CS and Math Curriculum at Takoma Park Magnet Program

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a 6th grader that just started at TPMS, coming from CJMS cluster. So far disappointed and troubled by the magnet curriculum:

1. Lack of rigorous approach in computer science (apparently no CS background required of teachers, no curriculum standards only "guidelines", implementation of guidelines teacher-dependent). Through grapevine have heard an older grade parents wrote a letter to school with concerns about the program as well. My child reports being bored and finds 6th grade CS way too easy--he finds material 3-4th grade level (done through outside supplementation.)
2. Investigation into mathematics--Program much slower pace than expected and no sufficiently challenging. If children were selected into magnet based on advanced math scores they should be exposed to more accelerated pace/material?
3. Science curriculum appears on target so far
4. Non-magnet humanities program has been a pleasant surprise

Anyone else facing similar issues? Is anyone aware of changes to the CS program? Since we are faced with a long commute for the sake of the magnet program, wondering if it makes sense to stick with it given the areas of concern. Prior forums mentioned lack of after-school clubs at CJMS compared to TPMS, but that has certainly expanded.

That is the problem -- you assume people who attend had high MAP scores. But with local norming, you could have kids with relatively low nationally normed MAP scores. They have to teach to the kids in the program, not the kids they wish were in the program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We didn't do the magnets for MS or HS because we didn't like the curriculum. It's basically a take it or leave it curriculum and you can get acceleration and the classes you want/more choice outside the magnet. Some MS allow Algebra in 6th, from posts here Takoma does not. It all depends on what is important to your child. Our regular MS had two CS classes.

We know kids at Takoma who did AIM in 5th grade at their local schools who are taking algebra in 6th.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We didn't do the magnets for MS or HS because we didn't like the curriculum. It's basically a take it or leave it curriculum and you can get acceleration and the classes you want/more choice outside the magnet. Some MS allow Algebra in 6th, from posts here Takoma does not. It all depends on what is important to your child. Our regular MS had two CS classes.

My current TPMS magnet 8th grader had several 6th graders in his magnet Algebra I class last year.

That’s good they are allowing it.

My magnet 8th grader in Honors Geometry even has a 6th grader in their class this year. Apparently, the school let them skip Algebra because they had started off in Algebra initially but got bumped up.

You cannot skip Algebra 1 in Maryland. It is a state requirement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We didn't do the magnets for MS or HS because we didn't like the curriculum. It's basically a take it or leave it curriculum and you can get acceleration and the classes you want/more choice outside the magnet. Some MS allow Algebra in 6th, from posts here Takoma does not. It all depends on what is important to your child. Our regular MS had two CS classes.

My current TPMS magnet 8th grader had several 6th graders in his magnet Algebra I class last year.

That’s good they are allowing it.

My magnet 8th grader in Honors Geometry even has a 6th grader in their class this year. Apparently, the school let them skip Algebra because they had started off in Algebra initially but got bumped up.

You cannot skip Algebra 1 in Maryland. It is a state requirement.

Already said that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a 6th grader that just started at TPMS, coming from CJMS cluster. So far disappointed and troubled by the magnet curriculum:

1. Lack of rigorous approach in computer science (apparently no CS background required of teachers, no curriculum standards only "guidelines", implementation of guidelines teacher-dependent). Through grapevine have heard an older grade parents wrote a letter to school with concerns about the program as well. My child reports being bored and finds 6th grade CS way too easy--he finds material 3-4th grade level (done through outside supplementation.)
2. Investigation into mathematics--Program much slower pace than expected and no sufficiently challenging. If children were selected into magnet based on advanced math scores they should be exposed to more accelerated pace/material?
3. Science curriculum appears on target so far
4. Non-magnet humanities program has been a pleasant surprise

Anyone else facing similar issues? Is anyone aware of changes to the CS program? Since we are faced with a long commute for the sake of the magnet program, wondering if it makes sense to stick with it given the areas of concern. Prior forums mentioned lack of after-school clubs at CJMS compared to TPMS, but that has certainly expanded.

That is the problem -- you assume people who attend had high MAP scores. But with local norming, you could have kids with relatively low nationally normed MAP scores. They have to teach to the kids in the program, not the kids they wish were in the program.

Except the curriculum hasn’t changed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pre lottery, everyone in TPMS did their accelerated math at home and in after-school team.

Post lottery, they have many more kids for whom the curriculum is at their level.

CJMS parents, TPMS magnet isn't for you. TPMS magnet is for kids in poor schools with no cohort and no parental enrichment.

This is total BS.

- parent of one pre lottery kid and one post lottery

While I think it's silly to say that the TPMS magnet is now for "kids in poor schools" there's some logic to the idea that the cohort has changed dramatically and coming from a school like Cabin John it may no longer be worth the commute. Kids used to go to be with the top 1-3% and now it's the top 15-30% since they do weight eligibility standards.

Sigh. What I can tell you is that my lottery kid had a significantly higher MAP score than their older sibling who got in before the lottery and excelled and is now at the Blair magnet with all As. I can also tell you that both children found it challenging and that neither did “accelerated math at home or in the team” as was claimed that “everyone” did pre lottery (complete BS). The math curriculum is very fast paced which is what my kids have needed. It also doesn’t seem to have changed and certainly isn’t easier now.

Ask your kid with the high MAP score how a "lottery" works. They learned about randomness in there magnet class.

You are missing the point. The caliber of students hasn’t changed. The curriculum hasn’t changed. “Even” kids with “low” MAP scores in past years got in and did very well and ended up In the Blair magnet where they continued to do very well.

Geez. Quit making up stuff already. How many kids do you know with low MAP scores who got in TPMS, who did very well, ended up in the Blair, and continued to do very well? How do you know that level of details on multiple kids that are not yours? Really Geez!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pre lottery, everyone in TPMS did their accelerated math at home and in after-school team.

Post lottery, they have many more kids for whom the curriculum is at their level.

CJMS parents, TPMS magnet isn't for you. TPMS magnet is for kids in poor schools with no cohort and no parental enrichment.

This is total BS.

- parent of one pre lottery kid and one post lottery

While I think it's silly to say that the TPMS magnet is now for "kids in poor schools" there's some logic to the idea that the cohort has changed dramatically and coming from a school like Cabin John it may no longer be worth the commute. Kids used to go to be with the top 1-3% and now it's the top 15-30% since they do weight eligibility standards.

Sigh. What I can tell you is that my lottery kid had a significantly higher MAP score than their older sibling who got in before the lottery and excelled and is now at the Blair magnet with all As. I can also tell you that both children found it challenging and that neither did “accelerated math at home or in the team” as was claimed that “everyone” did pre lottery (complete BS). The math curriculum is very fast paced which is what my kids have needed. It also doesn’t seem to have changed and certainly isn’t easier now.

Ask your kid with the high MAP score how a "lottery" works. They learned about randomness in there magnet class.

You are missing the point. The caliber of students hasn’t changed. The curriculum hasn’t changed. “Even” kids with “low” MAP scores in past years got in and did very well and ended up In the Blair magnet where they continued to do very well.

Geez. Quit making up stuff already. How many kids do you know with low MAP scores who got in TPMS, who did very well, ended up in the Blair, and continued to do very well? How do you know that level of details on multiple kids that are not yours? Really Geez!

I know that on this site it has been claimed again and again, that MAP scores to get in under the old system were something like 260 or higher. I remember when my older child got in and based on that myth which has been repeated here relentlessly I thought they wouldn’t have a chance. But it’s not true. Kids got in with scores in the high 230s or low 240s under the old non-lottery system - not just mine. Just like they do now with the lottery. And they do very well in program. The only difference is that the Cogat was another data point in the past.

Once you are in the program it doesn’t matter what your 5th grade MAP score was, just that you can keep up. And they do. With the same math curriculum that has been in place for years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pre lottery, everyone in TPMS did their accelerated math at home and in after-school team.

Post lottery, they have many more kids for whom the curriculum is at their level.

CJMS parents, TPMS magnet isn't for you. TPMS magnet is for kids in poor schools with no cohort and no parental enrichment.

This is total BS.

- parent of one pre lottery kid and one post lottery

While I think it's silly to say that the TPMS magnet is now for "kids in poor schools" there's some logic to the idea that the cohort has changed dramatically and coming from a school like Cabin John it may no longer be worth the commute. Kids used to go to be with the top 1-3% and now it's the top 15-30% since they do weight eligibility standards.

Sigh. What I can tell you is that my lottery kid had a significantly higher MAP score than their older sibling who got in before the lottery and excelled and is now at the Blair magnet with all As. I can also tell you that both children found it challenging and that neither did “accelerated math at home or in the team” as was claimed that “everyone” did pre lottery (complete BS). The math curriculum is very fast paced which is what my kids have needed. It also doesn’t seem to have changed and certainly isn’t easier now.

BS. First cohort of lottery kids are in 8th grade now. Impossible for your lottery kid to be in Blair now.

Read it again, slowly, my lottery kid is currently at TPMS. I accept your apology.

"Lottery kid had a higher MAP score than
(their older sibling
(who got in before the lottery)
and
(is now at the Blair magnet)
). "

"Lottery kid
(had a higher MAP score than
(their older sibling who got in before the lottery))
and
(is now at the Blair magnet). "


Write it again, slowly, without ambiguous grammar.

Retakes are due before end of marking period.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We didn't do the magnets for MS or HS because we didn't like the curriculum. It's basically a take it or leave it curriculum and you can get acceleration and the classes you want/more choice outside the magnet. Some MS allow Algebra in 6th, from posts here Takoma does not. It all depends on what is important to your child. Our regular MS had two CS classes.

My current TPMS magnet 8th grader had several 6th graders in his magnet Algebra I class last year.

That’s good they are allowing it.

My magnet 8th grader in Honors Geometry even has a 6th grader in their class this year. Apparently, the school let them skip Algebra because they had started off in Algebra initially but got bumped up.

So they went on video and lied about the policy to all the parents who asked?
They claimed that only students who already took a class in 5th grade could skip the same class in middle school.

After years of being in MCPS I have learned that there are always exceptions. Principals have a lot of power for student placement in classes. Some parents are masters at getting what they want. It is also possible that it is a rumor that simply isn't true, and this kid took algebra somewhere else and is not skipping it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pre lottery, everyone in TPMS did their accelerated math at home and in after-school team.

Post lottery, they have many more kids for whom the curriculum is at their level.

CJMS parents, TPMS magnet isn't for you. TPMS magnet is for kids in poor schools with no cohort and no parental enrichment.

This is total BS.

- parent of one pre lottery kid and one post lottery

While I think it's silly to say that the TPMS magnet is now for "kids in poor schools" there's some logic to the idea that the cohort has changed dramatically and coming from a school like Cabin John it may no longer be worth the commute. Kids used to go to be with the top 1-3% and now it's the top 15-30% since they do weight eligibility standards.

Sigh. What I can tell you is that my lottery kid had a significantly higher MAP score than their older sibling who got in before the lottery and excelled and is now at the Blair magnet with all As. I can also tell you that both children found it challenging and that neither did “accelerated math at home or in the team” as was claimed that “everyone” did pre lottery (complete BS). The math curriculum is very fast paced which is what my kids have needed. It also doesn’t seem to have changed and certainly isn’t easier now.

BS. First cohort of lottery kids are in 8th grade now. Impossible for your lottery kid to be in Blair now.

Read it again, slowly, my lottery kid is currently at TPMS. I accept your apology.

"Lottery kid had a higher MAP score than
(their older sibling
(who got in before the lottery)
and
(is now at the Blair magnet)
). "

"Lottery kid
(had a higher MAP score than
(their older sibling who got in before the lottery))
and
(is now at the Blair magnet). "


Write it again, slowly, without ambiguous grammar.

Retakes are due before end of marking period.

You’re an idiot. Everyone else here managed to read, just because you put commas where there were none doesn’t make anything incorrect.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We didn't do the magnets for MS or HS because we didn't like the curriculum. It's basically a take it or leave it curriculum and you can get acceleration and the classes you want/more choice outside the magnet. Some MS allow Algebra in 6th, from posts here Takoma does not. It all depends on what is important to your child. Our regular MS had two CS classes.

My current TPMS magnet 8th grader had several 6th graders in his magnet Algebra I class last year.

That’s good they are allowing it.

My magnet 8th grader in Honors Geometry even has a 6th grader in their class this year. Apparently, the school let them skip Algebra because they had started off in Algebra initially but got bumped up.

So they went on video and lied about the policy to all the parents who asked?
They claimed that only students who already took a class in 5th grade could skip the same class in middle school.

After years of being in MCPS I have learned that there are always exceptions. Principals have a lot of power for student placement in classes. Some parents are masters at getting what they want. It is also possible that it is a rumor that simply isn't true, and this kid took algebra somewhere else and is not skipping it.

It definitely isn’t true because as has been said repeatedly Algebra is a graduation requirement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pre lottery, everyone in TPMS did their accelerated math at home and in after-school team.

Post lottery, they have many more kids for whom the curriculum is at their level.

CJMS parents, TPMS magnet isn't for you. TPMS magnet is for kids in poor schools with no cohort and no parental enrichment.

This is total BS.

- parent of one pre lottery kid and one post lottery

While I think it's silly to say that the TPMS magnet is now for "kids in poor schools" there's some logic to the idea that the cohort has changed dramatically and coming from a school like Cabin John it may no longer be worth the commute. Kids used to go to be with the top 1-3% and now it's the top 15-30% since they do weight eligibility standards.

Sigh. What I can tell you is that my lottery kid had a significantly higher MAP score than their older sibling who got in before the lottery and excelled and is now at the Blair magnet with all As. I can also tell you that both children found it challenging and that neither did “accelerated math at home or in the team” as was claimed that “everyone” did pre lottery (complete BS). The math curriculum is very fast paced which is what my kids have needed. It also doesn’t seem to have changed and certainly isn’t easier now.

BS. First cohort of lottery kids are in 8th grade now. Impossible for your lottery kid to be in Blair now.

Read it again, slowly, my lottery kid is currently at TPMS. I accept your apology.

"Lottery kid had a higher MAP score than
(their older sibling
(who got in before the lottery)
and
(is now at the Blair magnet)
). "

"Lottery kid
(had a higher MAP score than
(their older sibling who got in before the lottery))
and
(is now at the Blair magnet). "


Write it again, slowly, without ambiguous grammar.

Retakes are due before end of marking period.

You’re an idiot. Everyone else here managed to read, just because you put commas where there were none doesn’t make anything incorrect.

Please to this comment with a single comma.

I'm desperate to learn what your think a comma is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pre lottery, everyone in TPMS did their accelerated math at home and in after-school team.

Post lottery, they have many more kids for whom the curriculum is at their level.

CJMS parents, TPMS magnet isn't for you. TPMS magnet is for kids in poor schools with no cohort and no parental enrichment.

This is total BS.

- parent of one pre lottery kid and one post lottery

While I think it's silly to say that the TPMS magnet is now for "kids in poor schools" there's some logic to the idea that the cohort has changed dramatically and coming from a school like Cabin John it may no longer be worth the commute. Kids used to go to be with the top 1-3% and now it's the top 15-30% since they do weight eligibility standards.

Sigh. What I can tell you is that my lottery kid had a significantly higher MAP score than their older sibling who got in before the lottery and excelled and is now at the Blair magnet with all As. I can also tell you that both children found it challenging and that neither did “accelerated math at home or in the team” as was claimed that “everyone” did pre lottery (complete BS). The math curriculum is very fast paced which is what my kids have needed. It also doesn’t seem to have changed and certainly isn’t easier now.

BS. First cohort of lottery kids are in 8th grade now. Impossible for your lottery kid to be in Blair now.

Read it again, slowly, my lottery kid is currently at TPMS. I accept your apology.

"Lottery kid had a higher MAP score than
(their older sibling
(who got in before the lottery)
and
(is now at the Blair magnet)
). "

"Lottery kid
(had a higher MAP score than
(their older sibling who got in before the lottery))
and
(is now at the Blair magnet). "


Write it again, slowly, without ambiguous grammar.

Retakes are due before end of marking period.

You’re an idiot. Everyone else here managed to read, just because you put commas where there were none doesn’t make anything incorrect.

Please to this comment with a single comma.

I'm desperate to learn what your think a comma is.

Even adding a comma I can’t work out what your first sentence means.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a 6th grader that just started at TPMS, coming from CJMS cluster. So far disappointed and troubled by the magnet curriculum:

1. Lack of rigorous approach in computer science (apparently no CS background required of teachers, no curriculum standards only "guidelines", implementation of guidelines teacher-dependent). Through grapevine have heard an older grade parents wrote a letter to school with concerns about the program as well. My child reports being bored and finds 6th grade CS way too easy--he finds material 3-4th grade level (done through outside supplementation.)
2. Investigation into mathematics--Program much slower pace than expected and no sufficiently challenging. If children were selected into magnet based on advanced math scores they should be exposed to more accelerated pace/material?
3. Science curriculum appears on target so far
4. Non-magnet humanities program has been a pleasant surprise

Anyone else facing similar issues? Is anyone aware of changes to the CS program? Since we are faced with a long commute for the sake of the magnet program, wondering if it makes sense to stick with it given the areas of concern. Prior forums mentioned lack of after-school clubs at CJMS compared to TPMS, but that has certainly expanded.

That is the problem -- you assume people who attend had high MAP scores. But with local norming, you could have kids with relatively low nationally normed MAP scores. They have to teach to the kids in the program, not the kids they wish were in the program.

The program remains unchanged. There seems to be higher attrition though than in previous years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We didn't do the magnets for MS or HS because we didn't like the curriculum. It's basically a take it or leave it curriculum and you can get acceleration and the classes you want/more choice outside the magnet. Some MS allow Algebra in 6th, from posts here Takoma does not. It all depends on what is important to your child. Our regular MS had two CS classes.

My current TPMS magnet 8th grader had several 6th graders in his magnet Algebra I class last year.

That’s good they are allowing it.

My magnet 8th grader in Honors Geometry even has a 6th grader in their class this year. Apparently, the school let them skip Algebra because they had started off in Algebra initially but got bumped up.

You cannot skip Algebra 1 in Maryland. It is a state requirement.

Already said that.

And yet this kid in my kid's class did.