TJ admissions now verifying free and reduced price meal status for successful 2026 applicants

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:GPA is only a small fraction of the applicant’s score. A kid with a 3.5 GPA and very strong essays will have a higher score than the kid with a 4.0 but lower scored essays. Likewise, FARMS + 3.5 has a much higher point total than non FARMS + a 4.0. Kids with Bs who are getting in aren’t the top GPAs in their school, and no schools have grade deflation. Those kids either got FARMS bonus points or had highly rated essays.

Correct. That is what the FCSB decided they wanted for the admissions policy. If they found a legal way to do it, we have to live with it or vote for candidates for the school board that have your views. Does this process lead to a better, smarter, and more gifted class? Probably not, but that isn't what the FCSB decided was what they wanted for TJHSST. They simply have a different goal for the school than you do and have decided on a criteria for admissions that supports their goals.

Only problem was that it was illegal as per federal judge. Case is still on under appeal.

What if anything is happening with the State case that was on-going (Not the Federal case)? I think it was filed in the Fairfax Circuit Court.

It was perfectly legal but a few parents used to gaming admission weren't happy and have taken them to court. It will be summarily dismissed because this holds no merit.

Yes, it's much harder to get in now since the geographic component insures all students have a shot not just those who spend $20k on prep.

The new system ensures that less qualified kids are admitted simply because they live in areas zoned to under-performing middle schools with weak student cohorts.

It is correct to say that generally speaking, many of those middle schools who are increasing their presence have weaker cohorts top to bottom. That’s not a controversial or especially valuable statement.

What is mind-numbingly myopic is to assert that the 75th kid at one of the traditional feeders is a better choice for TJ than the 2nd or 3rd kid from a school that never has historically gotten kids into TJ.

Great point, but I think some purposefully ignore these facts since they feel it's in their personal interest.

For the last freaking time all you woke idiots on here

AAP exists. All the top kids are already out of the schools and at the AAP centers. There aren't any diamonds in the rough morons.

You are making the idiotic argument that kids leftover are better than top performing kids.

Give me a break.

Feel free to have your child move from a good school district/aap center and swap places with kids that are so deserving from lower tier schools hypocrites.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:GPA is only a small fraction of the applicant’s score. A kid with a 3.5 GPA and very strong essays will have a higher score than the kid with a 4.0 but lower scored essays. Likewise, FARMS + 3.5 has a much higher point total than non FARMS + a 4.0. Kids with Bs who are getting in aren’t the top GPAs in their school, and no schools have grade deflation. Those kids either got FARMS bonus points or had highly rated essays.

Correct. That is what the FCSB decided they wanted for the admissions policy. If they found a legal way to do it, we have to live with it or vote for candidates for the school board that have your views. Does this process lead to a better, smarter, and more gifted class? Probably not, but that isn't what the FCSB decided was what they wanted for TJHSST. They simply have a different goal for the school than you do and have decided on a criteria for admissions that supports their goals.

Only problem was that it was illegal as per federal judge. Case is still on under appeal.

What if anything is happening with the State case that was on-going (Not the Federal case)? I think it was filed in the Fairfax Circuit Court.

It was perfectly legal but a few parents used to gaming admission weren't happy and have taken them to court. It will be summarily dismissed because this holds no merit.

Yes, it's much harder to get in now since the geographic component insures all students have a shot not just those who spend $20k on prep.

The new system ensures that less qualified kids are admitted simply because they live in areas zoned to under-performing middle schools with weak student cohorts.

It is correct to say that generally speaking, many of those middle schools who are increasing their presence have weaker cohorts top to bottom. That’s not a controversial or especially valuable statement.

What is mind-numbingly myopic is to assert that the 75th kid at one of the traditional feeders is a better choice for TJ than the 2nd or 3rd kid from a school that never has historically gotten kids into TJ.

*this*

Nope try again its a STEM school and AAP are magnet centers. There are most likely 75 students at the AAP centers who are better than the #2 or #3 kid at another school from the lower half of the county performance wise.

No, AAP Centers are not magnet schools.

DP but they are magnets in the sense that many AAP centers have kids who are zoned for other base schools. And PP is absolutely right that a #75 at Carson is better qualified than a #2 or 3 at Holmes or Poe (where the much smaller cohort of strong kids is at Frost or Glasgow).

The new system is a scam intended to undermine the very idea of meritocracy, so they might as well just close this watered-down version of TJ. There is nothing this pathetic School Board, given a chance, doesn’t screw up.

Again - if you believe this, you are proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that you have NO IDEA what happens at schools like Holmes and Poe. There are phenomenal kids at all of those schools who aren't at APP centers for one reason or another. You're right that there aren't as many of them, but they are absolutely there and to suggest otherwise destroys your credibility.

AAP exams are given from 2nd to 6th grade (i think) so among the "one reason or other" they failed 5 times over.
Also they must be gloriously failed in the test for algebra.

And for "one reason or other" they will fail once again.
Such a waste of public fund for stem specific lab, to fulfil some school board fantasy, instead of introducing better courses at so called under privileged schools.

The arguments these nativists put up to get back their privilege is so pathetic.
Th

AAP tests are not given out each year. Teachers and parents have the right to refer their kids, though. If a kid were truly phenomenal, a teacher would have referred that kid for AAP.

Phenomenal kids are not falling through the cracks in FCPS. FCPS has Young Scholars to let the AART get to know any URM or poor kid who shows even a speck of potential. Then, in 2nd grade, URM kids are admitted to AAP with quite low test scores relative to Asian and White kids*. From 3rd-6th, teachers will refer kids for AAP who are phenomenal, but have checked out parents. Even if the kid somehow still doesn't get into AAP, gen ed kids who are strong at math will be placed in advanced math and should have no problem at all with qualifying for Algebra, even without prep. FCPS is already moving mountains to place every above average URM or FARMS kid in AAP. There quite honestly are no "phenomenal" kids at any school who neither were identified for AAP nor qualified for Algebra in 7th.

Now, if PP's argument is that Holmes and Poe don't necessarily have truly gifted kids, but instead their top kids are every bit as good as the kids who've traditionally been in the bottom 1/3 of TJ, I'd buy that. I'm not sure, though, why people are so focused on getting the right demographics for the bottom part of the TJ class, when all of those kids will get much better college admissions at the top of their base school.

*. https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/files/BPLQKV69B096/$file/FCPS%20final%20report%2005.05.20.pdf

It took you a while to get around to it, but you finally got to the point.

But you’re wrong that their college admissions prospects would be better at their base school. That IS the case for very typical TJ kids, but it is NOT the case for the types of kids the new admissions process helps.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:GPA is only a small fraction of the applicant’s score. A kid with a 3.5 GPA and very strong essays will have a higher score than the kid with a 4.0 but lower scored essays. Likewise, FARMS + 3.5 has a much higher point total than non FARMS + a 4.0. Kids with Bs who are getting in aren’t the top GPAs in their school, and no schools have grade deflation. Those kids either got FARMS bonus points or had highly rated essays.

Correct. That is what the FCSB decided they wanted for the admissions policy. If they found a legal way to do it, we have to live with it or vote for candidates for the school board that have your views. Does this process lead to a better, smarter, and more gifted class? Probably not, but that isn't what the FCSB decided was what they wanted for TJHSST. They simply have a different goal for the school than you do and have decided on a criteria for admissions that supports their goals.

Only problem was that it was illegal as per federal judge. Case is still on under appeal.

What if anything is happening with the State case that was on-going (Not the Federal case)? I think it was filed in the Fairfax Circuit Court.

It was perfectly legal but a few parents used to gaming admission weren't happy and have taken them to court. It will be summarily dismissed because this holds no merit.

Yes, it's much harder to get in now since the geographic component insures all students have a shot not just those who spend $20k on prep.

The new system ensures that less qualified kids are admitted simply because they live in areas zoned to under-performing middle schools with weak student cohorts.

It is correct to say that generally speaking, many of those middle schools who are increasing their presence have weaker cohorts top to bottom. That’s not a controversial or especially valuable statement.

What is mind-numbingly myopic is to assert that the 75th kid at one of the traditional feeders is a better choice for TJ than the 2nd or 3rd kid from a school that never has historically gotten kids into TJ.

*this*

Nope try again its a STEM school and AAP are magnet centers. There are most likely 75 students at the AAP centers who are better than the #2 or #3 kid at another school from the lower half of the county performance wise.

No, AAP Centers are not magnet schools.

DP but they are magnets in the sense that many AAP centers have kids who are zoned for other base schools. And PP is absolutely right that a #75 at Carson is better qualified than a #2 or 3 at Holmes or Poe (where the much smaller cohort of strong kids is at Frost or Glasgow).

The new system is a scam intended to undermine the very idea of meritocracy, so they might as well just close this watered-down version of TJ. There is nothing this pathetic School Board, given a chance, doesn’t screw up.

Again - if you believe this, you are proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that you have NO IDEA what happens at schools like Holmes and Poe. There are phenomenal kids at all of those schools who aren't at APP centers for one reason or another. You're right that there aren't as many of them, but they are absolutely there and to suggest otherwise destroys your credibility.

Very true! And many aren't AAP centers because their parents didn't know to push or didn't spend $7k on private evaluation quackery.

Teachers are instructed to do a teacher referral for any kids who belong in AAP but have parents who are unlikely to refer. Kids in 7th grade gen ed not only failed to get the scores and other metrics needed in 2nd grade, but they also failed to impress any of their 3rd-6th grade teachers.

My impression is that Teachers in Title 1 schools are more likely to refer a child for AAP then a Teacher at a non-Title 1 school. Parents are less likely to know about Young Scholars or AAP at Title 1 schools because of a greater chance of language differences, lack of experience in the school system, and a lack of education on the parents part. Teachers are trained to be on the look out for kids who could use Young Scholars and/or AAP.

Teachers are not supposed to talk directly about AAP for specific kids, I am sure that is because they don’t want parents feeling like their kid is being excluded purposefully by the school. So you cannot expect a Teacher is going to say “You should have your kid apply for AAP” with very few exceptions. I have had friends who moved into the state with a 4th grader. The Teachers knew that the family might not know about AAP and had not had a chance to attend the various meetings in K-2 so they told the parents about the program for their son. He applied and was accepted for 5th.

I think it is different in MC and UMC schools. There is more of an expectation that parents know about AAP and the different options or will hear about them and investigate. Teachers are less likely to refer because there are already kids hitting the in-pool test scores and/or parents know about the program.

I know that DS’s Teachers were clear in first and second grade that they were giving him different math sheets and that he was at the top of the class in reading. He was identified for LII services as soon as the school started LII services. There was no doubt that he was going to be in Advanced Math after his second grade Teacher told us she would be shocked if he wasn’t in Advanced Math at the end of the first quarter in second grade.

No one directly told us to apply for AAP but at the same time, Teachers referenced the Advanced options at the school (Math and LIII, we did not have a LLIV) at pretty much every parent teacher conference starting in First grade. And if we asked about AAP the Teachers gave us a run down of the pros and cons, with an emphasis on the cons because we didn’t have LLIV and I think they wanted to keep kids like DS at the base school. But they did tell us what he could get at the Center.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:GPA is only a small fraction of the applicant’s score. A kid with a 3.5 GPA and very strong essays will have a higher score than the kid with a 4.0 but lower scored essays. Likewise, FARMS + 3.5 has a much higher point total than non FARMS + a 4.0. Kids with Bs who are getting in aren’t the top GPAs in their school, and no schools have grade deflation. Those kids either got FARMS bonus points or had highly rated essays.

Correct. That is what the FCSB decided they wanted for the admissions policy. If they found a legal way to do it, we have to live with it or vote for candidates for the school board that have your views. Does this process lead to a better, smarter, and more gifted class? Probably not, but that isn't what the FCSB decided was what they wanted for TJHSST. They simply have a different goal for the school than you do and have decided on a criteria for admissions that supports their goals.

Only problem was that it was illegal as per federal judge. Case is still on under appeal.

What if anything is happening with the State case that was on-going (Not the Federal case)? I think it was filed in the Fairfax Circuit Court.

It was perfectly legal but a few parents used to gaming admission weren't happy and have taken them to court. It will be summarily dismissed because this holds no merit.

Yes, it's much harder to get in now since the geographic component insures all students have a shot not just those who spend $20k on prep.

The new system ensures that less qualified kids are admitted simply because they live in areas zoned to under-performing middle schools with weak student cohorts.

It is correct to say that generally speaking, many of those middle schools who are increasing their presence have weaker cohorts top to bottom. That’s not a controversial or especially valuable statement.

What is mind-numbingly myopic is to assert that the 75th kid at one of the traditional feeders is a better choice for TJ than the 2nd or 3rd kid from a school that never has historically gotten kids into TJ.

Great point, but I think some purposefully ignore these facts since they feel it's in their personal interest.

For the last freaking time all you woke idiots on here

AAP exists. All the top kids are already out of the schools and at the AAP centers. There aren't any diamonds in the rough morons.

You are making the idiotic argument that kids leftover are better than top performing kids.

Give me a break.

Feel free to have your child move from a good school district/aap center and swap places with kids that are so deserving from lower tier schools hypocrites.

They aren’t all there. Period. There are kids who blossom while they are in middle school. If you don’t understand this, you have no credibility.

Where I come from, “woke” is a compliment. Yours is appreciated.

[Anonymous]

The current and future POTUS where in their 70s when elected. Potential and achievement have no age limits.

Anyone putting labels on elementry school kids are plain fools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:GPA is only a small fraction of the applicant’s score. A kid with a 3.5 GPA and very strong essays will have a higher score than the kid with a 4.0 but lower scored essays. Likewise, FARMS + 3.5 has a much higher point total than non FARMS + a 4.0. Kids with Bs who are getting in aren’t the top GPAs in their school, and no schools have grade deflation. Those kids either got FARMS bonus points or had highly rated essays.

Correct. That is what the FCSB decided they wanted for the admissions policy. If they found a legal way to do it, we have to live with it or vote for candidates for the school board that have your views. Does this process lead to a better, smarter, and more gifted class? Probably not, but that isn't what the FCSB decided was what they wanted for TJHSST. They simply have a different goal for the school than you do and have decided on a criteria for admissions that supports their goals.

Only problem was that it was illegal as per federal judge. Case is still on under appeal.

What if anything is happening with the State case that was on-going (Not the Federal case)? I think it was filed in the Fairfax Circuit Court.

It was perfectly legal but a few parents used to gaming admission weren't happy and have taken them to court. It will be summarily dismissed because this holds no merit.

Yes, it's much harder to get in now since the geographic component insures all students have a shot not just those who spend $20k on prep.

The new system ensures that less qualified kids are admitted simply because they live in areas zoned to under-performing middle schools with weak student cohorts.

It is correct to say that generally speaking, many of those middle schools who are increasing their presence have weaker cohorts top to bottom. That’s not a controversial or especially valuable statement.

What is mind-numbingly myopic is to assert that the 75th kid at one of the traditional feeders is a better choice for TJ than the 2nd or 3rd kid from a school that never has historically gotten kids into TJ.

So true!

Well, we could give them a really hard admissions test and see which one does better on it.

Because, you know, test taking and regurgitation of facts are both extremely important skills in the 21st century.

\

First of all, you take a Bar Exam, Medical Boards, PE Exam, etc. to get a license still in the 21st century for a reason. A very good reason. Secondly, an admission test isn't a regurgitation of facts. Third, I know it kills your argument, but standardized test are an accurate measure of ability. Why don't you simply embrace the better argument that you don't care whether or not TJ has the best and brightest - you care that the school provides an opportunity to the highest performing students across the county. You can have that point of view and not make up this cover story of prepping and testing being poor indicators of ability and talent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:GPA is only a small fraction of the applicant’s score. A kid with a 3.5 GPA and very strong essays will have a higher score than the kid with a 4.0 but lower scored essays. Likewise, FARMS + 3.5 has a much higher point total than non FARMS + a 4.0. Kids with Bs who are getting in aren’t the top GPAs in their school, and no schools have grade deflation. Those kids either got FARMS bonus points or had highly rated essays.

Correct. That is what the FCSB decided they wanted for the admissions policy. If they found a legal way to do it, we have to live with it or vote for candidates for the school board that have your views. Does this process lead to a better, smarter, and more gifted class? Probably not, but that isn't what the FCSB decided was what they wanted for TJHSST. They simply have a different goal for the school than you do and have decided on a criteria for admissions that supports their goals.

Only problem was that it was illegal as per federal judge. Case is still on under appeal.

What if anything is happening with the State case that was on-going (Not the Federal case)? I think it was filed in the Fairfax Circuit Court.

It was perfectly legal but a few parents used to gaming admission weren't happy and have taken them to court. It will be summarily dismissed because this holds no merit.

Yes, it's much harder to get in now since the geographic component insures all students have a shot not just those who spend $20k on prep.

The new system ensures that less qualified kids are admitted simply because they live in areas zoned to under-performing middle schools with weak student cohorts.

It is correct to say that generally speaking, many of those middle schools who are increasing their presence have weaker cohorts top to bottom. That’s not a controversial or especially valuable statement.

What is mind-numbingly myopic is to assert that the 75th kid at one of the traditional feeders is a better choice for TJ than the 2nd or 3rd kid from a school that never has historically gotten kids into TJ.

Great point, but I think some purposefully ignore these facts since they feel it's in their personal interest.

For the last freaking time all you woke idiots on here

AAP exists. All the top kids are already out of the schools and at the AAP centers. There aren't any diamonds in the rough morons.

You are making the idiotic argument that kids leftover are better than top performing kids.

Give me a break.

Feel free to have your child move from a good school district/aap center and swap places with kids that are so deserving from lower tier schools hypocrites.

Not sure what you're smoking, but AAP is a sham since anyone could get in. It's just a matter of being able to afford a private diagnosis and has little to do with giftedness.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:GPA is only a small fraction of the applicant’s score. A kid with a 3.5 GPA and very strong essays will have a higher score than the kid with a 4.0 but lower scored essays. Likewise, FARMS + 3.5 has a much higher point total than non FARMS + a 4.0. Kids with Bs who are getting in aren’t the top GPAs in their school, and no schools have grade deflation. Those kids either got FARMS bonus points or had highly rated essays.

Correct. That is what the FCSB decided they wanted for the admissions policy. If they found a legal way to do it, we have to live with it or vote for candidates for the school board that have your views. Does this process lead to a better, smarter, and more gifted class? Probably not, but that isn't what the FCSB decided was what they wanted for TJHSST. They simply have a different goal for the school than you do and have decided on a criteria for admissions that supports their goals.

Only problem was that it was illegal as per federal judge. Case is still on under appeal.

What if anything is happening with the State case that was on-going (Not the Federal case)? I think it was filed in the Fairfax Circuit Court.

It was perfectly legal but a few parents used to gaming admission weren't happy and have taken them to court. It will be summarily dismissed because this holds no merit.

Yes, it's much harder to get in now since the geographic component insures all students have a shot not just those who spend $20k on prep.

The new system ensures that less qualified kids are admitted simply because they live in areas zoned to under-performing middle schools with weak student cohorts.

It is correct to say that generally speaking, many of those middle schools who are increasing their presence have weaker cohorts top to bottom. That’s not a controversial or especially valuable statement.

What is mind-numbingly myopic is to assert that the 75th kid at one of the traditional feeders is a better choice for TJ than the 2nd or 3rd kid from a school that never has historically gotten kids into TJ.

Great point, but I think some purposefully ignore these facts since they feel it's in their personal interest.

For the last freaking time all you woke idiots on here

AAP exists. All the top kids are already out of the schools and at the AAP centers. There aren't any diamonds in the rough morons.

You are making the idiotic argument that kids leftover are better than top performing kids.

Give me a break.

Feel free to have your child move from a good school district/aap center and swap places with kids that are so deserving from lower tier schools hypocrites.

Not sure what you're smoking, but AAP is a sham since anyone could get in. It's just a matter of being able to afford a private diagnosis and has little to do with giftedness.

There are plenty of gifted kids who get left out because of their parents don't know how to navigate the process whereas many average kids get in because of their pushy parents. More often than not, it has little to do with merit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:GPA is only a small fraction of the applicant’s score. A kid with a 3.5 GPA and very strong essays will have a higher score than the kid with a 4.0 but lower scored essays. Likewise, FARMS + 3.5 has a much higher point total than non FARMS + a 4.0. Kids with Bs who are getting in aren’t the top GPAs in their school, and no schools have grade deflation. Those kids either got FARMS bonus points or had highly rated essays.

Correct. That is what the FCSB decided they wanted for the admissions policy. If they found a legal way to do it, we have to live with it or vote for candidates for the school board that have your views. Does this process lead to a better, smarter, and more gifted class? Probably not, but that isn't what the FCSB decided was what they wanted for TJHSST. They simply have a different goal for the school than you do and have decided on a criteria for admissions that supports their goals.

Only problem was that it was illegal as per federal judge. Case is still on under appeal.

What if anything is happening with the State case that was on-going (Not the Federal case)? I think it was filed in the Fairfax Circuit Court.

It was perfectly legal but a few parents used to gaming admission weren't happy and have taken them to court. It will be summarily dismissed because this holds no merit.

Yes, it's much harder to get in now since the geographic component insures all students have a shot not just those who spend $20k on prep.

The new system ensures that less qualified kids are admitted simply because they live in areas zoned to under-performing middle schools with weak student cohorts.

It is correct to say that generally speaking, many of those middle schools who are increasing their presence have weaker cohorts top to bottom. That’s not a controversial or especially valuable statement.

What is mind-numbingly myopic is to assert that the 75th kid at one of the traditional feeders is a better choice for TJ than the 2nd or 3rd kid from a school that never has historically gotten kids into TJ.

Great point, but I think some purposefully ignore these facts since they feel it's in their personal interest.

For the last freaking time all you woke idiots on here

AAP exists. All the top kids are already out of the schools and at the AAP centers. There aren't any diamonds in the rough morons.

You are making the idiotic argument that kids leftover are better than top performing kids.

Give me a break.

Feel free to have your child move from a good school district/aap center and swap places with kids that are so deserving from lower tier schools hypocrites.

They aren’t all there. Period. There are kids who blossom while they are in middle school. If you don’t understand this, you have no credibility.

Where I come from, “woke” is a compliment. Yours is appreciated.

Sure. If kids blossom in middle school, surely they can compete with everyone else in their pyramid for TJ slots and not need to have so many slots exclusively reserved for non-AAP students. FCAG estimated that over 90 of the around 300 TJ slots were allocated to middle schools that do not have AAP. Another 30 or so gen ed kids successfully won allocated slots when competing against AAP kids. There is absolutely no need to allocate reserved spots by middle school rather than by pyramid or by zoned high school.

[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:GPA is only a small fraction of the applicant’s score. A kid with a 3.5 GPA and very strong essays will have a higher score than the kid with a 4.0 but lower scored essays. Likewise, FARMS + 3.5 has a much higher point total than non FARMS + a 4.0. Kids with Bs who are getting in aren’t the top GPAs in their school, and no schools have grade deflation. Those kids either got FARMS bonus points or had highly rated essays.

Correct. That is what the FCSB decided they wanted for the admissions policy. If they found a legal way to do it, we have to live with it or vote for candidates for the school board that have your views. Does this process lead to a better, smarter, and more gifted class? Probably not, but that isn't what the FCSB decided was what they wanted for TJHSST. They simply have a different goal for the school than you do and have decided on a criteria for admissions that supports their goals.

Only problem was that it was illegal as per federal judge. Case is still on under appeal.

What if anything is happening with the State case that was on-going (Not the Federal case)? I think it was filed in the Fairfax Circuit Court.

It was perfectly legal but a few parents used to gaming admission weren't happy and have taken them to court. It will be summarily dismissed because this holds no merit.

Yes, it's much harder to get in now since the geographic component insures all students have a shot not just those who spend $20k on prep.

The new system ensures that less qualified kids are admitted simply because they live in areas zoned to under-performing middle schools with weak student cohorts.

It is correct to say that generally speaking, many of those middle schools who are increasing their presence have weaker cohorts top to bottom. That’s not a controversial or especially valuable statement.

What is mind-numbingly myopic is to assert that the 75th kid at one of the traditional feeders is a better choice for TJ than the 2nd or 3rd kid from a school that never has historically gotten kids into TJ.

So true!

Well, we could give them a really hard admissions test and see which one does better on it.

Because, you know, test taking and regurgitation of facts are both extremely important skills in the 21st century.

\

First of all, you take a Bar Exam, Medical Boards, PE Exam, etc. to get a license still in the 21st century for a reason. A very good reason. Secondly, an admission test isn't a regurgitation of facts. Third, I know it kills your argument, but standardized test are an accurate measure of ability. Why don't you simply embrace the better argument that you don't care whether or not TJ has the best and brightest - you care that the school provides an opportunity to the highest performing students across the county. You can have that point of view and not make up this cover story of prepping and testing being poor indicators of ability and talent.

Professional exams are meant to demonstrate that you know the ins and outs of what is required to know to practice in a given field. They are meant to be regurgitation of facts and skills. They are challenging because of the amount of information that you have to retain at one time in order to pass them. Many people have to take them 2-3 times to pass their boards. They are very different then the SAT, ACT, GRE, MCAT, or the Quant test that was needed for TJ.

The tests that high school kids take for college are very easily prepped, so that kids who have more knowledge of the need to prep, where to go to get prep materials for free or low cost, or can afford prep classes and/or private tutors do far better on those exams then kids who don’t know much about the tests or how to prepare for the tests never mind paying for prep classes and tutors. This is why many colleges are moving to not requiring SATs and ACTs for admissions, they really don’t measure innate ability any more. They are more a measure of how good a school system you came through and how well prepared you are.

The Quant test for TJ was pretty much the same as the SAT. It is not an accurate measure of a kids ability because it is easily prepped and there are large groups of families willing to pay for that prep. You can see that FCPS is weighing all of these test based measures less and less. The NNAT is pretty much ignored for AAP and the CogAT has diminished in its importance. FCPS is dealing with the prepping for the CogAT by moving to a school based in-pool score so that the score for the schools where lots of kids are prepped is now higher then the scores for the kids from schools with less prep. Those less prep ES are going to be the same schools where there would be less prep for the Quant test for TJ.

The raw ability of a kid from one of the underrepresented MS is probably the same as the raw ability of the kid from Carson, Longfellow, Rocky Run and whatever other AAP Center there is. The difference is that the kid from the underrepresented MS is less likely to have been focusing on TJ their entire life unlike the kids from Carson, Longfellow, and Rocky Run whose parents have been looking at TJ since K. So the under represented kids resume is going to look different and their background skills set will be different. Your argument is that makes that kid less of a candidate then a kid who has been prepped for TJ since K or 3rd. My argument is that is BS. That kid with raw ability deserves a chance to be exposed to opportunities presented at TJ just as much as any other kid. The geographical quota gives them a better chance of having that oppertunity.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:GPA is only a small fraction of the applicant’s score. A kid with a 3.5 GPA and very strong essays will have a higher score than the kid with a 4.0 but lower scored essays. Likewise, FARMS + 3.5 has a much higher point total than non FARMS + a 4.0. Kids with Bs who are getting in aren’t the top GPAs in their school, and no schools have grade deflation. Those kids either got FARMS bonus points or had highly rated essays.

Correct. That is what the FCSB decided they wanted for the admissions policy. If they found a legal way to do it, we have to live with it or vote for candidates for the school board that have your views. Does this process lead to a better, smarter, and more gifted class? Probably not, but that isn't what the FCSB decided was what they wanted for TJHSST. They simply have a different goal for the school than you do and have decided on a criteria for admissions that supports their goals.

Only problem was that it was illegal as per federal judge. Case is still on under appeal.

What if anything is happening with the State case that was on-going (Not the Federal case)? I think it was filed in the Fairfax Circuit Court.

It was perfectly legal but a few parents used to gaming admission weren't happy and have taken them to court. It will be summarily dismissed because this holds no merit.

Yes, it's much harder to get in now since the geographic component insures all students have a shot not just those who spend $20k on prep.

The new system ensures that less qualified kids are admitted simply because they live in areas zoned to under-performing middle schools with weak student cohorts.

It is correct to say that generally speaking, many of those middle schools who are increasing their presence have weaker cohorts top to bottom. That’s not a controversial or especially valuable statement.

What is mind-numbingly myopic is to assert that the 75th kid at one of the traditional feeders is a better choice for TJ than the 2nd or 3rd kid from a school that never has historically gotten kids into TJ.

So true!

Well, we could give them a really hard admissions test and see which one does better on it.

Because, you know, test taking and regurgitation of facts are both extremely important skills in the 21st century.

\

First of all, you take a Bar Exam, Medical Boards, PE Exam, etc. to get a license still in the 21st century for a reason. A very good reason. Secondly, an admission test isn't a regurgitation of facts. Third, I know it kills your argument, but standardized test are an accurate measure of ability. Why don't you simply embrace the better argument that you don't care whether or not TJ has the best and brightest - you care that the school provides an opportunity to the highest performing students across the county. You can have that point of view and not make up this cover story of prepping and testing being poor indicators of ability and talent.

Professional exams are meant to demonstrate that you know the ins and outs of what is required to know to practice in a given field. They are meant to be regurgitation of facts and skills. They are challenging because of the amount of information that you have to retain at one time in order to pass them. Many people have to take them 2-3 times to pass their boards. They are very different then the SAT, ACT, GRE, MCAT, or the Quant test that was needed for TJ.

The tests that high school kids take for college are very easily prepped, so that kids who have more knowledge of the need to prep, where to go to get prep materials for free or low cost, or can afford prep classes and/or private tutors do far better on those exams then kids who don’t know much about the tests or how to prepare for the tests never mind paying for prep classes and tutors. This is why many colleges are moving to not requiring SATs and ACTs for admissions, they really don’t measure innate ability any more. They are more a measure of how good a school system you came through and how well prepared you are.

The Quant test for TJ was pretty much the same as the SAT. It is not an accurate measure of a kids ability because it is easily prepped and there are large groups of families willing to pay for that prep. You can see that FCPS is weighing all of these test based measures less and less. The NNAT is pretty much ignored for AAP and the CogAT has diminished in its importance. FCPS is dealing with the prepping for the CogAT by moving to a school based in-pool score so that the score for the schools where lots of kids are prepped is now higher then the scores for the kids from schools with less prep. Those less prep ES are going to be the same schools where there would be less prep for the Quant test for TJ.

The raw ability of a kid from one of the underrepresented MS is probably the same as the raw ability of the kid from Carson, Longfellow, Rocky Run and whatever other AAP Center there is. The difference is that the kid from the underrepresented MS is less likely to have been focusing on TJ their entire life unlike the kids from Carson, Longfellow, and Rocky Run whose parents have been looking at TJ since K. So the under represented kids resume is going to look different and their background skills set will be different. Your argument is that makes that kid less of a candidate then a kid who has been prepped for TJ since K or 3rd. My argument is that is BS. That kid with raw ability deserves a chance to be exposed to opportunities presented at TJ just as much as any other kid. The geographical quota gives them a better chance of having that oppertunity.

I appreciate that you took the time to write this, so I'll take a bit more time on my response.

Here is the biggest issue with your side. Carson, Longfellow, and RockyRun and the other AAP centers are basically magnets. They are pulling in the best and the brightest from multiple schools already. These kids are several standard deviations in raw ability better than any other kid especially from an underrepresented middle school BEFORE any instruction occurs. Just let that sink in. If you don't agree with that then there really is no point to continue.

So, sweetie your entire response including the last paragraph is bs woke idiot.

[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:GPA is only a small fraction of the applicant’s score. A kid with a 3.5 GPA and very strong essays will have a higher score than the kid with a 4.0 but lower scored essays. Likewise, FARMS + 3.5 has a much higher point total than non FARMS + a 4.0. Kids with Bs who are getting in aren’t the top GPAs in their school, and no schools have grade deflation. Those kids either got FARMS bonus points or had highly rated essays.

Correct. That is what the FCSB decided they wanted for the admissions policy. If they found a legal way to do it, we have to live with it or vote for candidates for the school board that have your views. Does this process lead to a better, smarter, and more gifted class? Probably not, but that isn't what the FCSB decided was what they wanted for TJHSST. They simply have a different goal for the school than you do and have decided on a criteria for admissions that supports their goals.

Only problem was that it was illegal as per federal judge. Case is still on under appeal.

What if anything is happening with the State case that was on-going (Not the Federal case)? I think it was filed in the Fairfax Circuit Court.

It was perfectly legal but a few parents used to gaming admission weren't happy and have taken them to court. It will be summarily dismissed because this holds no merit.

Yes, it's much harder to get in now since the geographic component insures all students have a shot not just those who spend $20k on prep.

The new system ensures that less qualified kids are admitted simply because they live in areas zoned to under-performing middle schools with weak student cohorts.

It is correct to say that generally speaking, many of those middle schools who are increasing their presence have weaker cohorts top to bottom. That’s not a controversial or especially valuable statement.

What is mind-numbingly myopic is to assert that the 75th kid at one of the traditional feeders is a better choice for TJ than the 2nd or 3rd kid from a school that never has historically gotten kids into TJ.

So true!

Well, we could give them a really hard admissions test and see which one does better on it.

Because, you know, test taking and regurgitation of facts are both extremely important skills in the 21st century.

\

First of all, you take a Bar Exam, Medical Boards, PE Exam, etc. to get a license still in the 21st century for a reason. A very good reason. Secondly, an admission test isn't a regurgitation of facts. Third, I know it kills your argument, but standardized test are an accurate measure of ability. Why don't you simply embrace the better argument that you don't care whether or not TJ has the best and brightest - you care that the school provides an opportunity to the highest performing students across the county. You can have that point of view and not make up this cover story of prepping and testing being poor indicators of ability and talent.

Because they’re not mutually exclusive ideas.

And because parents have gotten so good at posing their relatively workaday kids as “the best and brightest” that TJ hasn’t realistically had the market cornered on the best and brightest for a couple of decades now.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:GPA is only a small fraction of the applicant’s score. A kid with a 3.5 GPA and very strong essays will have a higher score than the kid with a 4.0 but lower scored essays. Likewise, FARMS + 3.5 has a much higher point total than non FARMS + a 4.0. Kids with Bs who are getting in aren’t the top GPAs in their school, and no schools have grade deflation. Those kids either got FARMS bonus points or had highly rated essays.

Correct. That is what the FCSB decided they wanted for the admissions policy. If they found a legal way to do it, we have to live with it or vote for candidates for the school board that have your views. Does this process lead to a better, smarter, and more gifted class? Probably not, but that isn't what the FCSB decided was what they wanted for TJHSST. They simply have a different goal for the school than you do and have decided on a criteria for admissions that supports their goals.

Only problem was that it was illegal as per federal judge. Case is still on under appeal.

What if anything is happening with the State case that was on-going (Not the Federal case)? I think it was filed in the Fairfax Circuit Court.

It was perfectly legal but a few parents used to gaming admission weren't happy and have taken them to court. It will be summarily dismissed because this holds no merit.

Yes, it's much harder to get in now since the geographic component insures all students have a shot not just those who spend $20k on prep.

The new system ensures that less qualified kids are admitted simply because they live in areas zoned to under-performing middle schools with weak student cohorts.

It is correct to say that generally speaking, many of those middle schools who are increasing their presence have weaker cohorts top to bottom. That’s not a controversial or especially valuable statement.

What is mind-numbingly myopic is to assert that the 75th kid at one of the traditional feeders is a better choice for TJ than the 2nd or 3rd kid from a school that never has historically gotten kids into TJ.

So true!

Well, we could give them a really hard admissions test and see which one does better on it.

Because, you know, test taking and regurgitation of facts are both extremely important skills in the 21st century.

\

First of all, you take a Bar Exam, Medical Boards, PE Exam, etc. to get a license still in the 21st century for a reason. A very good reason. Secondly, an admission test isn't a regurgitation of facts. Third, I know it kills your argument, but standardized test are an accurate measure of ability. Why don't you simply embrace the better argument that you don't care whether or not TJ has the best and brightest - you care that the school provides an opportunity to the highest performing students across the county. You can have that point of view and not make up this cover story of prepping and testing being poor indicators of ability and talent.

Professional exams are meant to demonstrate that you know the ins and outs of what is required to know to practice in a given field. They are meant to be regurgitation of facts and skills. They are challenging because of the amount of information that you have to retain at one time in order to pass them. Many people have to take them 2-3 times to pass their boards. They are very different then the SAT, ACT, GRE, MCAT, or the Quant test that was needed for TJ.

The tests that high school kids take for college are very easily prepped, so that kids who have more knowledge of the need to prep, where to go to get prep materials for free or low cost, or can afford prep classes and/or private tutors do far better on those exams then kids who don’t know much about the tests or how to prepare for the tests never mind paying for prep classes and tutors. This is why many colleges are moving to not requiring SATs and ACTs for admissions, they really don’t measure innate ability any more. They are more a measure of how good a school system you came through and how well prepared you are.

The Quant test for TJ was pretty much the same as the SAT. It is not an accurate measure of a kids ability because it is easily prepped and there are large groups of families willing to pay for that prep. You can see that FCPS is weighing all of these test based measures less and less. The NNAT is pretty much ignored for AAP and the CogAT has diminished in its importance. FCPS is dealing with the prepping for the CogAT by moving to a school based in-pool score so that the score for the schools where lots of kids are prepped is now higher then the scores for the kids from schools with less prep. Those less prep ES are going to be the same schools where there would be less prep for the Quant test for TJ.

The raw ability of a kid from one of the underrepresented MS is probably the same as the raw ability of the kid from Carson, Longfellow, Rocky Run and whatever other AAP Center there is. The difference is that the kid from the underrepresented MS is less likely to have been focusing on TJ their entire life unlike the kids from Carson, Longfellow, and Rocky Run whose parents have been looking at TJ since K. So the under represented kids resume is going to look different and their background skills set will be different. Your argument is that makes that kid less of a candidate then a kid who has been prepped for TJ since K or 3rd. My argument is that is BS. That kid with raw ability deserves a chance to be exposed to opportunities presented at TJ just as much as any other kid. The geographical quota gives them a better chance of having that oppertunity.

I appreciate that you took the time to write this, so I'll take a bit more time on my response.

Here is the biggest issue with your side. Carson, Longfellow, and RockyRun and the other AAP centers are basically magnets. They are pulling in the best and the brightest from multiple schools already. These kids are several standard deviations in raw ability better than any other kid especially from an underrepresented middle school BEFORE any instruction occurs. Just let that sink in. If you don't agree with that then there really is no point to continue.

So, sweetie your entire response including the last paragraph is bs woke idiot.

DP. The highlighted piece is the entire platform that your argument rests on and there exists no evidence to suggest it is correct - either in the form of actual data or anecdata.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:GPA is only a small fraction of the applicant’s score. A kid with a 3.5 GPA and very strong essays will have a higher score than the kid with a 4.0 but lower scored essays. Likewise, FARMS + 3.5 has a much higher point total than non FARMS + a 4.0. Kids with Bs who are getting in aren’t the top GPAs in their school, and no schools have grade deflation. Those kids either got FARMS bonus points or had highly rated essays.

Correct. That is what the FCSB decided they wanted for the admissions policy. If they found a legal way to do it, we have to live with it or vote for candidates for the school board that have your views. Does this process lead to a better, smarter, and more gifted class? Probably not, but that isn't what the FCSB decided was what they wanted for TJHSST. They simply have a different goal for the school than you do and have decided on a criteria for admissions that supports their goals.

Only problem was that it was illegal as per federal judge. Case is still on under appeal.

What if anything is happening with the State case that was on-going (Not the Federal case)? I think it was filed in the Fairfax Circuit Court.

It was perfectly legal but a few parents used to gaming admission weren't happy and have taken them to court. It will be summarily dismissed because this holds no merit.

Yes, it's much harder to get in now since the geographic component insures all students have a shot not just those who spend $20k on prep.

The new system ensures that less qualified kids are admitted simply because they live in areas zoned to under-performing middle schools with weak student cohorts.

It is correct to say that generally speaking, many of those middle schools who are increasing their presence have weaker cohorts top to bottom. That’s not a controversial or especially valuable statement.

What is mind-numbingly myopic is to assert that the 75th kid at one of the traditional feeders is a better choice for TJ than the 2nd or 3rd kid from a school that never has historically gotten kids into TJ.

So true!

Well, we could give them a really hard admissions test and see which one does better on it.

Because, you know, test taking and regurgitation of facts are both extremely important skills in the 21st century.

\

First of all, you take a Bar Exam, Medical Boards, PE Exam, etc. to get a license still in the 21st century for a reason. A very good reason. Secondly, an admission test isn't a regurgitation of facts. Third, I know it kills your argument, but standardized test are an accurate measure of ability. Why don't you simply embrace the better argument that you don't care whether or not TJ has the best and brightest - you care that the school provides an opportunity to the highest performing students across the county. You can have that point of view and not make up this cover story of prepping and testing being poor indicators of ability and talent.

Professional exams are meant to demonstrate that you know the ins and outs of what is required to know to practice in a given field. They are meant to be regurgitation of facts and skills. They are challenging because of the amount of information that you have to retain at one time in order to pass them. Many people have to take them 2-3 times to pass their boards. They are very different then the SAT, ACT, GRE, MCAT, or the Quant test that was needed for TJ.

The tests that high school kids take for college are very easily prepped, so that kids who have more knowledge of the need to prep, where to go to get prep materials for free or low cost, or can afford prep classes and/or private tutors do far better on those exams then kids who don’t know much about the tests or how to prepare for the tests never mind paying for prep classes and tutors. This is why many colleges are moving to not requiring SATs and ACTs for admissions, they really don’t measure innate ability any more. They are more a measure of how good a school system you came through and how well prepared you are.

The Quant test for TJ was pretty much the same as the SAT. It is not an accurate measure of a kids ability because it is easily prepped and there are large groups of families willing to pay for that prep. You can see that FCPS is weighing all of these test based measures less and less. The NNAT is pretty much ignored for AAP and the CogAT has diminished in its importance. FCPS is dealing with the prepping for the CogAT by moving to a school based in-pool score so that the score for the schools where lots of kids are prepped is now higher then the scores for the kids from schools with less prep. Those less prep ES are going to be the same schools where there would be less prep for the Quant test for TJ.

The raw ability of a kid from one of the underrepresented MS is probably the same as the raw ability of the kid from Carson, Longfellow, Rocky Run and whatever other AAP Center there is. The difference is that the kid from the underrepresented MS is less likely to have been focusing on TJ their entire life unlike the kids from Carson, Longfellow, and Rocky Run whose parents have been looking at TJ since K. So the under represented kids resume is going to look different and their background skills set will be different. Your argument is that makes that kid less of a candidate then a kid who has been prepped for TJ since K or 3rd. My argument is that is BS. That kid with raw ability deserves a chance to be exposed to opportunities presented at TJ just as much as any other kid. The geographical quota gives them a better chance of having that oppertunity.

I appreciate that you took the time to write this, so I'll take a bit more time on my response.

Here is the biggest issue with your side. Carson, Longfellow, and RockyRun and the other AAP centers are basically magnets. They are pulling in the best and the brightest from multiple schools already. These kids are several standard deviations in raw ability better than any other kid especially from an underrepresented middle school BEFORE any instruction occurs. Just let that sink in. If you don't agree with that then there really is no point to continue.

So, sweetie your entire response including the last paragraph is bs woke idiot.

DP. The highlighted piece is the entire platform that your argument rests on and there exists no evidence to suggest it is correct - either in the form of actual data or anecdata.

I'm not trying to be obtuse can you clarify your argument?

In order to get into AAP you need to be at the top in terms of raw ability

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:GPA is only a small fraction of the applicant’s score. A kid with a 3.5 GPA and very strong essays will have a higher score than the kid with a 4.0 but lower scored essays. Likewise, FARMS + 3.5 has a much higher point total than non FARMS + a 4.0. Kids with Bs who are getting in aren’t the top GPAs in their school, and no schools have grade deflation. Those kids either got FARMS bonus points or had highly rated essays.

Correct. That is what the FCSB decided they wanted for the admissions policy. If they found a legal way to do it, we have to live with it or vote for candidates for the school board that have your views. Does this process lead to a better, smarter, and more gifted class? Probably not, but that isn't what the FCSB decided was what they wanted for TJHSST. They simply have a different goal for the school than you do and have decided on a criteria for admissions that supports their goals.

Only problem was that it was illegal as per federal judge. Case is still on under appeal.

What if anything is happening with the State case that was on-going (Not the Federal case)? I think it was filed in the Fairfax Circuit Court.

It was perfectly legal but a few parents used to gaming admission weren't happy and have taken them to court. It will be summarily dismissed because this holds no merit.

Yes, it's much harder to get in now since the geographic component insures all students have a shot not just those who spend $20k on prep.

The new system ensures that less qualified kids are admitted simply because they live in areas zoned to under-performing middle schools with weak student cohorts.

It is correct to say that generally speaking, many of those middle schools who are increasing their presence have weaker cohorts top to bottom. That’s not a controversial or especially valuable statement.

What is mind-numbingly myopic is to assert that the 75th kid at one of the traditional feeders is a better choice for TJ than the 2nd or 3rd kid from a school that never has historically gotten kids into TJ.

So true!

Well, we could give them a really hard admissions test and see which one does better on it.

Because, you know, test taking and regurgitation of facts are both extremely important skills in the 21st century.

\

First of all, you take a Bar Exam, Medical Boards, PE Exam, etc. to get a license still in the 21st century for a reason. A very good reason. Secondly, an admission test isn't a regurgitation of facts. Third, I know it kills your argument, but standardized test are an accurate measure of ability. Why don't you simply embrace the better argument that you don't care whether or not TJ has the best and brightest - you care that the school provides an opportunity to the highest performing students across the county. You can have that point of view and not make up this cover story of prepping and testing being poor indicators of ability and talent.

Professional exams are meant to demonstrate that you know the ins and outs of what is required to know to practice in a given field. They are meant to be regurgitation of facts and skills. They are challenging because of the amount of information that you have to retain at one time in order to pass them. Many people have to take them 2-3 times to pass their boards. They are very different then the SAT, ACT, GRE, MCAT, or the Quant test that was needed for TJ.

The tests that high school kids take for college are very easily prepped, so that kids who have more knowledge of the need to prep, where to go to get prep materials for free or low cost, or can afford prep classes and/or private tutors do far better on those exams then kids who don’t know much about the tests or how to prepare for the tests never mind paying for prep classes and tutors. This is why many colleges are moving to not requiring SATs and ACTs for admissions, they really don’t measure innate ability any more. They are more a measure of how good a school system you came through and how well prepared you are.

The Quant test for TJ was pretty much the same as the SAT. It is not an accurate measure of a kids ability because it is easily prepped and there are large groups of families willing to pay for that prep. You can see that FCPS is weighing all of these test based measures less and less. The NNAT is pretty much ignored for AAP and the CogAT has diminished in its importance. FCPS is dealing with the prepping for the CogAT by moving to a school based in-pool score so that the score for the schools where lots of kids are prepped is now higher then the scores for the kids from schools with less prep. Those less prep ES are going to be the same schools where there would be less prep for the Quant test for TJ.

The raw ability of a kid from one of the underrepresented MS is probably the same as the raw ability of the kid from Carson, Longfellow, Rocky Run and whatever other AAP Center there is. The difference is that the kid from the underrepresented MS is less likely to have been focusing on TJ their entire life unlike the kids from Carson, Longfellow, and Rocky Run whose parents have been looking at TJ since K. So the under represented kids resume is going to look different and their background skills set will be different. Your argument is that makes that kid less of a candidate then a kid who has been prepped for TJ since K or 3rd. My argument is that is BS. That kid with raw ability deserves a chance to be exposed to opportunities presented at TJ just as much as any other kid. The geographical quota gives them a better chance of having that oppertunity.

I appreciate that you took the time to write this, so I'll take a bit more time on my response.

Here is the biggest issue with your side. Carson, Longfellow, and RockyRun and the other AAP centers are basically magnets. They are pulling in the best and the brightest from multiple schools already. These kids are several standard deviations in raw ability better than any other kid especially from an underrepresented middle school BEFORE any instruction occurs. Just let that sink in. If you don't agree with that then there really is no point to continue.

So, sweetie your entire response including the last paragraph is bs woke idiot.

DP. The highlighted piece is the entire platform that your argument rests on and there exists no evidence to suggest it is correct - either in the form of actual data or anecdata.

I'm not trying to be obtuse can you clarify your argument?

In order to get into AAP you need to be at the top in terms of raw ability

My argument is that that assertion is false. Full stop.