sit for the test - one test - for both schools. Then those test scores etc. will be reviewed for decisions on which school if any, and you will know in February. AND NO THERE IS NO PREPPING FOR THE TEST. Every child is in the same boat regarding what to expect when going in. Every child has had standardized testing in school -they know how to take a test. This is just one more test.