TJHSST Admissions Revised Proposal to be sent on 10/6

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think Rachna, Corbett Sanders, Derenak Kaufax and Tholen support actually assessing merit and are hoping the problem solving essay will address that. It’s not enough, imo, but it’s better than Brabrand’s lottery alone.

Let me add Pikarsky to my list.

[Anonymous]

What geniuses will be the completely impartial assessors of the written problem solving component that is to be used to measure aptitude? Even if they have the same set of people grading each essay while blind to the identity of the applicant, I can't see this as being a very good metric. Some of these people seem to have the hubris to think they can invent an aptitude test that trained, top tier educators and psychologists spend enormous effort creating.

Use a standardized test! Provided free practice tests to the kids.

[Anonymous]

Such a giant time suck. Will they ever deal with anything else?

[Anonymous]

Just use the Texas model the top 1% get in from each middle school to help with URM and FARMS diversity and call it a day. That's the only way all the parties will be satisfied.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just use the Texas model the top 1% get in from each middle school to help with URM and FARMS diversity and call it a day. That's the only way all the parties will be satisfied.

Top 1% filters merit. The whole point of a Governor's School is to serve the exceptionally gifted ( in this case, Math and Science aptitude) who cannot get the educational services at a normal school.

I hope they're ready to give the state their money back. I can't see how they will accomplish the task

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What geniuses will be the completely impartial assessors of the written problem solving component that is to be used to measure aptitude? Even if they have the same set of people grading each essay while blind to the identity of the applicant, I can't see this as being a very good metric. Some of these people seem to have the hubris to think they can invent an aptitude test that trained, top tier educators and psychologists spend enormous effort creating.

Use a standardized test! Provided free practice tests to the kids.

The existing admission process already includes this same problem solving essay in the final round. The "problem" with the existing process -- it is race blind. They can't see the demo of the applicant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just use the Texas model the top 1% get in from each middle school to help with URM and FARMS diversity and call it a day. That's the only way all the parties will be satisfied.

Top 1% filters merit. The whole point of a Governor's School is to serve the exceptionally gifted ( in this case, Math and Science aptitude) who cannot get the educational services at a normal school.

I hope they're ready to give the state their money back. I can't see how they will accomplish the task

The reality is the State Superintendent, Fairfax County superintendent and this board will not stop until URM and FARMS rates go up via a "holistic approach". That's the reality

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Once we, the community, demand transparency in the process,p along with data,p they might realize that using some form of a test, paid for by them, is probably the easiest way. They should really test for non-verbal IQ type tests, if they want to catch the naturally bright URM kids. Just test all 7th graders or 8th graders

That gets very expensive when only a small fraction want to attend TJ.

[Anonymous]

They seem to be spending a lot of money on hokey consultants and commissioned studies. Just spend that on testing all kids with the IOWA test, for example. Non scary, tests kids on what they've learned, and teases out aptitudes.

Even giving the ASVAB would be fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just use the Texas model the top 1% get in from each middle school to help with URM and FARMS diversity and call it a day. That's the only way all the parties will be satisfied.

+1

[Anonymous]

Dear FCPS Board Members,

Thank you for volunteering your time. As a parent of 2 girls “Merit Lottery” proposal for TJ admissions, to be implemented this year, will have direct impact in their future. So I am very concerned. As an immigrant I value diversity. As a parent, I value inculcating hard work, good ethics and good citizenry. Under the Merit Lottery proposal, Applicants who meet the basic requirements of 3.5 core class GPA, enrollment in Algebra I, and “revised Student Information Sheet (SIS) to include questionnaire/essay” will be selected for admission by lottery. Really. Is that where we are headed to LOTTERY. Where else do we have lottery? Is there one in NBA? Is there one in the Supreme Court? Ok then let's talk about what's next after high school for our KIDS. Is there a lottery in college selection? So I urge you and trust you to make the right decision. I due respect to differing opinions, I respectfully disagree with merit lottery proposal.

Sincerely,

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What geniuses will be the completely impartial assessors of the written problem solving component that is to be used to measure aptitude? Even if they have the same set of people grading each essay while blind to the identity of the applicant, I can't see this as being a very good metric. Some of these people seem to have the hubris to think they can invent an aptitude test that trained, top tier educators and psychologists spend enormous effort creating.

Use a standardized test! Provided free practice tests to the kids.

The existing admission process already includes this same problem solving essay in the final round. The "problem" with the existing process -- it is race blind. They can't see the demo of the applicant.

Part of the problem of the existing admissions process is the SIS is a bit of a black box. Not really any practical way to prepare for it without spending the money for prep. Great for the folks who have the means and the desire to prep, not so great for those without the cash to pay for the prep.

Would be fine with it if they publish past questions and other examples online.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Dear FCPS Board Members,

Thank you for volunteering your time. As a parent of 2 girls “Merit Lottery” proposal for TJ admissions, to be implemented this year, will have direct impact in their future. So I am very concerned. As an immigrant I value diversity. As a parent, I value inculcating hard work, good ethics and good citizenry. Under the Merit Lottery proposal, Applicants who meet the basic requirements of 3.5 core class GPA, enrollment in Algebra I, and “revised Student Information Sheet (SIS) to include questionnaire/essay” will be selected for admission by lottery. Really. Is that where we are headed to LOTTERY. Where else do we have lottery? Is there one in NBA? Is there one in the Supreme Court? Ok then let's talk about what's next after high school for our KIDS. Is there a lottery in college selection? So I urge you and trust you to make the right decision. I due respect to differing opinions, I respectfully disagree with merit lottery proposal.

Sincerely,

What in the sweet Jesus is this word salad?

[Anonymous]

holier than thou too much? Easy to criticize someone for grammatical errors. Easy to come up with lazy solutions. Like a lottery. Not so easy to come up with a solution that lifts everyone instead of cutting people down. Like improving standards at all middle schools and helping talented kids bogged down by circumstances. That takes real work and community spirit.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Dear FCPS Board Members,

Thank you for volunteering your time. As a parent of 2 girls “Merit Lottery” proposal for TJ admissions, to be implemented this year, will have direct impact in their future. So I am very concerned. As an immigrant I value diversity. As a parent, I value inculcating hard work, good ethics and good citizenry. Under the Merit Lottery proposal, Applicants who meet the basic requirements of 3.5 core class GPA, enrollment in Algebra I, and “revised Student Information Sheet (SIS) to include questionnaire/essay” will be selected for admission by lottery. Really. Is that where we are headed to LOTTERY. Where else do we have lottery? Is there one in NBA? Is there one in the Supreme Court? Ok then let's talk about what's next after high school for our KIDS. Is there a lottery in college selection? So I urge you and trust you to make the right decision. I due respect to differing opinions, I respectfully disagree with merit lottery proposal.

Sincerely,

What in the sweet Jesus is this word salad?

[Anonymous]

When is the next update? What has been decided and what is still TBD?