SAT day time wasters

[Anonymous]

You know, stuff like this really gets at the heart of why chronic absenteeism is the problem that it is in MCPS.

To accommodate "free SAT testing" for MCPS juniors, we've disrupted and lost a whole instructional day for three other grade levels. The substitute activities range from somewhat worthy (Mock AP exams for those taking AP classes) to unworthy (unstructured "study halls" that kids just nap or play games in).

Because the schools know that these substitute activities are a joke, they informally tell students and parents that their kids can either stay home for the testing portion of the day or stay home altogether, since even the abbreviated classes that do happen aren't likely to cover critical material on what is essentially a half-day.

We should go back to SAT testing happening outside of the normal school day. I'm not convinced the juice of offering it for free to everyone is worth the squeeze.

[Anonymous]

My kids plan to sleep in, meet friends for lunch, and get to school for the 1/2 day. They'll take RideOn to school. One does a sport, so she will go to practice after school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You know, stuff like this really gets at the heart of why chronic absenteeism is the problem that it is in MCPS.

To accommodate "free SAT testing" for MCPS juniors, we've disrupted and lost a whole instructional day for three other grade levels. The substitute activities range from somewhat worthy (Mock AP exams for those taking AP classes) to unworthy (unstructured "study halls" that kids just nap or play games in).

Because the schools know that these substitute activities are a joke, they informally tell students and parents that their kids can either stay home for the testing portion of the day or stay home altogether, since even the abbreviated classes that do happen aren't likely to cover critical material on what is essentially a half-day.

We should go back to SAT testing happening outside of the normal school day. I'm not convinced the juice of offering it for free to everyone is worth the squeeze.

That ain't it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You know, stuff like this really gets at the heart of why chronic absenteeism is the problem that it is in MCPS.

To accommodate "free SAT testing" for MCPS juniors, we've disrupted and lost a whole instructional day for three other grade levels. The substitute activities range from somewhat worthy (Mock AP exams for those taking AP classes) to unworthy (unstructured "study halls" that kids just nap or play games in).

Because the schools know that these substitute activities are a joke, they informally tell students and parents that their kids can either stay home for the testing portion of the day or stay home altogether, since even the abbreviated classes that do happen aren't likely to cover critical material on what is essentially a half-day.

We should go back to SAT testing happening outside of the normal school day. I'm not convinced the juice of offering it for free to everyone is worth the squeeze.

That ain't it.

But it is. The inconsistency and incongruity in MCPS message tells kids the truth. You can't on the one hand, in BS messaging like this insist that every day of school attendance counts and matters:

And then informally tell students and families that they should skip school on testing days like this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You know, stuff like this really gets at the heart of why chronic absenteeism is the problem that it is in MCPS.

To accommodate "free SAT testing" for MCPS juniors, we've disrupted and lost a whole instructional day for three other grade levels. The substitute activities range from somewhat worthy (Mock AP exams for those taking AP classes) to unworthy (unstructured "study halls" that kids just nap or play games in).

Because the schools know that these substitute activities are a joke, they informally tell students and parents that their kids can either stay home for the testing portion of the day or stay home altogether, since even the abbreviated classes that do happen aren't likely to cover critical material on what is essentially a half-day.

We should go back to SAT testing happening outside of the normal school day. I'm not convinced the juice of offering it for free to everyone is worth the squeeze.

That ain't it.

But it is. The inconsistency and incongruity in MCPS message tells kids the truth. You can't on the one hand, in BS messaging like this insist that every day of school attendance counts and matters:

And then informally tell students and families that they should skip school on testing days like this.

No it isn't. There are many reasons students are absent from school. "It must be ok to be absent because there's nothing much going on at school on the day MCPS administers the SAT to juniors, if you're not a junior" is not one of them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You know, stuff like this really gets at the heart of why chronic absenteeism is the problem that it is in MCPS.

To accommodate "free SAT testing" for MCPS juniors, we've disrupted and lost a whole instructional day for three other grade levels. The substitute activities range from somewhat worthy (Mock AP exams for those taking AP classes) to unworthy (unstructured "study halls" that kids just nap or play games in).

Because the schools know that these substitute activities are a joke, they informally tell students and parents that their kids can either stay home for the testing portion of the day or stay home altogether, since even the abbreviated classes that do happen aren't likely to cover critical material on what is essentially a half-day.

We should go back to SAT testing happening outside of the normal school day. I'm not convinced the juice of offering it for free to everyone is worth the squeeze.

That ain't it.

But it is. The inconsistency and incongruity in MCPS message tells kids the truth. You can't on the one hand, in BS messaging like this insist that every day of school attendance counts and matters:

And then informally tell students and families that they should skip school on testing days like this.

No it isn't. There are many reasons students are absent from school. "It must be ok to be absent because there's nothing much going on at school on the day MCPS administers the SAT to juniors, if you're not a junior" is not one of them.

You don't get it. You can't say "every day matters" and then say "sometimes it doesn't." The statement attending school every day matters is either true or it isn't. And if it isn't, MCPS shouldn't say it.

They should say, "Most days matter, but some days don't." Because that's the actual reality and it's what MCPS is communicating in its actions and that's what parents and families are acting on. This inconsistency and talking out of both sides of the mouth is a big contributing factor as to why kids are picking and choosing the days they THINK they need to be in school, as opposed to believing they SHOULD be in school everyday, because everyday they're learning something valuable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You know, stuff like this really gets at the heart of why chronic absenteeism is the problem that it is in MCPS.

To accommodate "free SAT testing" for MCPS juniors, we've disrupted and lost a whole instructional day for three other grade levels. The substitute activities range from somewhat worthy (Mock AP exams for those taking AP classes) to unworthy (unstructured "study halls" that kids just nap or play games in).

Because the schools know that these substitute activities are a joke, they informally tell students and parents that their kids can either stay home for the testing portion of the day or stay home altogether, since even the abbreviated classes that do happen aren't likely to cover critical material on what is essentially a half-day.

We should go back to SAT testing happening outside of the normal school day. I'm not convinced the juice of offering it for free to everyone is worth the squeeze.

That ain't it.

But it is. The inconsistency and incongruity in MCPS message tells kids the truth. You can't on the one hand, in BS messaging like this insist that every day of school attendance counts and matters:

And then informally tell students and families that they should skip school on testing days like this.

No it isn't. There are many reasons students are absent from school. "It must be ok to be absent because there's nothing much going on at school on the day MCPS administers the SAT to juniors, if you're not a junior" is not one of them.

You don't get it. You can't say "every day matters" and then say "sometimes it doesn't." The statement attending school every day matters is either true or it isn't. And if it isn't, MCPS shouldn't say it.

They should say, "Most days matter, but some days don't." Because that's the actual reality and it's what MCPS is communicating in its actions and that's what parents and families are acting on. This inconsistency and talking out of both sides of the mouth is a big contributing factor as to why kids are picking and choosing the days they THINK they need to be in school, as opposed to believing they SHOULD be in school everyday, because everyday they're learning something valuable.

You know, I am definitely on the take-things-literally end of the spectrum, but you have me beat all hollow.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You know, stuff like this really gets at the heart of why chronic absenteeism is the problem that it is in MCPS.

To accommodate "free SAT testing" for MCPS juniors, we've disrupted and lost a whole instructional day for three other grade levels. The substitute activities range from somewhat worthy (Mock AP exams for those taking AP classes) to unworthy (unstructured "study halls" that kids just nap or play games in).

Because the schools know that these substitute activities are a joke, they informally tell students and parents that their kids can either stay home for the testing portion of the day or stay home altogether, since even the abbreviated classes that do happen aren't likely to cover critical material on what is essentially a half-day.

We should go back to SAT testing happening outside of the normal school day. I'm not convinced the juice of offering it for free to everyone is worth the squeeze.

That ain't it.

But it is. The inconsistency and incongruity in MCPS message tells kids the truth. You can't on the one hand, in BS messaging like this insist that every day of school attendance counts and matters:

And then informally tell students and families that they should skip school on testing days like this.

No it isn't. There are many reasons students are absent from school. "It must be ok to be absent because there's nothing much going on at school on the day MCPS administers the SAT to juniors, if you're not a junior" is not one of them.

I entirely agree. Chronic absenteeism has to do with mental or physical health issues, kids with unstable home lives, kids of no fixed address, teens who need to work for food or shelter, or who have entirely given up on learning. This has nothing to do with skipping school on the rare days of the year where there are no classes to speak of. My oldest, now in college, wisely used those high school days to catch up on sleep, prep for his AP exams, or finish homework. The kids who are chronically absent are usually always the same ones, and they're very hard to reach and manage, because there are exceedingly serious reasons for their absenteeism.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How is your mcps school wasting your students time this week?
My freshman will be in career fairs insteas of using the time to meet with teachers or make up assignments.

Some MCPS need to get jobs when they grow up. They can't all grow up to be SAHM trophies.

What would mcps know about jobs or doing their jobs properly? Move somewhere that will make you an equity hire, break every ethic code and wait for your 1.3 million payout to get rid of you?

She is living rent-free in your head

One million three hundred thousand isn't rent free.

That's the money she is taking to the bank but she is living rent-free in your head.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You know, stuff like this really gets at the heart of why chronic absenteeism is the problem that it is in MCPS.

To accommodate "free SAT testing" for MCPS juniors, we've disrupted and lost a whole instructional day for three other grade levels. The substitute activities range from somewhat worthy (Mock AP exams for those taking AP classes) to unworthy (unstructured "study halls" that kids just nap or play games in).

Because the schools know that these substitute activities are a joke, they informally tell students and parents that their kids can either stay home for the testing portion of the day or stay home altogether, since even the abbreviated classes that do happen aren't likely to cover critical material on what is essentially a half-day.

We should go back to SAT testing happening outside of the normal school day. I'm not convinced the juice of offering it for free to everyone is worth the squeeze.

That ain't it.

But it is. The inconsistency and incongruity in MCPS message tells kids the truth. You can't on the one hand, in BS messaging like this insist that every day of school attendance counts and matters:

And then informally tell students and families that they should skip school on testing days like this.

No it isn't. There are many reasons students are absent from school. "It must be ok to be absent because there's nothing much going on at school on the day MCPS administers the SAT to juniors, if you're not a junior" is not one of them.

You don't get it. You can't say "every day matters" and then say "sometimes it doesn't." The statement attending school every day matters is either true or it isn't. And if it isn't, MCPS shouldn't say it.

They should say, "Most days matter, but some days don't." Because that's the actual reality and it's what MCPS is communicating in its actions and that's what parents and families are acting on. This inconsistency and talking out of both sides of the mouth is a big contributing factor as to why kids are picking and choosing the days they THINK they need to be in school, as opposed to believing they SHOULD be in school everyday, because everyday they're learning something valuable.

You know, I am definitely on the take-things-literally end of the spectrum, but you have me beat all hollow.

MCEA President Jennifer Martin just testified to the board that its policies are trash and that it has communicated to students that attendance is optional. So who's the literal one now?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You know, stuff like this really gets at the heart of why chronic absenteeism is the problem that it is in MCPS.

To accommodate "free SAT testing" for MCPS juniors, we've disrupted and lost a whole instructional day for three other grade levels. The substitute activities range from somewhat worthy (Mock AP exams for those taking AP classes) to unworthy (unstructured "study halls" that kids just nap or play games in).

Because the schools know that these substitute activities are a joke, they informally tell students and parents that their kids can either stay home for the testing portion of the day or stay home altogether, since even the abbreviated classes that do happen aren't likely to cover critical material on what is essentially a half-day.

We should go back to SAT testing happening outside of the normal school day. I'm not convinced the juice of offering it for free to everyone is worth the squeeze.

That ain't it.

But it is. The inconsistency and incongruity in MCPS message tells kids the truth. You can't on the one hand, in BS messaging like this insist that every day of school attendance counts and matters:

And then informally tell students and families that they should skip school on testing days like this.

No it isn't. There are many reasons students are absent from school. "It must be ok to be absent because there's nothing much going on at school on the day MCPS administers the SAT to juniors, if you're not a junior" is not one of them.

I entirely agree. Chronic absenteeism has to do with mental or physical health issues, kids with unstable home lives, kids of no fixed address, teens who need to work for food or shelter, or who have entirely given up on learning. This has nothing to do with skipping school on the rare days of the year where there are no classes to speak of. My oldest, now in college, wisely used those high school days to catch up on sleep, prep for his AP exams, or finish homework. The kids who are chronically absent are usually always the same ones, and they're very hard to reach and manage, because there are exceedingly serious reasons for their absenteeism.

You just want to rubberstamp and validate your decision to support your kids's skipping school. And that's fine. Just say that. But to deny that MCPS is directly contributing to the chronic absenteeism problem by on some days insistence daily attendance is necessary to other days, saying it's ok to skip this time is incoherent and sending mixed messages resulting in the current state we have today.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You know, stuff like this really gets at the heart of why chronic absenteeism is the problem that it is in MCPS.

To accommodate "free SAT testing" for MCPS juniors, we've disrupted and lost a whole instructional day for three other grade levels. The substitute activities range from somewhat worthy (Mock AP exams for those taking AP classes) to unworthy (unstructured "study halls" that kids just nap or play games in).

Because the schools know that these substitute activities are a joke, they informally tell students and parents that their kids can either stay home for the testing portion of the day or stay home altogether, since even the abbreviated classes that do happen aren't likely to cover critical material on what is essentially a half-day.

We should go back to SAT testing happening outside of the normal school day. I'm not convinced the juice of offering it for free to everyone is worth the squeeze.

That ain't it.

But it is. The inconsistency and incongruity in MCPS message tells kids the truth. You can't on the one hand, in BS messaging like this insist that every day of school attendance counts and matters:

And then informally tell students and families that they should skip school on testing days like this.

No it isn't. There are many reasons students are absent from school. "It must be ok to be absent because there's nothing much going on at school on the day MCPS administers the SAT to juniors, if you're not a junior" is not one of them.

You don't get it. You can't say "every day matters" and then say "sometimes it doesn't." The statement attending school every day matters is either true or it isn't. And if it isn't, MCPS shouldn't say it.

They should say, "Most days matter, but some days don't." Because that's the actual reality and it's what MCPS is communicating in its actions and that's what parents and families are acting on. This inconsistency and talking out of both sides of the mouth is a big contributing factor as to why kids are picking and choosing the days they THINK they need to be in school, as opposed to believing they SHOULD be in school everyday, because everyday they're learning something valuable.

You know, I am definitely on the take-things-literally end of the spectrum, but you have me beat all hollow.

[Anonymous]

Our school was going to keep kids in the theater all morning for an activity. My daughter stayed home. We dropped her off at noon for her first class, and she said that there is nobody in her classes today.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You know, stuff like this really gets at the heart of why chronic absenteeism is the problem that it is in MCPS.

To accommodate "free SAT testing" for MCPS juniors, we've disrupted and lost a whole instructional day for three other grade levels. The substitute activities range from somewhat worthy (Mock AP exams for those taking AP classes) to unworthy (unstructured "study halls" that kids just nap or play games in).

Because the schools know that these substitute activities are a joke, they informally tell students and parents that their kids can either stay home for the testing portion of the day or stay home altogether, since even the abbreviated classes that do happen aren't likely to cover critical material on what is essentially a half-day.

We should go back to SAT testing happening outside of the normal school day. I'm not convinced the juice of offering it for free to everyone is worth the squeeze.

That ain't it.

But it is. The inconsistency and incongruity in MCPS message tells kids the truth. You can't on the one hand, in BS messaging like this insist that every day of school attendance counts and matters:

And then informally tell students and families that they should skip school on testing days like this.

No it isn't. There are many reasons students are absent from school. "It must be ok to be absent because there's nothing much going on at school on the day MCPS administers the SAT to juniors, if you're not a junior" is not one of them.

I entirely agree. Chronic absenteeism has to do with mental or physical health issues, kids with unstable home lives, kids of no fixed address, teens who need to work for food or shelter, or who have entirely given up on learning. This has nothing to do with skipping school on the rare days of the year where there are no classes to speak of. My oldest, now in college, wisely used those high school days to catch up on sleep, prep for his AP exams, or finish homework. The kids who are chronically absent are usually always the same ones, and they're very hard to reach and manage, because there are exceedingly serious reasons for their absenteeism.

You just want to rubberstamp and validate your decision to support your kids's skipping school. And that's fine. Just say that. But to deny that MCPS is directly contributing to the chronic absenteeism problem by on some days insistence daily attendance is necessary to other days, saying it's ok to skip this time is incoherent and sending mixed messages resulting in the current state we have today.

Last time we sent our kid, they were forced in the cafeteria the entire morning and weren't allowed to even eat lunch with the testing ran late and they were given a hard time about the bathroom. No point in sending them.

[Anonymous]

My kid was told be their coach they have to go to school. They have practice and first games tomorrow.