I posted the average FARMs rates for each proposed region a couple of pages back. I overestimated the FARMS rate for Woodward, making it match Wheatons at 62 percent, when most proposals forecast it to be about 35 percent. And underestimated Crowns to match Northwest's even though some options show it be potentially 35 to 45 percent. This is to try to make Region 3's FARMS rate as high as possible, and region 5 as realistically low as possible. Most of the regions fall in the expected 35 to 40 percent. The exceptions are regions 2 (NEC plus Sherwood at 49.8), region 5 (44.4) and region 6 (28.8) Regions 5 and 6 border each other and some schools can easily be swapped and bring the regions towards the middle of their current ones. Region 2 should have the NEC schools split up and spread out. They can find regions for it that match the current drive between schools within the same proposed region. |
How is there anything a school system can do to increase family income in the area so there's fewer families at FARMs income level? |
They really can't. The issues with the school system is really a further reach than school systems can really do. But they're trying to cause major disruptions in the name of equality but are failing to do so with the unbalanced areas, and the areas with lower performing schools not getting the same opportunities. In some ways, the idea of regions isn't too bad. Where it gives students access to go to better schools. But then again, region 2 really only has one higher performing school to go to. Region 5 similar, where their top tier school is Northwest, maybe Crown. So they're basically closing off access to the better schools that the students in other regions have. Balancing regions 5 and 6 looks like an easy fix. As other poster mentioned, just swapping QO and Seneca Valley makes a difference in FARMS rate and minimal impact in area maps. 2 would be a little bit harder. But the schools like the ones in area 2 which are the ones that need access to other schools and resources. |
Is there a point to balnce FARMS across regions? High school experience for most kids will be there home HS. It's a futile experience to try to balaqnce region. At best, HS in middle of region can be balanced to some extent. |
It’s a new attempt to bus in bus out to achieve balancing FARMS across the regions, at expense of social wellbeing of the students |
Confused how this harms students’ socially when they have a choice to….. not do it. This provides options for students in schools where options are perhaps more needed |
Exactly. No one has to do it and it’s not a new concept. MCPS has been pulling kids voluntarily to “lesser” schools for decades. That’s why they’re called magnets. Nobody has to apply if they don’t want to. It sounds like there will be specialized programs in each region, but you can feel free to just stay at your school. |
Even when students choose to attend schools far from home voluntarily, they often don’t fully understand what they’re giving up, like close friendships, community support, and a sense of belonging. Being far away can lead to isolation and disconnect, especially at a time in life when those social connections really matter. Without clear guidance, these choices can end up doing more harm than good in the long run, both for the students and the communities they leave behind. |
Well I understand that perspective but in the DCC that ship has long since sailed. I am interested in programming that will strengthen the options these kids have. |
Assuming there is room in the different schools. They will have to put the best programs in the meh schools and easy to get into programs at the rich schools. If you look at the clusters there is one halo school, ore maybe two decent and the rest are bottom tier. |
The DCC model has not proven to be effective. In practice, consortia are struggling rather than thriving. Given these challenges, expanding this model to the rest of the county raises serious concerns about its viability and long-term impact. |
Or they can find social connections, and additional community. And if the distance isn’t too far than can maintain connection with old friends and support systems. Which is exactly the interest in bringing programs and resources closer. |
The DCC model is not what is proposed. It’s a regional program model not a simple choice model. |
As PP said this is not quite consortia. And personally I like that the DCC is divided and mixed with other schools. |
+1. And Taylor was asked at the last meeting about why the DCC/NEC model has not been effective, and he said one reason is that BCC and Sherwood had been excluded, despite the original discussions to include them. It seems clear they are at least trying to make these regions avoid that situation. |