MCPS to end areawide Blair Magnet and countywide Richard Montgomery's IB program

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You need a critical mass of highly able students in the same classroom, a good program, and good teachers for this to be successful. Montgomery county benefited from the national awards won by Blair, Poolesville, and RM students, by increased tax revenue for instance. It is simply not possible to achieve the same level of success with regional programs. There won't be enough interested and capable students to justify the same level of classes at the same number of classes. There won't be enough teachers capable of teaching these classes at the same level they are taught today. For all practical purposes, this is the end of a very successful program. Sad.

Totally agree. It’s just impossible to duplicate those highly successful programs across all six regions. Eventually, the so-called magnet programs in each region will become just regular programs with a few advanced classes.

But I guess no one cares.

People don't care because the few magnets slots are placed in the far eastern part of the county or upper Northwest part of the county. For the vast majority of us, our kids either didn't qualify because we haven't been prepping them since the age of 5 AND/OR we live far away and travel time isn't worth it. What is the plan for middle school magnets? IMO, that is the level where we most need reform.

Middle school magnets are on the chopping block next year. I haven't heard about the gifted and talented programs at the elementary school levels, but it makes sense those will be cancelled after the middle school programs are unwound.

If that means that GT kids will have access to accelerated and enriched programming that is meaningful at local schools that is great. My children have never had lottery luck and have been stuck with sun-par programming at local schools.

You’re delusion if you think this means any improvement for your kids.

Well worth my kids not being served at all
By CES/magnets right now, it won’t be any worse for them.

You need to think about beyond

I’m sorry if I missed it but I don’t think I’ve seen anyone against this regional programming proposal comment on the changes to the CES and magnet programs in recent years. Is this because your kids went through before these took effect? I’ve seen some posters observe that the lottery at TPMS etc changes the dynamics and likelihood of who advances to the Blair magnet anyway, but I haven’t seen a response. And doesn’t the existence of a lottery at the magnet level imply a larger cohort of qualified students who need access to accelerated programming all the way through?

The presence of the lottery indicates that during the Covid shutdown, CogAt couldn’t be administered and some students’ grades suffered due distance learning. With no good way to differentiate students, a lottery was implemented instead of attempting to rank students. The lottery has remained because equity is a top priority and the lottery system is random.

So what is the quality of these programs like, for those with access?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I appreciate the perspective of the current student, but listen to those of us with experience outside specialized schools. You would still have your string peer group because you would be taking the same classes for your specialized program. Possibly some of your electives might be integrated with “regular” kids, but it’s an important life skill for you to learn. You will not live your adult life surrounded by peers with your same level of intelligence, motivation, and access.

My own experience at a HS in a different state with 3,000 students, 555 in my graduating class. Our grade had a cohort of kids on advanced tracks and we were need up with almost all of our classes together for 4 years because we were the only students eligible for those advanced courses.

MCPS doesn't have a TJ or Stuy.
The countywide programs already have electives and even core courses shared with the host school.

Regardless, people who have never seen a specialized countywide program for don't understand the value it provides for the students who would be bored in the "advanced" courses.

When we were young, students who didn't have access to such programs would graduate high school early or Dual Enroll at a university, and have to find a gap year program or deal with the social challenge of being a year or more younger than their classmates.

And that’s what will happen again. For the regular advanced kids there are already many options - there is a wealth of AP classes, more IB spots than demand, the CAP program, Project Lead the Way, early college, dual enrollment. SO MANY options, not all well used. Any motivated advanced student can build a path through high school that meets their needs. But for the very highly motivated and extremely high achieving, Blair is the offering with the track record of meeting their needs. For a very small number of kids who need it. It is extremely short sighted to take this away.

A) Blair isn’t going away it’s catchment area is changing
B) If it’s for a very small number of kids then it actually makes sense if it does go away and instead funnel those kids to their next stage at university. The county has to be good stewards of resources in providing opportunity.

The magnet is going away. The proposals are NOT too continue the existing program but start new (lesser) programs. There is a stem program listed as one of many. Blair’s program isn’t called “stem”. It is a different program that will not be as advanced.

Incorrect. You need to rewatch the meeting.

Does the Board not publish documents or minutes?
A meeting video is not an accessible format, and also a meeting remark is nothing like a committed plan.

There's no "committed plan." There's a PowerPoint and a discussion.

https://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/mcpsmd/Board.nsf/files/DJVQ4P6782A9/$file/Sec%20Prog%20Analysis%20Boundary%20Studies%20Engaga%20Plan%20Update%20250724%20PPT.pdf

The last bullet in Page 16 is the most ridiculous argument I’ve ever heard this year (excluding those from the politicians ). They blame the existence of RMIB is the reason for the failure of regional IB, and the only way to fix it is to downgrade RMIB to regional program as well.

No, I think they're just saying continuing to have 24 buses for RMIB isn't sensible when they could, in theory, have similar programs closer to home for each region.

It's the peers that make a program - peers. When you redistribute those students regionally, you lose the cohort of highly able students that makes the program successful. That bus service metric is a warped metric, designed to make RM appear selfish, instead of successful. I don't think breaking up RM's program is going to spell success for Kennedy and Springbrook IB programs, requiring more bus service required for those two schools because their IB programs are suddenly much more successful.

But you can use that peers argument both ways. On the one hand you say that RM will lose what makes it special if its students are redistributed. The flip side is that those peers being redistributed could be the thing that gives those regional programs a boost. If you want IB and you only get one choice of where to apply for that, the dynamic changes.

Do you think that students able enough for RM's IB program from outside RM's region will choose instead to go to Springbrook or Kennedy for their IB programs in the future, once access to RM is limited? Maybe these students will. Or maybe they will stay in their home schools. We'll see.

I can only speak for our family, but we would not consider RM (distance) but would do BCC or Einstein or whatever it is in region 1.

I am glad that it works for you in region 1. But families in regions 2-6 may have a different outlook about their choices.

[Anonymous]

Based on our experience, ES/MS magnets don't really matter that much. On the other hand, HS magnet programs (RM, Blair, and PHS) have tremendous benefits if your kid can make the cut. A lot of you may think "my kid won't make the cut", but that may or may not be true. We didn't think our kids were at "that" level but somehow all three made the cuts. There's a lot of moving chairs when the decisions come out - some kids turn down due to stress, distance...etc. The skills and habits they learned in HS helped my kids thru college and beyond. Again, we personally don't care (no more kids ) but this is a sad day for many families with high performing kids like yours (otherwise, you wouldn't be spoending time here). Best wishes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You need a critical mass of highly able students in the same classroom, a good program, and good teachers for this to be successful. Montgomery county benefited from the national awards won by Blair, Poolesville, and RM students, by increased tax revenue for instance. It is simply not possible to achieve the same level of success with regional programs. There won't be enough interested and capable students to justify the same level of classes at the same number of classes. There won't be enough teachers capable of teaching these classes at the same level they are taught today. For all practical purposes, this is the end of a very successful program. Sad.

Totally agree. It’s just impossible to duplicate those highly successful programs across all six regions. Eventually, the so-called magnet programs in each region will become just regular programs with a few advanced classes.

But I guess no one cares.

People don't care because the few magnets slots are placed in the far eastern part of the county or upper Northwest part of the county. For the vast majority of us, our kids either didn't qualify because we haven't been prepping them since the age of 5 AND/OR we live far away and travel time isn't worth it. What is the plan for middle school magnets? IMO, that is the level where we most need reform.

Middle school magnets are on the chopping block next year. I haven't heard about the gifted and talented programs at the elementary school levels, but it makes sense those will be cancelled after the middle school programs are unwound.

If that means that GT kids will have access to accelerated and enriched programming that is meaningful at local schools that is great. My children have never had lottery luck and have been stuck with sun-par programming at local schools.

You’re delusion if you think this means any improvement for your kids.

Well worth my kids not being served at all
By CES/magnets right now, it won’t be any worse for them.

You need to think about beyond

DP. The status quo is not serving the vast majority of CO-identified students with needs for acceleration, especially in secondary.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Based on our experience, ES/MS magnets don't really matter that much. On the other hand, HS magnet programs (RM, Blair, and PHS) have tremendous benefits if your kid can make the cut. A lot of you may think "my kid won't make the cut", but that may or may not be true. We didn't think our kids were at "that" level but somehow all three made the cuts. There's a lot of moving chairs when the decisions come out - some kids turn down due to stress, distance...etc. The skills and habits they learned in HS helped my kids thru college and beyond. Again, we personally don't care (no more kids ) but this is a sad day for many families with high performing kids like yours (otherwise, you wouldn't be spoending time here). Best wishes.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You need a critical mass of highly able students in the same classroom, a good program, and good teachers for this to be successful. Montgomery county benefited from the national awards won by Blair, Poolesville, and RM students, by increased tax revenue for instance. It is simply not possible to achieve the same level of success with regional programs. There won't be enough interested and capable students to justify the same level of classes at the same number of classes. There won't be enough teachers capable of teaching these classes at the same level they are taught today. For all practical purposes, this is the end of a very successful program. Sad.

Totally agree. It’s just impossible to duplicate those highly successful programs across all six regions. Eventually, the so-called magnet programs in each region will become just regular programs with a few advanced classes.

But I guess no one cares.

People don't care because the few magnets slots are placed in the far eastern part of the county or upper Northwest part of the county. For the vast majority of us, our kids either didn't qualify because we haven't been prepping them since the age of 5 AND/OR we live far away and travel time isn't worth it. What is the plan for middle school magnets? IMO, that is the level where we most need reform.

Middle school magnets are on the chopping block next year. I haven't heard about the gifted and talented programs at the elementary school levels, but it makes sense those will be cancelled after the middle school programs are unwound.

If that means that GT kids will have access to accelerated and enriched programming that is meaningful at local schools that is great. My children have never had lottery luck and have been stuck with sun-par programming at local schools.

100% this. The current magnet lottery system at the younger grades is very unfair. But I guess we can eat our cake.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You need a critical mass of highly able students in the same classroom, a good program, and good teachers for this to be successful. Montgomery county benefited from the national awards won by Blair, Poolesville, and RM students, by increased tax revenue for instance. It is simply not possible to achieve the same level of success with regional programs. There won't be enough interested and capable students to justify the same level of classes at the same number of classes. There won't be enough teachers capable of teaching these classes at the same level they are taught today. For all practical purposes, this is the end of a very successful program. Sad.

Totally agree. It’s just impossible to duplicate those highly successful programs across all six regions. Eventually, the so-called magnet programs in each region will become just regular programs with a few advanced classes.

But I guess no one cares.

People don't care because the few magnets slots are placed in the far eastern part of the county or upper Northwest part of the county. For the vast majority of us, our kids either didn't qualify because we haven't been prepping them since the age of 5 AND/OR we live far away and travel time isn't worth it. What is the plan for middle school magnets? IMO, that is the level where we most need reform.

Middle school magnets are on the chopping block next year. I haven't heard about the gifted and talented programs at the elementary school levels, but it makes sense those will be cancelled after the middle school programs are unwound.

If that means that GT kids will have access to accelerated and enriched programming that is meaningful at local schools that is great. My children have never had lottery luck and have been stuck with sun-par programming at local schools.

100% this. The current magnet lottery system at the younger grades is very unfair. But I guess we can eat our cake.

And this new proposal is developed by the same folks?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Based on our experience, ES/MS magnets don't really matter that much. On the other hand, HS magnet programs (RM, Blair, and PHS) have tremendous benefits if your kid can make the cut. A lot of you may think "my kid won't make the cut", but that may or may not be true. We didn't think our kids were at "that" level but somehow all three made the cuts. There's a lot of moving chairs when the decisions come out - some kids turn down due to stress, distance...etc. The skills and habits they learned in HS helped my kids thru college and beyond. Again, we personally don't care (no more kids ) but this is a sad day for many families with high performing kids like yours (otherwise, you wouldn't be spoending time here). Best wishes.

+1

+2

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I appreciate the perspective of the current student, but listen to those of us with experience outside specialized schools. You would still have your string peer group because you would be taking the same classes for your specialized program. Possibly some of your electives might be integrated with “regular” kids, but it’s an important life skill for you to learn. You will not live your adult life surrounded by peers with your same level of intelligence, motivation, and access.

My own experience at a HS in a different state with 3,000 students, 555 in my graduating class. Our grade had a cohort of kids on advanced tracks and we were need up with almost all of our classes together for 4 years because we were the only students eligible for those advanced courses.

MCPS doesn't have a TJ or Stuy.
The countywide programs already have electives and even core courses shared with the host school.

Regardless, people who have never seen a specialized countywide program for don't understand the value it provides for the students who would be bored in the "advanced" courses.

When we were young, students who didn't have access to such programs would graduate high school early or Dual Enroll at a university, and have to find a gap year program or deal with the social challenge of being a year or more younger than their classmates.

And that’s what will happen again. For the regular advanced kids there are already many options - there is a wealth of AP classes, more IB spots than demand, the CAP program, Project Lead the Way, early college, dual enrollment. SO MANY options, not all well used. Any motivated advanced student can build a path through high school that meets their needs. But for the very highly motivated and extremely high achieving, Blair is the offering with the track record of meeting their needs. For a very small number of kids who need it. It is extremely short sighted to take this away.

A) Blair isn’t going away it’s catchment area is changing
B) If it’s for a very small number of kids then it actually makes sense if it does go away and instead funnel those kids to their next stage at university. The county has to be good stewards of resources in providing opportunity.

The magnet is going away. The proposals are NOT too continue the existing program but start new (lesser) programs. There is a stem program listed as one of many. Blair’s program isn’t called “stem”. It is a different program that will not be as advanced.

Incorrect. You need to rewatch the meeting.

Does the Board not publish documents or minutes?
A meeting video is not an accessible format, and also a meeting remark is nothing like a committed plan.

There's no "committed plan." There's a PowerPoint and a discussion.

https://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/mcpsmd/Board.nsf/files/DJVQ4P6782A9/$file/Sec%20Prog%20Analysis%20Boundary%20Studies%20Engaga%20Plan%20Update%20250724%20PPT.pdf

The last bullet in Page 16 is the most ridiculous argument I’ve ever heard this year (excluding those from the politicians ). They blame the existence of RMIB is the reason for the failure of regional IB, and the only way to fix it is to downgrade RMIB to regional program as well.

No, I think they're just saying continuing to have 24 buses for RMIB isn't sensible when they could, in theory, have similar programs closer to home for each region.

It's the peers that make a program - peers. When you redistribute those students regionally, you lose the cohort of highly able students that makes the program successful. That bus service metric is a warped metric, designed to make RM appear selfish, instead of successful. I don't think breaking up RM's program is going to spell success for Kennedy and Springbrook IB programs, requiring more bus service required for those two schools because their IB programs are suddenly much more successful.

But you can use that peers argument both ways. On the one hand you say that RM will lose what makes it special if its students are redistributed. The flip side is that those peers being redistributed could be the thing that gives those regional programs a boost. If you want IB and you only get one choice of where to apply for that, the dynamic changes.

Do you think that students able enough for RM's IB program from outside RM's region will choose instead to go to Springbrook or Kennedy for their IB programs in the future, once access to RM is limited? Maybe these students will. Or maybe they will stay in their home schools. We'll see.

I can only speak for our family, but we would not consider RM (distance) but would do BCC or Einstein or whatever it is in region 1.

I am glad that it works for you in region 1. But families in regions 2-6 may have a different outlook about their choices.

My DD commuted from Rockville (west of 270) to Blair because it was important to her. If the distance is not worth it to a child fine...dont apply.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Based on our experience, ES/MS magnets don't really matter that much. On the other hand, HS magnet programs (RM, Blair, and PHS) have tremendous benefits if your kid can make the cut. A lot of you may think "my kid won't make the cut", but that may or may not be true. We didn't think our kids were at "that" level but somehow all three made the cuts. There's a lot of moving chairs when the decisions come out - some kids turn down due to stress, distance...etc. The skills and habits they learned in HS helped my kids thru college and beyond. Again, we personally don't care (no more kids ) but this is a sad day for many families with high performing kids like yours (otherwise, you wouldn't be spoending time here). Best wishes.

Kids who do it tend to get the slots in HS. I don't think you realize how much has changed in the past 5 years or so.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I appreciate the perspective of the current student, but listen to those of us with experience outside specialized schools. You would still have your string peer group because you would be taking the same classes for your specialized program. Possibly some of your electives might be integrated with “regular” kids, but it’s an important life skill for you to learn. You will not live your adult life surrounded by peers with your same level of intelligence, motivation, and access.

My own experience at a HS in a different state with 3,000 students, 555 in my graduating class. Our grade had a cohort of kids on advanced tracks and we were need up with almost all of our classes together for 4 years because we were the only students eligible for those advanced courses.

MCPS doesn't have a TJ or Stuy.
The countywide programs already have electives and even core courses shared with the host school.

Regardless, people who have never seen a specialized countywide program for don't understand the value it provides for the students who would be bored in the "advanced" courses.

When we were young, students who didn't have access to such programs would graduate high school early or Dual Enroll at a university, and have to find a gap year program or deal with the social challenge of being a year or more younger than their classmates.

And that’s what will happen again. For the regular advanced kids there are already many options - there is a wealth of AP classes, more IB spots than demand, the CAP program, Project Lead the Way, early college, dual enrollment. SO MANY options, not all well used. Any motivated advanced student can build a path through high school that meets their needs. But for the very highly motivated and extremely high achieving, Blair is the offering with the track record of meeting their needs. For a very small number of kids who need it. It is extremely short sighted to take this away.

A) Blair isn’t going away it’s catchment area is changing
B) If it’s for a very small number of kids then it actually makes sense if it does go away and instead funnel those kids to their next stage at university. The county has to be good stewards of resources in providing opportunity.

The magnet is going away. The proposals are NOT too continue the existing program but start new (lesser) programs. There is a stem program listed as one of many. Blair’s program isn’t called “stem”. It is a different program that will not be as advanced.

Incorrect. You need to rewatch the meeting.

Does the Board not publish documents or minutes?
A meeting video is not an accessible format, and also a meeting remark is nothing like a committed plan.

There's no "committed plan." There's a PowerPoint and a discussion.

https://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/mcpsmd/Board.nsf/files/DJVQ4P6782A9/$file/Sec%20Prog%20Analysis%20Boundary%20Studies%20Engaga%20Plan%20Update%20250724%20PPT.pdf

The last bullet in Page 16 is the most ridiculous argument I’ve ever heard this year (excluding those from the politicians ). They blame the existence of RMIB is the reason for the failure of regional IB, and the only way to fix it is to downgrade RMIB to regional program as well.

No, I think they're just saying continuing to have 24 buses for RMIB isn't sensible when they could, in theory, have similar programs closer to home for each region.

It's the peers that make a program - peers. When you redistribute those students regionally, you lose the cohort of highly able students that makes the program successful. That bus service metric is a warped metric, designed to make RM appear selfish, instead of successful. I don't think breaking up RM's program is going to spell success for Kennedy and Springbrook IB programs, requiring more bus service required for those two schools because their IB programs are suddenly much more successful.

But you can use that peers argument both ways. On the one hand you say that RM will lose what makes it special if its students are redistributed. The flip side is that those peers being redistributed could be the thing that gives those regional programs a boost. If you want IB and you only get one choice of where to apply for that, the dynamic changes.

Do you think that students able enough for RM's IB program from outside RM's region will choose instead to go to Springbrook or Kennedy for their IB programs in the future, once access to RM is limited? Maybe these students will. Or maybe they will stay in their home schools. We'll see.

I can only speak for our family, but we would not consider RM (distance) but would do BCC or Einstein or whatever it is in region 1.

I am glad that it works for you in region 1. But families in regions 2-6 may have a different outlook about their choices.

My DD commuted from Rockville (west of 270) to Blair because it was important to her. If the distance is not worth it to a child fine...dont apply.

That's great you could make it work, but for our family, which is closer to Blair we couldn't make it work with after school activities. So, now they go without the classes they need/want which is a huge problem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Based on our experience, ES/MS magnets don't really matter that much. On the other hand, HS magnet programs (RM, Blair, and PHS) have tremendous benefits if your kid can make the cut. A lot of you may think "my kid won't make the cut", but that may or may not be true. We didn't think our kids were at "that" level but somehow all three made the cuts. There's a lot of moving chairs when the decisions come out - some kids turn down due to stress, distance...etc. The skills and habits they learned in HS helped my kids thru college and beyond. Again, we personally don't care (no more kids ) but this is a sad day for many families with high performing kids like yours (otherwise, you wouldn't be spoending time here). Best wishes.

Did your children go through the MS magnets before getting into the high school ones, though?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You need a critical mass of highly able students in the same classroom, a good program, and good teachers for this to be successful. Montgomery county benefited from the national awards won by Blair, Poolesville, and RM students, by increased tax revenue for instance. It is simply not possible to achieve the same level of success with regional programs. There won't be enough interested and capable students to justify the same level of classes at the same number of classes. There won't be enough teachers capable of teaching these classes at the same level they are taught today. For all practical purposes, this is the end of a very successful program. Sad.

Totally agree. It’s just impossible to duplicate those highly successful programs across all six regions. Eventually, the so-called magnet programs in each region will become just regular programs with a few advanced classes.

But I guess no one cares.

People don't care because the few magnets slots are placed in the far eastern part of the county or upper Northwest part of the county. For the vast majority of us, our kids either didn't qualify because we haven't been prepping them since the age of 5 AND/OR we live far away and travel time isn't worth it. What is the plan for middle school magnets? IMO, that is the level where we most need reform.

Middle school magnets are on the chopping block next year. I haven't heard about the gifted and talented programs at the elementary school levels, but it makes sense those will be cancelled after the middle school programs are unwound.

If that means that GT kids will have access to accelerated and enriched programming that is meaningful at local schools that is great. My children have never had lottery luck and have been stuck with sun-par programming at local schools.

You’re delusion if you think this means any improvement for your kids.

Well worth my kids not being served at all
By CES/magnets right now, it won’t be any worse for them.

They should have access to IB and SMCS magnets everywhere in MCPS.

All programs are dependent on the abilities of their student cohorts, as well as the interest and talents of their teachers. I don't think we have enough highly able teachers and students to make all the programs equal all across the county. Widespread access at all schools does not equate to successful outcomes for all everywhere in MCPS.

Of course we do. I don't get why the W school families feel the need to take the spots at these schools when they have all the classes and opportunities. The reason why some schools are not testing as well as kids don't have the same opportunities and many of the smarte ones leave because of it. If there are not enough kids in a school for a class, you align the HS schedules and offer it virtually. Simple.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Based on our experience, ES/MS magnets don't really matter that much. On the other hand, HS magnet programs (RM, Blair, and PHS) have tremendous benefits if your kid can make the cut. A lot of you may think "my kid won't make the cut", but that may or may not be true. We didn't think our kids were at "that" level but somehow all three made the cuts. There's a lot of moving chairs when the decisions come out - some kids turn down due to stress, distance...etc. The skills and habits they learned in HS helped my kids thru college and beyond. Again, we personally don't care (no more kids ) but this is a sad day for many families with high performing kids like yours (otherwise, you wouldn't be spoending time here). Best wishes.

Did your children go through the MS magnets before getting into the high school ones, though?

1 did per ES teacher's recommendation/encouragement (test-in at that time). 2 older ones didn't apply.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I appreciate the perspective of the current student, but listen to those of us with experience outside specialized schools. You would still have your string peer group because you would be taking the same classes for your specialized program. Possibly some of your electives might be integrated with “regular” kids, but it’s an important life skill for you to learn. You will not live your adult life surrounded by peers with your same level of intelligence, motivation, and access.

My own experience at a HS in a different state with 3,000 students, 555 in my graduating class. Our grade had a cohort of kids on advanced tracks and we were need up with almost all of our classes together for 4 years because we were the only students eligible for those advanced courses.

MCPS doesn't have a TJ or Stuy.
The countywide programs already have electives and even core courses shared with the host school.

Regardless, people who have never seen a specialized countywide program for don't understand the value it provides for the students who would be bored in the "advanced" courses.

When we were young, students who didn't have access to such programs would graduate high school early or Dual Enroll at a university, and have to find a gap year program or deal with the social challenge of being a year or more younger than their classmates.

And that’s what will happen again. For the regular advanced kids there are already many options - there is a wealth of AP classes, more IB spots than demand, the CAP program, Project Lead the Way, early college, dual enrollment. SO MANY options, not all well used. Any motivated advanced student can build a path through high school that meets their needs. But for the very highly motivated and extremely high achieving, Blair is the offering with the track record of meeting their needs. For a very small number of kids who need it. It is extremely short sighted to take this away.

A) Blair isn’t going away it’s catchment area is changing
B) If it’s for a very small number of kids then it actually makes sense if it does go away and instead funnel those kids to their next stage at university. The county has to be good stewards of resources in providing opportunity.

So basically don’t provide a challenge for the most advanced learners. Got it!

Where does this logic end? Should UMD become open enrollment in order to provide opportunities?

The only thing I find persuasive against the magnets is that the academic pressure is too much now because of the escalating competition. I’m not sure how you solve for that - if kids do just as well in a less intense setting then maybe it is important for schools to consider the kids’ overall wellness. But you hear plenty of stories of kids from top public HS fighting the same battles for accomplishments so I am not at all sure that this is unique to the culture of magnets.

K-12 does not serve the same end as higher education, nor does access function in the same way. You cannot compare a public school magnet to a flagship university. And no one has claimed we shouldn’t be challenging the top students. We are arguing about how to allocate resources in a large public school system that needs to provide for all students. UMD has no such obligation.

Yeah only because you are creating arbitrary distinctions though. It used to be that there was no question that the smartest kids in K-12 should get tracked or placed in magnets. In the past decade, this has become anathema for K-12 for a variety of reasons variously (and contradictorily) expressed as concerns with equity, or assertions that kids did not "need" advancement and it was bad for them (that was the SF argument for withholding algebra until 9th grade). Especially with regards to HS, there is no logical distinction between this kind of negative view of selectivity in private school that would not also extend to flagship colleges. What I believe happened is that K-12 education was caputured by dumbsh*ts chasing educational trends with no regard for actually teaching kids. And this extends also to other disastrous choices like "Zoom school," getting rid of textbooks, teaching kids math via computer apps ...

I do believe the smartest kids should get access to an accelerated track. The issue is that they currently don’t. CES and middle school magnets are lottery based. High school magnets have some successes but also some widespread equity issues including geography. I want more many more students to get access to advanced classes and a peer cohort. I’m less concerned about the couple dozen students per year across the entire county that might lose something kind of cool.

And yet you have no basis to believe getting rid of the magnets will provide anything to the other kids.

How is this confusing? We are talking about expanding the number of programs so more kids can get seats. I understand you don’t think it will work but you are being disingenuous when you say that I or anyone else wants to scrap magnets.

At the meeting Taylor said the proposal is to scrap the countywide magnets. If you prefer to use the term "decimal" or "butcher" that's fine too.