Fairfax County Public Schools FY 2010 Budget includes transportation for all GT students

[Anonymous]

And just to depress folks thoroughly, things aren't looking much better in MCPS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:And just to depress folks thoroughly, things aren't looking much better in MCPS.

In general PP? Or specifically for GT programs?

[Anonymous]

The training provided by Instructional Services is a waste of money, according to GT teachers I've spoken to. That's a good place to trim the budget.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
GT Centers are free, except for the cost of the bus service for kids who don't live in the neighborhood.

Anonymous wrote:
Level 4 classes, though, could be free, if the principal fills up the class so there are always about 30 students and makes sure that those Level 4 students do not get any time with GT resource or other resource teachers and aides.

And you are not including the cost of training provided by Instructional Services. That's not "free".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The training provided by Instructional Services is a waste of money, according to GT teachers I've spoken to. That's a good place to trim the budget.

The training might be a waste of money, but it is required by the school system.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP here. I will try to make this comment civil and not condescending. The supervisors are balancing the needs of ALL students during tough budgetary times ... so what would be perfect and ideal for GT students is only one item to be considered. I am sad that some services might be cut for these students, but I am also sad that some services will be cut for nearly all the kids in the County.

I absolutely agree. They should get rid of the Local Level IV service option at the ever-growing list of schools and eliminate that duplication. The School Board already intends to cut foreign language next year (2011) and who knows what will happen to full day Kindergarten.

An unquantifiable tragedy. Fairfax County has led the nation in foreign language instruction, specifically in immersion programs. This is too depressing.

FCPS can keep the immersion but cut it's extra funding which is NOT necessary. When the program started it got extra staff for start-up but that staffing was not intended to be continued indefinitely. The concept is a bi-lingual teacher in a full class for core instruction. Gravy program because it has low retention. FLES isn't even gravy - it's empty calories.

I'm new to this discussion, but I don't understand why FLES is "empty calories." The US clearly trails most other developed nations in second language learning. I understand that there is research to show that early learning of a second language is beneficial. Why would FLES not be a good idea? I get it that the kids will not become fluent in the second language, but surely exposure is valuable, no?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why would FLES not be a good idea? I get it that the kids will not become fluent in the second language, but surely exposure is valuable, no?

I'm only guessing, but in a time where teachers are receiving no step increases but will have more students in their classes, I'm guessing that FLES is not a good idea, vs. not increasing class sizes even further and giving the teachers some sort of step increase.

[Anonymous]

If they cut the immersion program (the reason I moved into this county) my family will relocate. I'm not paying high taxes for undesirable schools!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why would FLES not be a good idea? I get it that the kids will not become fluent in the second language, but surely exposure is valuable, no?

I'm only guessing, but in a time where teachers are receiving no step increases but will have more students in their classes, I'm guessing that FLES is not a good idea, vs. not increasing class sizes even further and giving the teachers some sort of step increase.

So? Most people are just happy to have jobs right now - even though they're doing extra work for the same amount of money. Millions have been laid off. It's not crystal clear to me why these particular employees should automatically get pay increases. Do they not live in the same country as the rest of us?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If they cut the immersion program (the reason I moved into this county) my family will relocate. I'm not paying high taxes for undesirable schools!

move to where? any lower taxes in DC and montco?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If they cut the immersion program (the reason I moved into this county) my family will relocate. I'm not paying high taxes for undesirable schools!

move to where? any lower taxes in DC and montco?

maybe PG county? Now they have excellent schools...

[Anonymous]

Please move it will raise the IQ here and wherever you go! Nice never knowing you!