Rigor at TJ compared to regular FCPS high Schools

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hear the math teachers are very frustrated with the math preparations of incoming students. Discussing changes to grading policies.

Yeah the SOL scores really have taken a dramatic turn. Maybe skills-based grading could be an option?

The new students are more naturally gifted than the 3rd tier peppers who were getting in under the old system. They may be less prepared but seem to pick things up more quickly, so in the long run, they're actually doing much better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hear the math teachers are very frustrated with the math preparations of incoming students. Discussing changes to grading policies.

Yeah the SOL scores really have taken a dramatic turn. Maybe skills-based grading could be an option?

seems interesting
Alg I - Pass Advanced dropped from 70% (20-21) to 29% in 21-22 and up to 56% in 22-23
Alg II - PA dropped from 63 to 53 then up to 58
Geometry - PA dropped from 73 to 42 and finally 41
Biology - PA dropped form 66 to 53 and now 58

Anyone want to talk about how 20-21 was Covid and declines in grades/scores declined everywhere? I know people won't want to hear this but mental health and social wellness impacts academic performance (in addition to remote learning). But, by all means, let's talk about how its all about "the lack of rigor" and "unqualified students." Interestingly, RS1 students are currently learning about biases in data collection. Maybe some parents on this board should take the course.

I'll see many your kids in therapy one day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hear the math teachers are very frustrated with the math preparations of incoming students. Discussing changes to grading policies.

Yeah the SOL scores really have taken a dramatic turn. Maybe skills-based grading could be an option?

The new students are more naturally gifted than the 3rd tier peppers who were getting in under the old system. They may be less prepared but seem to pick things up more quickly, so in the long run, they're actually doing much better.

Less prepared in math and science. That was expected! Farcical essay can't evaluate preparedness in necessary math and science.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I hear the math teachers are very frustrated with the math preparations of incoming students. Discussing changes to grading policies.

TJ Math teachers have been shut out of admissions process. They wanted an indepth math evaluation much more rigorous than the previous Quant-Q test, but when racal balancing called for no test at all, they pretty much gave up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hear the math teachers are very frustrated with the math preparations of incoming students. Discussing changes to grading policies.

Yeah the SOL scores really have taken a dramatic turn. Maybe skills-based grading could be an option?

seems interesting
Alg I - Pass Advanced dropped from 70% (20-21) to 29% in 21-22 and up to 56% in 22-23
Alg II - PA dropped from 63 to 53 then up to 58
Geometry - PA dropped from 73 to 42 and finally 41
Biology - PA dropped form 66 to 53 and now 58

1st year (class of 2025) seems to be generally a steep drop but again catching up (could be multiple reasons including people dropping out or not applying, OR improvement/tuning in the admission process. I thought the additional weights for the under-represented school was removed as it already had 1.5% quota, also I think the free meal issue was only identified and fixed for class of 2026).

Generally if the admission process improves to include the teacher recommendation etc then we should see the SOL's improving over time

Who is taking Algebra I at TJ? How does that happen? Not surprised those numbers are low. Same with Geometry, although taking it is a bit more understandable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hear the math teachers are very frustrated with the math preparations of incoming students. Discussing changes to grading policies.

Yeah the SOL scores really have taken a dramatic turn. Maybe skills-based grading could be an option?

seems interesting
Alg I - Pass Advanced dropped from 70% (20-21) to 29% in 21-22 and up to 56% in 22-23
Alg II - PA dropped from 63 to 53 then up to 58
Geometry - PA dropped from 73 to 42 and finally 41
Biology - PA dropped form 66 to 53 and now 58

Anyone want to talk about how 20-21 was Covid and declines in grades/scores declined everywhere? I know people won't want to hear this but mental health and social wellness impacts academic performance (in addition to remote learning). But, by all means, let's talk about how its all about "the lack of rigor" and "unqualified students." Interestingly, RS1 students are currently learning about biases in data collection. Maybe some parents on this board should take the course.

I'll see many your kids in therapy one day.

Lady this is what the data shows. Compare McLean and Langely same time. Data shows both the schools PA percentage increased compared to 20-21. You can check other schools too

McLean
----------
Alg I - Pass Advanced changed from 2% in 20-21 then to 5% in 21-22 and up to 7% in 22-23 (trending higher)
Alg II - PA changed from 33 to 31 then up to 30 (relatively same)
Geometry - PA changed from 3 to 25 and finally 23 (trending higher)
Biology - PA changed form 25 to 35 and now 23 (trending higher)

Langely
---------
Alg I - Pass Advanced changed from 0% in 20-21 then to 3% in 21-22 and up to 2% in 22-23 (trending higher)
Alg II - PA changed from 9 to 45 then up to 55 (relatively same)
Geometry - PA changed from 6 to 24 and finally 21 (trending higher)
Biology - PA changed form 28 to 37 and now 31 (trending higher)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hear the math teachers are very frustrated with the math preparations of incoming students. Discussing changes to grading policies.

Yeah the SOL scores really have taken a dramatic turn. Maybe skills-based grading could be an option?

seems interesting
Alg I - Pass Advanced dropped from 70% (20-21) to 29% in 21-22 and up to 56% in 22-23
Alg II - PA dropped from 63 to 53 then up to 58
Geometry - PA dropped from 73 to 42 and finally 41
Biology - PA dropped form 66 to 53 and now 58

Anyone want to talk about how 20-21 was Covid and declines in grades/scores declined everywhere? I know people won't want to hear this but mental health and social wellness impacts academic performance (in addition to remote learning). But, by all means, let's talk about how its all about "the lack of rigor" and "unqualified students." Interestingly, RS1 students are currently learning about biases in data collection. Maybe some parents on this board should take the course.

I'll see many your kids in therapy one day.

Lady this is what the data shows. Compare McLean and Langely same time. Data shows both the schools PA percentage increased compared to 20-21. You can check other schools too

McLean
----------
Alg I - Pass Advanced changed from 2% in 20-21 then to 5% in 21-22 and up to 7% in 22-23 (trending higher)
Alg II - PA changed from 33 to 31 then up to 30 (relatively same)
Geometry - PA changed from 3 to 25 and finally 23 (trending higher)
Biology - PA changed form 25 to 35 and now 23 (trending higher)

Langely
---------
Alg I - Pass Advanced changed from 0% in 20-21 then to 3% in 21-22 and up to 2% in 22-23 (trending higher)
Alg II - PA changed from 9 to 45 then up to 55 (relatively same)
Geometry - PA changed from 6 to 24 and finally 21 (trending higher)
Biology - PA changed form 28 to 37 and now 31 (trending higher)

It is unsurprising that the schools least affected by the pandemic would be the wealthiest schools. I don't know what you were trying to prove here, but it probably wasn't the one you were going for.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hear the math teachers are very frustrated with the math preparations of incoming students. Discussing changes to grading policies.

Yeah the SOL scores really have taken a dramatic turn. Maybe skills-based grading could be an option?

The new students are more naturally gifted than the 3rd tier peppers who were getting in under the old system. They may be less prepared but seem to pick things up more quickly, so in the long run, they're actually doing much better.

That is great news!! Where do you get this data point from? It will be good, maybe the admission team can show this to support the "improved" selection process.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hear the math teachers are very frustrated with the math preparations of incoming students. Discussing changes to grading policies.

Yeah the SOL scores really have taken a dramatic turn. Maybe skills-based grading could be an option?

seems interesting
Alg I - Pass Advanced dropped from 70% (20-21) to 29% in 21-22 and up to 56% in 22-23
Alg II - PA dropped from 63 to 53 then up to 58
Geometry - PA dropped from 73 to 42 and finally 41
Biology - PA dropped form 66 to 53 and now 58

Anyone want to talk about how 20-21 was Covid and declines in grades/scores declined everywhere? I know people won't want to hear this but mental health and social wellness impacts academic performance (in addition to remote learning). But, by all means, let's talk about how its all about "the lack of rigor" and "unqualified students." Interestingly, RS1 students are currently learning about biases in data collection. Maybe some parents on this board should take the course.

I'll see many your kids in therapy one day.

Unfortunately you are not looking closer at the data this year and last especially in light of the admission changes. It would reveal much larger gaps and performance decline. It's also funny you would omit the fact that prior to the changes, the overwhelming majority of students took the AlgII SOL and had even higher Pass Advanced Rates than that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hear the math teachers are very frustrated with the math preparations of incoming students. Discussing changes to grading policies.

Yeah the SOL scores really have taken a dramatic turn. Maybe skills-based grading could be an option?

The new students are more naturally gifted than the 3rd tier peppers who were getting in under the old system. They may be less prepared but seem to pick things up more quickly, so in the long run, they're actually doing much better.

Less prepared in math and science. That was expected! Farcical essay can't evaluate preparedness in necessary math and science.

Sure, they've taken fewer classes in outside enrichment since not all the students are from wealthy schools, but since they're typically naturally gifted not just prepped, they're doing better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hear the math teachers are very frustrated with the math preparations of incoming students. Discussing changes to grading policies.

Yeah the SOL scores really have taken a dramatic turn. Maybe skills-based grading could be an option?

seems interesting
Alg I - Pass Advanced dropped from 70% (20-21) to 29% in 21-22 and up to 56% in 22-23
Alg II - PA dropped from 63 to 53 then up to 58
Geometry - PA dropped from 73 to 42 and finally 41
Biology - PA dropped form 66 to 53 and now 58

Anyone want to talk about how 20-21 was Covid and declines in grades/scores declined everywhere? I know people won't want to hear this but mental health and social wellness impacts academic performance (in addition to remote learning). But, by all means, let's talk about how its all about "the lack of rigor" and "unqualified students." Interestingly, RS1 students are currently learning about biases in data collection. Maybe some parents on this board should take the course.

I'll see many your kids in therapy one day.

Unfortunately you are not looking closer at the data this year and last especially in light of the admission changes. It would reveal much larger gaps and performance decline. It's also funny you would omit the fact that prior to the changes, the overwhelming majority of students took the AlgII SOL and had even higher Pass Advanced Rates than that.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hear the math teachers are very frustrated with the math preparations of incoming students. Discussing changes to grading policies.

Yeah the SOL scores really have taken a dramatic turn. Maybe skills-based grading could be an option?

seems interesting
Alg I - Pass Advanced dropped from 70% (20-21) to 29% in 21-22 and up to 56% in 22-23
Alg II - PA dropped from 63 to 53 then up to 58
Geometry - PA dropped from 73 to 42 and finally 41
Biology - PA dropped form 66 to 53 and now 58

Anyone want to talk about how 20-21 was Covid and declines in grades/scores declined everywhere? I know people won't want to hear this but mental health and social wellness impacts academic performance (in addition to remote learning). But, by all means, let's talk about how its all about "the lack of rigor" and "unqualified students." Interestingly, RS1 students are currently learning about biases in data collection. Maybe some parents on this board should take the course.

I'll see many your kids in therapy one day.

Lady this is what the data shows. Compare McLean and Langely same time. Data shows both the schools PA percentage increased compared to 20-21. You can check other schools too

McLean
----------
Alg I - Pass Advanced changed from 2% in 20-21 then to 5% in 21-22 and up to 7% in 22-23 (trending higher)
Alg II - PA changed from 33 to 31 then up to 30 (relatively same)
Geometry - PA changed from 3 to 25 and finally 23 (trending higher)
Biology - PA changed form 25 to 35 and now 23 (trending higher)

Langely
---------
Alg I - Pass Advanced changed from 0% in 20-21 then to 3% in 21-22 and up to 2% in 22-23 (trending higher)
Alg II - PA changed from 9 to 45 then up to 55 (relatively same)
Geometry - PA changed from 6 to 24 and finally 21 (trending higher)
Biology - PA changed form 28 to 37 and now 31 (trending higher)

It is unsurprising that the schools least affected by the pandemic would be the wealthiest schools. I don't know what you were trying to prove here, but it probably wasn't the one you were going for.

Well it is raw data. It is just showing that the high schools fed from previous feeder middle schools (old selection process) see an increase in the PA %ge (as expected). By the way getting PA in SOL by no means indicates gifted-ness. Nothing to do with pandemic, data is reflecting impact of the new TJ selection process (which is good as the strength of other schools are improving too)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hear the math teachers are very frustrated with the math preparations of incoming students. Discussing changes to grading policies.

Yeah the SOL scores really have taken a dramatic turn. Maybe skills-based grading could be an option?

seems interesting
Alg I - Pass Advanced dropped from 70% (20-21) to 29% in 21-22 and up to 56% in 22-23
Alg II - PA dropped from 63 to 53 then up to 58
Geometry - PA dropped from 73 to 42 and finally 41
Biology - PA dropped form 66 to 53 and now 58

Anyone want to talk about how 20-21 was Covid and declines in grades/scores declined everywhere? I know people won't want to hear this but mental health and social wellness impacts academic performance (in addition to remote learning). But, by all means, let's talk about how its all about "the lack of rigor" and "unqualified students." Interestingly, RS1 students are currently learning about biases in data collection. Maybe some parents on this board should take the course.

I'll see many your kids in therapy one day.

Unfortunately you are not looking closer at the data this year and last especially in light of the admission changes. It would reveal much larger gaps and performance decline. It's also funny you would omit the fact that prior to the changes, the overwhelming majority of students took the AlgII SOL and had even higher Pass Advanced Rates than that.

I mean, yes, when you build your admissions process around test taking ability, that results in better test scores at that school. That's also unsurprising.

But I can't blame you... I'd be obsessed with standardized tests too if my demographic were greatly advantaged by their use and I didn't care at all about the overall well-being of the institution in question.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hear the math teachers are very frustrated with the math preparations of incoming students. Discussing changes to grading policies.

Yeah the SOL scores really have taken a dramatic turn. Maybe skills-based grading could be an option?

The new students are more naturally gifted than the 3rd tier peppers who were getting in under the old system. They may be less prepared but seem to pick things up more quickly, so in the long run, they're actually doing much better.

Less prepared in math and science. That was expected! Farcical essay can't evaluate preparedness in necessary math and science.

Sure, they've taken fewer classes in outside enrichment since not all the students are from wealthy schools, but since they're typically naturally gifted not just prepped, they're doing better.

Looks like you are the only anti-asian racist here.

Asian american students are from middle class, taking enrichment, well prepared for high school and beyond, and helping FCPS send out this kind of news releases:

https://www.fcps.edu/news/fairfax-county-students-continue-outperform-sat-state-and-global-averages

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hear the math teachers are very frustrated with the math preparations of incoming students. Discussing changes to grading policies.

Yeah the SOL scores really have taken a dramatic turn. Maybe skills-based grading could be an option?

The new students are more naturally gifted than the 3rd tier peppers who were getting in under the old system. They may be less prepared but seem to pick things up more quickly, so in the long run, they're actually doing much better.

Less prepared in math and science. That was expected! Farcical essay can't evaluate preparedness in necessary math and science.

I've watched over 10,000 kids graduate from TJ in my lifetime, and I can tell you that the way they approach TJ once they're inside the building matters a hell of a lot more than how "prepared" they were when they got admitted. I've seen Alg1 kids who struggled mightily for their first year or two and turned out to be superstars when they left, and I've seen kids who entered in Calc BC and beyond flame out because they couldn't handle actually being challenged academically for the first time in their lives.

Their grades in their curricular classes tell me everything I need to know about whether or not they're "prepared enough". Testing isn't helpful beyond that point. Give me 1000 words that lend me insight into your approach and how you've handled adversity and I'll tell you whether or not you'll be a success at TJ and whether or not you'll add value to the institution.