Not sure if it’s an option here but SMCS kids take Linear Algebra / Discrete Math after AP Calc some of which is maybe overlap with AP stats since they took that test. Poolesville also has Vector Calculus. Linear Algebra and Vector Calculus take the UMD final and this can be used for credit. |
For those of you just joining us, here's a poster who constantly insiunuates that special math acceleration happens in the most wealthy area. There is some truth to this, of course, as at least one ES in the north Potomac vicinity is understood to facilitate, routinely, a pathway to Algebra in 6th, a year ahead of the standard MCPS accceleration that allows for a two year advancement from Common Core over three grades. That extra accommodation is understood to be the result of group family advocacy with dedication to outside enrichment. However, the poster's main purpose seems to be to gin up uncertainty, utilizing an assumption of group envy. They play coy with terms like "mostly", but never provide specifics, referring only to "Wealthy Potomac" and the fictional "WPES". Their messages are brief, claiming truth and casting doubt while failing to provide supports of their own. Despite the knowledge claimed, there never are concrete, actionable suggestions for how other communities or families might encourage such accommodation, themselves, if they found their children demonstrating ability and interest that would warrant such extra acceleration. MCPS central professes availability of that accommodation on a case by case basis. However, many schools are loath to engage in the logistics that would be required to fulfill that. Whole cohorts at a few schools, and not only in areas of highest wealth, being provided the accommodation underline the MCPS failure to address needs equitably. Public acknowledgement is, therefore, avoided. The poster, with their short, uninformative and dismissive posts, appears to hope to undermine any such notion of MCPS not living up to its obligations and professed ideals. They agree, in a way and on the surface, but in such an unsympathetic manner as to sway opinion in the opposite direction. |
What they're saying completely squares with my experience. At our school, I asked if there were enrichment opportunities for ES children with MAP-M scores over 250. They said no. My child later attended TPMS, where all the students who were in algebra or higher in 6th grade came from the same wealthy Potomac schools the poster is talking about. The more likely explanation is people who benefit from this are trying to keep it under wraps because they know it's wrong. |
| WPES parents sign a non-disclosure about the special programs their kids get. |
That’s funny. But seriously, what good does it do a kid long-term to take Alg in 5th grade? Do W schools have past MVC? My kid took in 7th and started UMD having finished all the math classes required for a CS degree. How much more advanced would you want to be? |
In my experience as a magnet parent. One of the WPES offers AIM in 5th to many advanced students. I suspect there's a large cohort of advanced students there relative to other schools, so it's not all that shocking that there's some pressure to do this. Similarly, another WPES MS offers Algebra to any 6th-grade student who can score over 250 on the 5th-grade map. Some rare kids advance even more, but it's also a function of parental pressure. Even at TPMS they won't advance students without considerable parental pressure. |
Same with my experience. My kid had a 260-range score in 3rd grade and I was told there was nothing per county policy. Came to find later out that parents at other schools had successfully lobbied for more. Near as I can tell in the long run, this accomplished nothing other than bragging rights as the kids all ended up in the same math class later and all took Calc BC in 10th grade. |
Thank you! |
Why the reticence in naming the ES & MS, instead referring to them as WPES (which isn't a school)? |
What path was taken by kids who didn't do Algebra in 6th but did Cacl BC in 10th? Summer school? Algebra 2 and Geometry at the same time in 8th? Combo Algebra 2 & Precalc in 9th? Admission to SMACS with its unique program? Other than the last, were the MS/HS administrations supportive or was it a fight? |
I could have written this myself. |
Functions in ninth @smcs |
Got it. So, not generally available, and for any not admitted to SMCS but wanting that more highly advanced set of math options in HS, the extra acceleration afforded in 5th leading to Algebra in 6th would make a difference. |
| TLDR: it takes PHS students four semesters to get through what Blair students accomplish in 3. |
Yes, but that's only offered at a few wealthy schools. |