Blair magnet accelerated comp sci path

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unless something has changed, students need to know python to move to the accelerated track. My student did not come from TP so had not learned it yet. Something to start working on early if your child is the same. Mine decided not to test for it..and is currently a comp sci major in college.

Or don't work on it early because it's not a race. Go at the pace you want.

Exactly! Sure, kids from the elite MS magnet had three years of CS already. It's not that big a deal.

Oh FFS, no one said it’sa big deal. But if the course requires Python as a prerequisite then either the kid got that at TPMS or they got it outside of MCPS. It’s not that complicated. Getting into TPMS isn’t such a big deal, it’s not that hard if your kids are very strong in STEM.

Agree, out of the 8000 students who are eligible 125 end up at TPMS each year.

It’s not that elite. It’s a lottery and probably favoritism.

Yes, it's a lottery but only of the very best.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid says there are kids that come to school and talk about learning a new coding language over the past week for fun. If that is your kid, acceleration seems like a great idea and I love that they have the option. For my kid who didn’t go to TPMS, I’m glad he likes CS but can take the normal 2 years that are required and hopefully a few electives. It’s a great program because you can do it either way.

It’s required all four years of high school if you are in the magnet. It is a computer science magnet as well as math and science.

A maximum of 5 semesters of CS is required for the magnet. Four if you skip one. You do not have to take more CS after AoA. In your junior and senior year, you may choose from a wide range of magnet electives. These can include CS but it isn't necessary.

This years 9th graders were told that if they accelerate they would be expected to do it to make space for another computer science elective in their junior or senior year, not an elective on a different subject.

This sounds strange, and I would advise anyone whose kid is considering the accelerated CS path to verify this with the magnet coordinator. Historically, science and computer science classes in the first two years are fixed, with two options for CS. Both CS pathways require four semesters of CS. After that there are no required science/CS classes, except, some advanced classes may have prereqs.

Requiring students to take a CS elective in the junior/senior years just because they took the accelerated CS path seems very uncharacteristic of the program.

-- DP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid says there are kids that come to school and talk about learning a new coding language over the past week for fun. If that is your kid, acceleration seems like a great idea and I love that they have the option. For my kid who didn’t go to TPMS, I’m glad he likes CS but can take the normal 2 years that are required and hopefully a few electives. It’s a great program because you can do it either way.

It’s required all four years of high school if you are in the magnet. It is a computer science magnet as well as math and science.

A maximum of 5 semesters of CS is required for the magnet. Four if you skip one. You do not have to take more CS after AoA. In your junior and senior year, you may choose from a wide range of magnet electives. These can include CS but it isn't necessary.

This years 9th graders were told that if they accelerate they would be expected to do it to make space for another computer science elective in their junior or senior year, not an elective on a different subject.

This sounds strange, and I would advise anyone whose kid is considering the accelerated CS path to verify this with the magnet coordinator. Historically, science and computer science classes in the first two years are fixed, with two options for CS. Both CS pathways require four semesters of CS. After that there are no required science/CS classes, except, some advanced classes may have prereqs.

Requiring students to take a CS elective in the junior/senior years just because they took the accelerated CS path seems very uncharacteristic of the program.

-- DP

I didn’t say it is required. However it is *expected* that if they do this it is to focus on comp sci and to take additional comp sci electives. This is the clear messaging my child has received. I don’t need to check with Mr O as I trust my kid.

Also if you review the magnet pathway it clearly shows comp sci electives, as well as science electives in Junior and senior year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid says there are kids that come to school and talk about learning a new coding language over the past week for fun. If that is your kid, acceleration seems like a great idea and I love that they have the option. For my kid who didn’t go to TPMS, I’m glad he likes CS but can take the normal 2 years that are required and hopefully a few electives. It’s a great program because you can do it either way.

It’s required all four years of high school if you are in the magnet. It is a computer science magnet as well as math and science.

A maximum of 5 semesters of CS is required for the magnet. Four if you skip one. You do not have to take more CS after AoA. In your junior and senior year, you may choose from a wide range of magnet electives. These can include CS but it isn't necessary.

This years 9th graders were told that if they accelerate they would be expected to do it to make space for another computer science elective in their junior or senior year, not an elective on a different subject.

This sounds strange, and I would advise anyone whose kid is considering the accelerated CS path to verify this with the magnet coordinator. Historically, science and computer science classes in the first two years are fixed, with two options for CS. Both CS pathways require four semesters of CS. After that there are no required science/CS classes, except, some advanced classes may have prereqs.

Requiring students to take a CS elective in the junior/senior years just because they took the accelerated CS path seems very uncharacteristic of the program.

-- DP

I didn’t say it is required. However it is *expected* that if they do this it is to focus on comp sci and to take additional comp sci electives. This is the clear messaging my child has received. I don’t need to check with Mr O as I trust my kid.

Also if you review the magnet pathway it clearly shows comp sci electives, as well as science electives in Junior and senior year.

Most who accelerate take AoA at the end of year two to fill in. I've always assumed this was mandatory, but I have no clue. It may technically be an elective so could be skipped I guess.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid says there are kids that come to school and talk about learning a new coding language over the past week for fun. If that is your kid, acceleration seems like a great idea and I love that they have the option. For my kid who didn’t go to TPMS, I’m glad he likes CS but can take the normal 2 years that are required and hopefully a few electives. It’s a great program because you can do it either way.

It’s required all four years of high school if you are in the magnet. It is a computer science magnet as well as math and science.

A maximum of 5 semesters of CS is required for the magnet. Four if you skip one. You do not have to take more CS after AoA. In your junior and senior year, you may choose from a wide range of magnet electives. These can include CS but it isn't necessary.

This years 9th graders were told that if they accelerate they would be expected to do it to make space for another computer science elective in their junior or senior year, not an elective on a different subject.

This sounds strange, and I would advise anyone whose kid is considering the accelerated CS path to verify this with the magnet coordinator. Historically, science and computer science classes in the first two years are fixed, with two options for CS. Both CS pathways require four semesters of CS. After that there are no required science/CS classes, except, some advanced classes may have prereqs.

Requiring students to take a CS elective in the junior/senior years just because they took the accelerated CS path seems very uncharacteristic of the program.

-- DP

I didn’t say it is required. However it is *expected* that if they do this it is to focus on comp sci and to take additional comp sci electives. This is the clear messaging my child has received. I don’t need to check with Mr O as I trust my kid.

Also if you review the magnet pathway it clearly shows comp sci electives, as well as science electives in Junior and senior year.

Most who accelerate take AoA at the end of year two to fill in. I've always assumed this was mandatory, but I have no clue. It may technically be an elective so could be skipped I guess.

It is mandatory. I was referring to comp sci electives in junior and senior year. Taking the accelerated path opens up space for another elective.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid says there are kids that come to school and talk about learning a new coding language over the past week for fun. If that is your kid, acceleration seems like a great idea and I love that they have the option. For my kid who didn’t go to TPMS, I’m glad he likes CS but can take the normal 2 years that are required and hopefully a few electives. It’s a great program because you can do it either way.

It’s required all four years of high school if you are in the magnet. It is a computer science magnet as well as math and science.

A maximum of 5 semesters of CS is required for the magnet. Four if you skip one. You do not have to take more CS after AoA. In your junior and senior year, you may choose from a wide range of magnet electives. These can include CS but it isn't necessary.

This years 9th graders were told that if they accelerate they would be expected to do it to make space for another computer science elective in their junior or senior year, not an elective on a different subject.

This sounds strange, and I would advise anyone whose kid is considering the accelerated CS path to verify this with the magnet coordinator. Historically, science and computer science classes in the first two years are fixed, with two options for CS. Both CS pathways require four semesters of CS. After that there are no required science/CS classes, except, some advanced classes may have prereqs.

Requiring students to take a CS elective in the junior/senior years just because they took the accelerated CS path seems very uncharacteristic of the program.

-- DP

I didn’t say it is required. However it is *expected* that if they do this it is to focus on comp sci and to take additional comp sci electives. This is the clear messaging my child has received. I don’t need to check with Mr O as I trust my kid.

Also if you review the magnet pathway it clearly shows comp sci electives, as well as science electives in Junior and senior year.

Most who accelerate take AoA at the end of year two to fill in. I've always assumed this was mandatory, but I have no clue. It may technically be an elective so could be skipped I guess.

It is mandatory. I was referring to comp sci electives in junior and senior year. Taking the accelerated path opens up space for another elective.

Also that first year compsci is kind of slow especially for TPMS kids who have had 3 years of CS already.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid says there are kids that come to school and talk about learning a new coding language over the past week for fun. If that is your kid, acceleration seems like a great idea and I love that they have the option. For my kid who didn’t go to TPMS, I’m glad he likes CS but can take the normal 2 years that are required and hopefully a few electives. It’s a great program because you can do it either way.

It’s required all four years of high school if you are in the magnet. It is a computer science magnet as well as math and science.

A maximum of 5 semesters of CS is required for the magnet. Four if you skip one. You do not have to take more CS after AoA. In your junior and senior year, you may choose from a wide range of magnet electives. These can include CS but it isn't necessary.

This years 9th graders were told that if they accelerate they would be expected to do it to make space for another computer science elective in their junior or senior year, not an elective on a different subject.

This sounds strange, and I would advise anyone whose kid is considering the accelerated CS path to verify this with the magnet coordinator. Historically, science and computer science classes in the first two years are fixed, with two options for CS. Both CS pathways require four semesters of CS. After that there are no required science/CS classes, except, some advanced classes may have prereqs.

Requiring students to take a CS elective in the junior/senior years just because they took the accelerated CS path seems very uncharacteristic of the program.

-- DP

I didn’t say it is required. However it is *expected* that if they do this it is to focus on comp sci and to take additional comp sci electives. This is the clear messaging my child has received. I don’t need to check with Mr O as I trust my kid.

Also if you review the magnet pathway it clearly shows comp sci electives, as well as science electives in Junior and senior year.

Most who accelerate take AoA at the end of year two to fill in. I've always assumed this was mandatory, but I have no clue. It may technically be an elective so could be skipped I guess.

It is mandatory. I was referring to comp sci electives in junior and senior year. Taking the accelerated path opens up space for another elective.

Also that first year compsci is kind of slow especially for TPMS kids who have had 3 years of CS already.

YES!

[Anonymous]

Sorry if I'm late to reply-

Hi, (magnet) junior at Blair here. I assume you're talking about the jump to ADSA freshman year. I myself took this class, and then also chose to take the AP CSA exam the same year, without taking ADSB.

Difficulty wise, the class was mid-tier for me. It was harder than the normal foundations class, but no where near the difficulty of any of the magnet math classes. Mr. Sahu is a great teacher, but from what I remember, he wasn't very flexible with retakes or resubmissions, nor were his tests very easy.

The work load was fine. The take home projects were easy- just the tests that required some studying (in particular I hated memorizing all of the different sorts...). For my year, no selection test to get in the class, but I did have to fill out an "application" through a google form, which had to be approved by someone (I think Ms. Burkhauser).

Lastly, I don't recommend self studying the rest of the material to take AP CSA freshman year. Most people will wait until their sophmore year to take the AP test, after they've finished ADSB. I made this mistake and did not feel well prepared for the exam.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sorry if I'm late to reply-

Hi, (magnet) junior at Blair here. I assume you're talking about the jump to ADSA freshman year. I myself took this class, and then also chose to take the AP CSA exam the same year, without taking ADSB.

Difficulty wise, the class was mid-tier for me. It was harder than the normal foundations class, but no where near the difficulty of any of the magnet math classes. Mr. Sahu is a great teacher, but from what I remember, he wasn't very flexible with retakes or resubmissions, nor were his tests very easy.

The work load was fine. The take home projects were easy- just the tests that required some studying (in particular I hated memorizing all of the different sorts...). For my year, no selection test to get in the class, but I did have to fill out an "application" through a google form, which had to be approved by someone (I think Ms. Burkhauser).

Lastly, I don't recommend self studying the rest of the material to take AP CSA freshman year. Most people will wait until their sophmore year to take the AP test, after they've finished ADSB. I made this mistake and did not feel well prepared for the exam.

Thank you! This is very helpful. Is computer science your main focus in the magnet?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unless something has changed, students need to know python to move to the accelerated track. My student did not come from TP so had not learned it yet. Something to start working on early if your child is the same. Mine decided not to test for it..and is currently a comp sci major in college.

There are 2-3 semesters of Python taught at TPMS over the three years of CS there.

But it is not taught in other middle schools so those kids must self teach.

There is one poster who thinks TMPS is the only school for smart kids and really the only MS in the county.

Exactly!! For instance, my child came into Blair from a NEC middle school. There were no classes for computer offered at this particular middle school. Blair magnet program takes that into consideration. The program is not just catering to TPMS students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unless something has changed, students need to know python to move to the accelerated track. My student did not come from TP so had not learned it yet. Something to start working on early if your child is the same. Mine decided not to test for it..and is currently a comp sci major in college.

There are 2-3 semesters of Python taught at TPMS over the three years of CS there.

But it is not taught in other middle schools so those kids must self teach.

There is one poster who thinks TMPS is the only school for smart kids and really the only MS in the county.

Exactly!! For instance, my child came into Blair from a NEC middle school. There were no classes for computer offered at this particular middle school. Blair magnet program takes that into consideration. The program is not just catering to TPMS students.

Sure, but TPMS kids are prepared and have shown they can handle the rigor of these programs.

[Anonymous]

Across the county, there are 10,000 kids per grade and < 150 go to this magnet. Guess what? Lots of exceedingly capable kids who could light up the world with their SMCS acumen didn't go to the middle school magnet. Blair SMCS well aware of this and can program to both groups easily.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Across the county, there are 10,000 kids per grade and < 150 go to this magnet. Guess what? Lots of exceedingly capable kids who could light up the world with their SMCS acumen didn't go to the middle school magnet. Blair SMCS well aware of this and can program to both groups easily.

I think the point is that the kids who have already had three years of computer science either at TPMS or elsewhere are at a different level than those who haven’t had that opportunity. About half of the kids each year (a little less) went to TPMS and many of them find the first year of comp sci not particularly challenging.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is there no PTA or parents community at Blair Magnet?

I am sure they have a foundation funded by parents and they have an online forum.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is there no PTA or parents community at Blair Magnet?

I am sure they have a foundation funded by parents and they have an online forum.

I would imagine there's pretty much everything since it's the largest HS in the state of MD.