"Not a Meritocracy"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:College is not a reward for good little boys and girls?

College is a community. College is also educating a society.

Colleges choose students based on who can make their community more full (big names/athletes/artists). They also choose people they think can contribute to society in some way (like the parkland kids, or the smartest kid in some unknown town whose gpa/Sat might be less than yours but it’s the highest there )

It is a meritocracy you just don’t like the measuring stick they use.

This sounds really sweet until you realize that the unifying principle is “building the class that best serves the selfish interests of our institution.” If you think Harvard regarded the Parkland kid as anything more than a bauble you’ve got your head in the sand.

What you are saying that colleges select the applicants they find most attractive for their institution? Wow you really blew the lid off that conspiracy.

More people should have a problem with tax-exempt organizations operating solely for their own self-interest. Harvard has a $30 billion endowment and hasn’t paid a dime in taxes on it since 1636.

I don't have a problem with that. The very reasons organizaitons are given tax exempt status are the same reasons they should not be entangled with goverment influences.

Then they shouldn't get government funding, either.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Ok. Everyone is disappointed when their hard working student does not get into a desired college. That is true across the board.

Yes, but private school parents seem to be blaming the private school, as if paying for the $$ private school should mean they should get special treatment.

I have no dog in this fight but it seems the position of the private schools is that their kids with lower GPAs are being evaluated more harshly. Like the appropriate adjustments are not being made for the rigor of the grading.

This. My kid has been in public and private. Public school was not rigorous (even though it’s one of the “top area public schools). My kid’s gpa would be much higher in public. Maybe colleges were never really distinguishing between the rigor of schools or mandatory SATs disguised this.

The public school applicants have AP scores to validate their grades. If we're talking about public school kids applying to the type of schools the OP think he kid deserves to attend, you are talking about a lot of 4s and 5s in classes with curriculums that are supposed to be consistent across all schools offering the course.

Is it MCPS where you get an 82 one semester and a 92 the next and they end up with an A for the year? That’s the crazy grade inflation I’m talking about.

Indeed, but as a PP stated, just look at their AP test scores.

Everyone games the system to their advantage. Kids will put in the minimal effort to get the A, but when it counts like the AP test scores, they will show their ability.

Lots of public school kids get majority 5s on APs and 1500+ SAT scores. No amount of grade inflation is going to help with the AP test scores.

I don’t care about AP scores. The colleges are screening by GPAs which are artificially inflated.

AP scores validate or discredit a GPA. They are the one objective measure of course rigor that colleges have. Schools can talk about how rigorous their classes are until they are blue in the face, but a kid with and A and a 5 in a similarly titled class from a no name public school is going to be viewed as having done well in a rigorous class.

There are many schools that don't do AP for many unique and valid reasons.

What valid reasons do private schools use to get rid of AP classes?

They think they can create better classes.

Yet, based on the grade inflation argument, AP exams (and classes) are really the only objective measurement of ability. Basically, private schools are getting rid of AP classes because they don't want to pay College Board. IMO, it's a financial reason. Their teachers aren't even certified teachers.

When I see job postings, I always see how the employers want certifications in abc, xyz, but I guess for private K-12, certifications need not be required. I guess it's because they don't get paid as much. Private school parents are happy to spend $$ on schools being taught by teachers who don't get paid that much and aren't certified. Then, those same parents expect high results for college admissions.

Go figure.

Lots of Towson-educated “education” majors teaching in our local public schools. The vast majority of them wouldn’t have survived or gotten into a top college or a difficult subject-matter major.

Sure, but the little kid who was educated by the Towson education major could grow up to go into a public magnet program and do exceedingly well in college.

Whereas, a private school kid whose parents spent a ton of money on K-12, and taught by a liberal arts major at some SLAC could end up at UI or Michigan State.

YMMV.

???

What's the ??? about? What major or college the teacher went to, especially in the lower grades, does not really impact what college a kid who was taught by such a teacher ends up at, nor does it indicate what their SAT scores are. So, what does it matter if a private school teacher went to a fancy school or that a public school teacher went to to Towson? At least the public school teacher is certified. Don't you look for certifications when you hire someone? Why wouldn't you want your expensive private school teacher to be certified? Seems weird.

Thanks for clarifying - I didn't understand the point.

Personally, I'm more interested if the teacher's major is in the subject they are teaching and if they continue to take CEUs, especially in the sciences.

I've flipped on this now that I have kids. Having a major gives you a great deal of knowledge about a subject 99% of which is irrelevant to a given high school course let alone elementary school. I'd rather a teacher who understands the subject matter enough to teach it and has actually learned to teach. FWIW the worst teacher that I ever had was a chemistry PhD in his first year of teaching. He had no clue how to deal with a classroom let alone impart knowledge

First, chemistry is considered the most difficult subject to teach and I have never really met anyone who is successful at it. They either hold their PhDs, but cannot convey the material. Or have teaching skills, but lack any real mastery of the subject.

Second, most teachers I know who have a major in the subject also take graduate ed classes along the way and pick up the teaching skils.

But education majors take classes IN teaching, and also continue to get trained.

I am not saying that all public education teachers are all great. My kids have had some lackluster ones for sure. But, a PP's comment that some Towson education grad would make for a lackluster teacher is wrong. They can be good teachers even if they are not smart enough to go to an Ivy.

It's much, much easier to obtain a masters in teaching/education than it is to get a PhD in Chemistry (or, frankly, even a BS in Chemistry). So, smart schools hire teachers with subject mastery and teach them how to teach, best practices, assign an experienced mentor, etc. What's extremely difficult is getting someone who has a BA in Education to then try to earn a degree in Chemistry to acquire enough understanding of the subject matter to teach it at a high level. Not going to happen.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m sure this isn’t true of every “big 3” family but my nephews attended a school that is equivalent to those (but in a different city) and their parents are so wealthy & connected that they wouldn’t been fine without even attending college. I know they weren’t the wealthiest family at their school by any means. I’m not sure why wealthy parents don’t let their kids sidestep the rat race.

Kids that like school and learning don't see it necessarily as a rat race. Some of these geeks actually like the pursuit of knowledge.

No, it's more about the parent's bragging rights than anything else.

You think Trump's father would've been fine with Trump not going to college? He clearly thought it was important since he bribed their way in.

There is only so much a patent can do. If your kid is a nerd, so be it. If they would rather be playing soccer, oh well. If they want to scroll tik tok,. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ok. Everyone is disappointed when their hard working student does not get into a desired college. That is true across the board.

Yes, but private school parents seem to be blaming the private school, as if paying for the $$ private school should mean they should get special treatment.

I have no dog in this fight but it seems the position of the private schools is that their kids with lower GPAs are being evaluated more harshly. Like the appropriate adjustments are not being made for the rigor of the grading.

This. My kid has been in public and private. Public school was not rigorous (even though it’s one of the “top area public schools). My kid’s gpa would be much higher in public. Maybe colleges were never really distinguishing between the rigor of schools or mandatory SATs disguised this.

The public school applicants have AP scores to validate their grades. If we're talking about public school kids applying to the type of schools the OP think he kid deserves to attend, you are talking about a lot of 4s and 5s in classes with curriculums that are supposed to be consistent across all schools offering the course.

Is it MCPS where you get an 82 one semester and a 92 the next and they end up with an A for the year? That’s the crazy grade inflation I’m talking about.

Indeed, but as a PP stated, just look at their AP test scores.

Everyone games the system to their advantage. Kids will put in the minimal effort to get the A, but when it counts like the AP test scores, they will show their ability.

Lots of public school kids get majority 5s on APs and 1500+ SAT scores. No amount of grade inflation is going to help with the AP test scores.

I don’t care about AP scores. The colleges are screening by GPAs which are artificially inflated.

AP scores validate or discredit a GPA. They are the one objective measure of course rigor that colleges have. Schools can talk about how rigorous their classes are until they are blue in the face, but a kid with and A and a 5 in a similarly titled class from a no name public school is going to be viewed as having done well in a rigorous class.

There are many schools that don't do AP for many unique and valid reasons.

What valid reasons do private schools use to get rid of AP classes?

They think they can create better classes.

Yet, based on the grade inflation argument, AP exams (and classes) are really the only objective measurement of ability. Basically, private schools are getting rid of AP classes because they don't want to pay College Board. IMO, it's a financial reason. Their teachers aren't even certified teachers.

When I see job postings, I always see how the employers want certifications in abc, xyz, but I guess for private K-12, certifications need not be required. I guess it's because they don't get paid as much. Private school parents are happy to spend $$ on schools being taught by teachers who don't get paid that much and aren't certified. Then, those same parents expect high results for college admissions.

Go figure.

Lots of Towson-educated “education” majors teaching in our local public schools. The vast majority of them wouldn’t have survived or gotten into a top college or a difficult subject-matter major.

Sure, but the little kid who was educated by the Towson education major could grow up to go into a public magnet program and do exceedingly well in college.

Whereas, a private school kid whose parents spent a ton of money on K-12, and taught by a liberal arts major at some SLAC could end up at UI or Michigan State.

YMMV.

???

What's the ??? about? What major or college the teacher went to, especially in the lower grades, does not really impact what college a kid who was taught by such a teacher ends up at, nor does it indicate what their SAT scores are. So, what does it matter if a private school teacher went to a fancy school or that a public school teacher went to to Towson? At least the public school teacher is certified. Don't you look for certifications when you hire someone? Why wouldn't you want your expensive private school teacher to be certified? Seems weird.

Thanks for clarifying - I didn't understand the point.

Personally, I'm more interested if the teacher's major is in the subject they are teaching and if they continue to take CEUs, especially in the sciences.

I've flipped on this now that I have kids. Having a major gives you a great deal of knowledge about a subject 99% of which is irrelevant to a given high school course let alone elementary school. I'd rather a teacher who understands the subject matter enough to teach it and has actually learned to teach. FWIW the worst teacher that I ever had was a chemistry PhD in his first year of teaching. He had no clue how to deal with a classroom let alone impart knowledge

First, chemistry is considered the most difficult subject to teach and I have never really met anyone who is successful at it. They either hold their PhDs, but cannot convey the material. Or have teaching skills, but lack any real mastery of the subject.

Second, most teachers I know who have a major in the subject also take graduate ed classes along the way and pick up the teaching skils.

But education majors take classes IN teaching, and also continue to get trained.

I am not saying that all public education teachers are all great. My kids have had some lackluster ones for sure. But, a PP's comment that some Towson education grad would make for a lackluster teacher is wrong. They can be good teachers even if they are not smart enough to go to an Ivy.

It's much, much easier to obtain a masters in teaching/education than it is to get a PhD in Chemistry (or, frankly, even a BS in Chemistry). So, smart schools hire teachers with subject mastery and teach them how to teach, best practices, assign an experienced mentor, etc. What's extremely difficult is getting someone who has a BA in Education to then try to earn a degree in Chemistry to acquire enough understanding of the subject matter to teach it at a high level. Not going to happen.

90% of teaching in public k-12 is behavioral management.

[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:Ok. Everyone is disappointed when their hard working student does not get into a desired college. That is true across the board.

Yes, but private school parents seem to be blaming the private school, as if paying for the $$ private school should mean they should get special treatment.

I have no dog in this fight but it seems the position of the private schools is that their kids with lower GPAs are being evaluated more harshly. Like the appropriate adjustments are not being made for the rigor of the grading.

This. My kid has been in public and private. Public school was not rigorous (even though it’s one of the “top area public schools). My kid’s gpa would be much higher in public. Maybe colleges were never really distinguishing between the rigor of schools or mandatory SATs disguised this.

The public school applicants have AP scores to validate their grades. If we're talking about public school kids applying to the type of schools the OP think he kid deserves to attend, you are talking about a lot of 4s and 5s in classes with curriculums that are supposed to be consistent across all schools offering the course.

Is it MCPS where you get an 82 one semester and a 92 the next and they end up with an A for the year? That’s the crazy grade inflation I’m talking about.

Indeed, but as a PP stated, just look at their AP test scores.

Everyone games the system to their advantage. Kids will put in the minimal effort to get the A, but when it counts like the AP test scores, they will show their ability.

Lots of public school kids get majority 5s on APs and 1500+ SAT scores. No amount of grade inflation is going to help with the AP test scores.

I don’t care about AP scores. The colleges are screening by GPAs which are artificially inflated.

AP scores validate or discredit a GPA. They are the one objective measure of course rigor that colleges have. Schools can talk about how rigorous their classes are until they are blue in the face, but a kid with and A and a 5 in a similarly titled class from a no name public school is going to be viewed as having done well in a rigorous class.

There are many schools that don't do AP for many unique and valid reasons.

What valid reasons do private schools use to get rid of AP classes?

They think they can create better classes.

Yet, based on the grade inflation argument, AP exams (and classes) are really the only objective measurement of ability. Basically, private schools are getting rid of AP classes because they don't want to pay College Board. IMO, it's a financial reason. Their teachers aren't even certified teachers.

When I see job postings, I always see how the employers want certifications in abc, xyz, but I guess for private K-12, certifications need not be required. I guess it's because they don't get paid as much. Private school parents are happy to spend $$ on schools being taught by teachers who don't get paid that much and aren't certified. Then, those same parents expect high results for college admissions.

Go figure.

Go figure that people can approach the same issue differently than you. You want to bow at the altar of the college board go ahead. Some people don’t and that’s a choice.

Sure. just don't complain when the choice haas consequences that you don't like

+1 rich private school parents complaining about public school grade inflation, public school bowing at the altar of the college board, and then get upset because their larlo's college admission was lackluster.

Go figure.

Not every private school parent is upset. Nor is every public school parent happy. If you use this board as the measuring stick for that you’re naive.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ok. Everyone is disappointed when their hard working student does not get into a desired college. That is true across the board.

Yes, but private school parents seem to be blaming the private school, as if paying for the $$ private school should mean they should get special treatment.

I have no dog in this fight but it seems the position of the private schools is that their kids with lower GPAs are being evaluated more harshly. Like the appropriate adjustments are not being made for the rigor of the grading.

This. My kid has been in public and private. Public school was not rigorous (even though it’s one of the “top area public schools). My kid’s gpa would be much higher in public. Maybe colleges were never really distinguishing between the rigor of schools or mandatory SATs disguised this.

The public school applicants have AP scores to validate their grades. If we're talking about public school kids applying to the type of schools the OP think he kid deserves to attend, you are talking about a lot of 4s and 5s in classes with curriculums that are supposed to be consistent across all schools offering the course.

Is it MCPS where you get an 82 one semester and a 92 the next and they end up with an A for the year? That’s the crazy grade inflation I’m talking about.

Indeed, but as a PP stated, just look at their AP test scores.

Everyone games the system to their advantage. Kids will put in the minimal effort to get the A, but when it counts like the AP test scores, they will show their ability.

Lots of public school kids get majority 5s on APs and 1500+ SAT scores. No amount of grade inflation is going to help with the AP test scores.

I don’t care about AP scores. The colleges are screening by GPAs which are artificially inflated.

AP scores validate or discredit a GPA. They are the one objective measure of course rigor that colleges have. Schools can talk about how rigorous their classes are until they are blue in the face, but a kid with and A and a 5 in a similarly titled class from a no name public school is going to be viewed as having done well in a rigorous class.

There are many schools that don't do AP for many unique and valid reasons.

What valid reasons do private schools use to get rid of AP classes?

They think they can create better classes.

Yet, based on the grade inflation argument, AP exams (and classes) are really the only objective measurement of ability. Basically, private schools are getting rid of AP classes because they don't want to pay College Board. IMO, it's a financial reason. Their teachers aren't even certified teachers.

When I see job postings, I always see how the employers want certifications in abc, xyz, but I guess for private K-12, certifications need not be required. I guess it's because they don't get paid as much. Private school parents are happy to spend $$ on schools being taught by teachers who don't get paid that much and aren't certified. Then, those same parents expect high results for college admissions.

Go figure.

Lots of Towson-educated “education” majors teaching in our local public schools. The vast majority of them wouldn’t have survived or gotten into a top college or a difficult subject-matter major.

Sure, but the little kid who was educated by the Towson education major could grow up to go into a public magnet program and do exceedingly well in college.

Whereas, a private school kid whose parents spent a ton of money on K-12, and taught by a liberal arts major at some SLAC could end up at UI or Michigan State.

YMMV.

???

What's the ??? about? What major or college the teacher went to, especially in the lower grades, does not really impact what college a kid who was taught by such a teacher ends up at, nor does it indicate what their SAT scores are. So, what does it matter if a private school teacher went to a fancy school or that a public school teacher went to to Towson? At least the public school teacher is certified. Don't you look for certifications when you hire someone? Why wouldn't you want your expensive private school teacher to be certified? Seems weird.

Thanks for clarifying - I didn't understand the point.

Personally, I'm more interested if the teacher's major is in the subject they are teaching and if they continue to take CEUs, especially in the sciences.

I've flipped on this now that I have kids. Having a major gives you a great deal of knowledge about a subject 99% of which is irrelevant to a given high school course let alone elementary school. I'd rather a teacher who understands the subject matter enough to teach it and has actually learned to teach. FWIW the worst teacher that I ever had was a chemistry PhD in his first year of teaching. He had no clue how to deal with a classroom let alone impart knowledge

First, chemistry is considered the most difficult subject to teach and I have never really met anyone who is successful at it. They either hold their PhDs, but cannot convey the material. Or have teaching skills, but lack any real mastery of the subject.

Second, most teachers I know who have a major in the subject also take graduate ed classes along the way and pick up the teaching skils.

But education majors take classes IN teaching, and also continue to get trained.

I am not saying that all public education teachers are all great. My kids have had some lackluster ones for sure. But, a PP's comment that some Towson education grad would make for a lackluster teacher is wrong. They can be good teachers even if they are not smart enough to go to an Ivy.

It's much, much easier to obtain a masters in teaching/education than it is to get a PhD in Chemistry (or, frankly, even a BS in Chemistry). So, smart schools hire teachers with subject mastery and teach them how to teach, best practices, assign an experienced mentor, etc. What's extremely difficult is getting someone who has a BA in Education to then try to earn a degree in Chemistry to acquire enough understanding of the subject matter to teach it at a high level. Not going to happen.

90% of teaching in public k-12 is behavioral management.

+1 and actually a lot of STEM teachers in public have a masters (they get paid more if they do).

"Teach them how to teach" means years of training and certification, and in some cases, no amount of teaching how to teach is going to teach someone to manage a classroom.

I get it.. it's much easier to teach private school students than public school students. Private school classes are smaller; they can pick and choose their students. If I wanted to teach, I might want to teach in private school because it would be a lot easier from an actual teaching and class management.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:Ok. Everyone is disappointed when their hard working student does not get into a desired college. That is true across the board.

Yes, but private school parents seem to be blaming the private school, as if paying for the $$ private school should mean they should get special treatment.

I have no dog in this fight but it seems the position of the private schools is that their kids with lower GPAs are being evaluated more harshly. Like the appropriate adjustments are not being made for the rigor of the grading.

This. My kid has been in public and private. Public school was not rigorous (even though it’s one of the “top area public schools). My kid’s gpa would be much higher in public. Maybe colleges were never really distinguishing between the rigor of schools or mandatory SATs disguised this.

The public school applicants have AP scores to validate their grades. If we're talking about public school kids applying to the type of schools the OP think he kid deserves to attend, you are talking about a lot of 4s and 5s in classes with curriculums that are supposed to be consistent across all schools offering the course.

Is it MCPS where you get an 82 one semester and a 92 the next and they end up with an A for the year? That’s the crazy grade inflation I’m talking about.

Indeed, but as a PP stated, just look at their AP test scores.

Everyone games the system to their advantage. Kids will put in the minimal effort to get the A, but when it counts like the AP test scores, they will show their ability.

Lots of public school kids get majority 5s on APs and 1500+ SAT scores. No amount of grade inflation is going to help with the AP test scores.

I don’t care about AP scores. The colleges are screening by GPAs which are artificially inflated.

AP scores validate or discredit a GPA. They are the one objective measure of course rigor that colleges have. Schools can talk about how rigorous their classes are until they are blue in the face, but a kid with and A and a 5 in a similarly titled class from a no name public school is going to be viewed as having done well in a rigorous class.

There are many schools that don't do AP for many unique and valid reasons.

What valid reasons do private schools use to get rid of AP classes?

They think they can create better classes.

Yet, based on the grade inflation argument, AP exams (and classes) are really the only objective measurement of ability. Basically, private schools are getting rid of AP classes because they don't want to pay College Board. IMO, it's a financial reason. Their teachers aren't even certified teachers.

When I see job postings, I always see how the employers want certifications in abc, xyz, but I guess for private K-12, certifications need not be required. I guess it's because they don't get paid as much. Private school parents are happy to spend $$ on schools being taught by teachers who don't get paid that much and aren't certified. Then, those same parents expect high results for college admissions.

Go figure.

Go figure that people can approach the same issue differently than you. You want to bow at the altar of the college board go ahead. Some people don’t and that’s a choice.

Sure. just don't complain when the choice haas consequences that you don't like

+1 rich private school parents complaining about public school grade inflation, public school bowing at the altar of the college board, and then get upset because their larlo's college admission was lackluster.

Go figure.

Not every private school parent is upset. Nor is every public school parent happy. If you use this board as the measuring stick for that you’re naive.

"this is why I choose private" parents are upset.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ok. Everyone is disappointed when their hard working student does not get into a desired college. That is true across the board.

Yes, but private school parents seem to be blaming the private school, as if paying for the $$ private school should mean they should get special treatment.

I have no dog in this fight but it seems the position of the private schools is that their kids with lower GPAs are being evaluated more harshly. Like the appropriate adjustments are not being made for the rigor of the grading.

This. My kid has been in public and private. Public school was not rigorous (even though it’s one of the “top area public schools). My kid’s gpa would be much higher in public. Maybe colleges were never really distinguishing between the rigor of schools or mandatory SATs disguised this.

The public school applicants have AP scores to validate their grades. If we're talking about public school kids applying to the type of schools the OP think he kid deserves to attend, you are talking about a lot of 4s and 5s in classes with curriculums that are supposed to be consistent across all schools offering the course.

Is it MCPS where you get an 82 one semester and a 92 the next and they end up with an A for the year? That’s the crazy grade inflation I’m talking about.

Indeed, but as a PP stated, just look at their AP test scores.

Everyone games the system to their advantage. Kids will put in the minimal effort to get the A, but when it counts like the AP test scores, they will show their ability.

Lots of public school kids get majority 5s on APs and 1500+ SAT scores. No amount of grade inflation is going to help with the AP test scores.

I don’t care about AP scores. The colleges are screening by GPAs which are artificially inflated.

AP scores validate or discredit a GPA. They are the one objective measure of course rigor that colleges have. Schools can talk about how rigorous their classes are until they are blue in the face, but a kid with and A and a 5 in a similarly titled class from a no name public school is going to be viewed as having done well in a rigorous class.

There are many schools that don't do AP for many unique and valid reasons.

What valid reasons do private schools use to get rid of AP classes?

They think they can create better classes.

Yet, based on the grade inflation argument, AP exams (and classes) are really the only objective measurement of ability. Basically, private schools are getting rid of AP classes because they don't want to pay College Board. IMO, it's a financial reason. Their teachers aren't even certified teachers.

When I see job postings, I always see how the employers want certifications in abc, xyz, but I guess for private K-12, certifications need not be required. I guess it's because they don't get paid as much. Private school parents are happy to spend $$ on schools being taught by teachers who don't get paid that much and aren't certified. Then, those same parents expect high results for college admissions.

Go figure.

Go figure that people can approach the same issue differently than you. You want to bow at the altar of the college board go ahead. Some people don’t and that’s a choice.

Sure. just don't complain when the choice haas consequences that you don't like

+1 rich private school parents complaining about public school grade inflation, public school bowing at the altar of the college board, and then get upset because their larlo's college admission was lackluster.

Go figure.

Not every private school parent is upset. Nor is every public school parent happy. If you use this board as the measuring stick for that you’re naive.

"this is why I choose private" parents are upset.

Is it not unreasonable for private parents to be upset if their kids are being DISADVANTAGED in the application process in a way that is unfair? (Lack of adjustment to GPA for higher rigor, tougher grading)

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ok. Everyone is disappointed when their hard working student does not get into a desired college. That is true across the board.

Yes, but private school parents seem to be blaming the private school, as if paying for the $$ private school should mean they should get special treatment.

I have no dog in this fight but it seems the position of the private schools is that their kids with lower GPAs are being evaluated more harshly. Like the appropriate adjustments are not being made for the rigor of the grading.

This. My kid has been in public and private. Public school was not rigorous (even though it’s one of the “top area public schools). My kid’s gpa would be much higher in public. Maybe colleges were never really distinguishing between the rigor of schools or mandatory SATs disguised this.

The public school applicants have AP scores to validate their grades. If we're talking about public school kids applying to the type of schools the OP think he kid deserves to attend, you are talking about a lot of 4s and 5s in classes with curriculums that are supposed to be consistent across all schools offering the course.

Is it MCPS where you get an 82 one semester and a 92 the next and they end up with an A for the year? That’s the crazy grade inflation I’m talking about.

Indeed, but as a PP stated, just look at their AP test scores.

Everyone games the system to their advantage. Kids will put in the minimal effort to get the A, but when it counts like the AP test scores, they will show their ability.

Lots of public school kids get majority 5s on APs and 1500+ SAT scores. No amount of grade inflation is going to help with the AP test scores.

I don’t care about AP scores. The colleges are screening by GPAs which are artificially inflated.

AP scores validate or discredit a GPA. They are the one objective measure of course rigor that colleges have. Schools can talk about how rigorous their classes are until they are blue in the face, but a kid with and A and a 5 in a similarly titled class from a no name public school is going to be viewed as having done well in a rigorous class.

There are many schools that don't do AP for many unique and valid reasons.

What valid reasons do private schools use to get rid of AP classes?

They think they can create better classes.

Yet, based on the grade inflation argument, AP exams (and classes) are really the only objective measurement of ability. Basically, private schools are getting rid of AP classes because they don't want to pay College Board. IMO, it's a financial reason. Their teachers aren't even certified teachers.

When I see job postings, I always see how the employers want certifications in abc, xyz, but I guess for private K-12, certifications need not be required. I guess it's because they don't get paid as much. Private school parents are happy to spend $$ on schools being taught by teachers who don't get paid that much and aren't certified. Then, those same parents expect high results for college admissions.

Go figure.

Go figure that people can approach the same issue differently than you. You want to bow at the altar of the college board go ahead. Some people don’t and that’s a choice.

Sure. just don't complain when the choice haas consequences that you don't like

+1 rich private school parents complaining about public school grade inflation, public school bowing at the altar of the college board, and then get upset because their larlo's college admission was lackluster.

Go figure.

Not every private school parent is upset. Nor is every public school parent happy. If you use this board as the measuring stick for that you’re naive.

"this is why I choose private" parents are upset.

Is it not unreasonable for private parents to be upset if their kids are being DISADVANTAGED in the application process in a way that is unfair? (Lack of adjustment to GPA for higher rigor, tougher grading)

The colleges are aware of the high schools and how to evaluate the students do there is no disadvantage. Private school kids get into top colleges at a higher rate than public. The disadvantage works the opposite way than you describe.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ok. Everyone is disappointed when their hard working student does not get into a desired college. That is true across the board.

Yes, but private school parents seem to be blaming the private school, as if paying for the $$ private school should mean they should get special treatment.

I have no dog in this fight but it seems the position of the private schools is that their kids with lower GPAs are being evaluated more harshly. Like the appropriate adjustments are not being made for the rigor of the grading.

This. My kid has been in public and private. Public school was not rigorous (even though it’s one of the “top area public schools). My kid’s gpa would be much higher in public. Maybe colleges were never really distinguishing between the rigor of schools or mandatory SATs disguised this.

The public school applicants have AP scores to validate their grades. If we're talking about public school kids applying to the type of schools the OP think he kid deserves to attend, you are talking about a lot of 4s and 5s in classes with curriculums that are supposed to be consistent across all schools offering the course.

Is it MCPS where you get an 82 one semester and a 92 the next and they end up with an A for the year? That’s the crazy grade inflation I’m talking about.

Indeed, but as a PP stated, just look at their AP test scores.

Everyone games the system to their advantage. Kids will put in the minimal effort to get the A, but when it counts like the AP test scores, they will show their ability.

Lots of public school kids get majority 5s on APs and 1500+ SAT scores. No amount of grade inflation is going to help with the AP test scores.

I don’t care about AP scores. The colleges are screening by GPAs which are artificially inflated.

AP scores validate or discredit a GPA. They are the one objective measure of course rigor that colleges have. Schools can talk about how rigorous their classes are until they are blue in the face, but a kid with and A and a 5 in a similarly titled class from a no name public school is going to be viewed as having done well in a rigorous class.

There are many schools that don't do AP for many unique and valid reasons.

What valid reasons do private schools use to get rid of AP classes?

They think they can create better classes.

Yet, based on the grade inflation argument, AP exams (and classes) are really the only objective measurement of ability. Basically, private schools are getting rid of AP classes because they don't want to pay College Board. IMO, it's a financial reason. Their teachers aren't even certified teachers.

When I see job postings, I always see how the employers want certifications in abc, xyz, but I guess for private K-12, certifications need not be required. I guess it's because they don't get paid as much. Private school parents are happy to spend $$ on schools being taught by teachers who don't get paid that much and aren't certified. Then, those same parents expect high results for college admissions.

Go figure.

Go figure that people can approach the same issue differently than you. You want to bow at the altar of the college board go ahead. Some people don’t and that’s a choice.

Sure. just don't complain when the choice haas consequences that you don't like

+1 rich private school parents complaining about public school grade inflation, public school bowing at the altar of the college board, and then get upset because their larlo's college admission was lackluster.

Go figure.

Not every private school parent is upset. Nor is every public school parent happy. If you use this board as the measuring stick for that you’re naive.

"this is why I choose private" parents are upset.

Is it not unreasonable for private parents to be upset if their kids are being DISADVANTAGED in the application process in a way that is unfair? (Lack of adjustment to GPA for higher rigor, tougher grading)

cry me a river.. if your kid is at a private school, more than likely they have a lot of ADVANTAGES.

You're just mad that the $$ didn't buy a better college admissions.

As to grade inflation, then you should advocate for AP exams and SATs, and not go test optional.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ok. Everyone is disappointed when their hard working student does not get into a desired college. That is true across the board.

Yes, but private school parents seem to be blaming the private school, as if paying for the $$ private school should mean they should get special treatment.

I have no dog in this fight but it seems the position of the private schools is that their kids with lower GPAs are being evaluated more harshly. Like the appropriate adjustments are not being made for the rigor of the grading.

This. My kid has been in public and private. Public school was not rigorous (even though it’s one of the “top area public schools). My kid’s gpa would be much higher in public. Maybe colleges were never really distinguishing between the rigor of schools or mandatory SATs disguised this.

The public school applicants have AP scores to validate their grades. If we're talking about public school kids applying to the type of schools the OP think he kid deserves to attend, you are talking about a lot of 4s and 5s in classes with curriculums that are supposed to be consistent across all schools offering the course.

Is it MCPS where you get an 82 one semester and a 92 the next and they end up with an A for the year? That’s the crazy grade inflation I’m talking about.

Indeed, but as a PP stated, just look at their AP test scores.

Everyone games the system to their advantage. Kids will put in the minimal effort to get the A, but when it counts like the AP test scores, they will show their ability.

Lots of public school kids get majority 5s on APs and 1500+ SAT scores. No amount of grade inflation is going to help with the AP test scores.

I don’t care about AP scores. The colleges are screening by GPAs which are artificially inflated.

AP scores validate or discredit a GPA. They are the one objective measure of course rigor that colleges have. Schools can talk about how rigorous their classes are until they are blue in the face, but a kid with and A and a 5 in a similarly titled class from a no name public school is going to be viewed as having done well in a rigorous class.

There are many schools that don't do AP for many unique and valid reasons.

What valid reasons do private schools use to get rid of AP classes?

They think they can create better classes.

Yet, based on the grade inflation argument, AP exams (and classes) are really the only objective measurement of ability. Basically, private schools are getting rid of AP classes because they don't want to pay College Board. IMO, it's a financial reason. Their teachers aren't even certified teachers.

When I see job postings, I always see how the employers want certifications in abc, xyz, but I guess for private K-12, certifications need not be required. I guess it's because they don't get paid as much. Private school parents are happy to spend $$ on schools being taught by teachers who don't get paid that much and aren't certified. Then, those same parents expect high results for college admissions.

Go figure.

Go figure that people can approach the same issue differently than you. You want to bow at the altar of the college board go ahead. Some people don’t and that’s a choice.

Sure. just don't complain when the choice haas consequences that you don't like

+1 rich private school parents complaining about public school grade inflation, public school bowing at the altar of the college board, and then get upset because their larlo's college admission was lackluster.

Go figure.

Not every private school parent is upset. Nor is every public school parent happy. If you use this board as the measuring stick for that you’re naive.

"this is why I choose private" parents are upset.

Is it not unreasonable for private parents to be upset if their kids are being DISADVANTAGED in the application process in a way that is unfair? (Lack of adjustment to GPA for higher rigor, tougher grading)

The colleges are aware of the high schools and how to evaluate the students do there is no disadvantage. Private school kids get into top colleges at a higher rate than public. The disadvantage works the opposite way than you describe.

It just sounds like anecdotally this is not the case anymore esp at larger schools/state U etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m sure this isn’t true of every “big 3” family but my nephews attended a school that is equivalent to those (but in a different city) and their parents are so wealthy & connected that they wouldn’t been fine without even attending college. I know they weren’t the wealthiest family at their school by any means. I’m not sure why wealthy parents don’t let their kids sidestep the rat race.

Lots do. There is a reason that Bullis is a hard admit now

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ok. Everyone is disappointed when their hard working student does not get into a desired college. That is true across the board.

Yes, but private school parents seem to be blaming the private school, as if paying for the $$ private school should mean they should get special treatment.

I have no dog in this fight but it seems the position of the private schools is that their kids with lower GPAs are being evaluated more harshly. Like the appropriate adjustments are not being made for the rigor of the grading.

This. My kid has been in public and private. Public school was not rigorous (even though it’s one of the “top area public schools). My kid’s gpa would be much higher in public. Maybe colleges were never really distinguishing between the rigor of schools or mandatory SATs disguised this.

The public school applicants have AP scores to validate their grades. If we're talking about public school kids applying to the type of schools the OP think he kid deserves to attend, you are talking about a lot of 4s and 5s in classes with curriculums that are supposed to be consistent across all schools offering the course.

Is it MCPS where you get an 82 one semester and a 92 the next and they end up with an A for the year? That’s the crazy grade inflation I’m talking about.

Indeed, but as a PP stated, just look at their AP test scores.

Everyone games the system to their advantage. Kids will put in the minimal effort to get the A, but when it counts like the AP test scores, they will show their ability.

Lots of public school kids get majority 5s on APs and 1500+ SAT scores. No amount of grade inflation is going to help with the AP test scores.

I don’t care about AP scores. The colleges are screening by GPAs which are artificially inflated.

AP scores validate or discredit a GPA. They are the one objective measure of course rigor that colleges have. Schools can talk about how rigorous their classes are until they are blue in the face, but a kid with and A and a 5 in a similarly titled class from a no name public school is going to be viewed as having done well in a rigorous class.

There are many schools that don't do AP for many unique and valid reasons.

What valid reasons do private schools use to get rid of AP classes?

They think they can create better classes.

Yet, based on the grade inflation argument, AP exams (and classes) are really the only objective measurement of ability. Basically, private schools are getting rid of AP classes because they don't want to pay College Board. IMO, it's a financial reason. Their teachers aren't even certified teachers.

When I see job postings, I always see how the employers want certifications in abc, xyz, but I guess for private K-12, certifications need not be required. I guess it's because they don't get paid as much. Private school parents are happy to spend $$ on schools being taught by teachers who don't get paid that much and aren't certified. Then, those same parents expect high results for college admissions.

Go figure.

Go figure that people can approach the same issue differently than you. You want to bow at the altar of the college board go ahead. Some people don’t and that’s a choice.

Sure. just don't complain when the choice haas consequences that you don't like

+1 rich private school parents complaining about public school grade inflation, public school bowing at the altar of the college board, and then get upset because their larlo's college admission was lackluster.

Go figure.

Not every private school parent is upset. Nor is every public school parent happy. If you use this board as the measuring stick for that you’re naive.

"this is why I choose private" parents are upset.

Is it not unreasonable for private parents to be upset if their kids are being DISADVANTAGED in the application process in a way that is unfair? (Lack of adjustment to GPA for higher rigor, tougher grading)

There are public school educated students that are more accomplished than the competition and they are offered admission. That is life.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ok. Everyone is disappointed when their hard working student does not get into a desired college. That is true across the board.

Yes, but private school parents seem to be blaming the private school, as if paying for the $$ private school should mean they should get special treatment.

I have no dog in this fight but it seems the position of the private schools is that their kids with lower GPAs are being evaluated more harshly. Like the appropriate adjustments are not being made for the rigor of the grading.

This. My kid has been in public and private. Public school was not rigorous (even though it’s one of the “top area public schools). My kid’s gpa would be much higher in public. Maybe colleges were never really distinguishing between the rigor of schools or mandatory SATs disguised this.

The public school applicants have AP scores to validate their grades. If we're talking about public school kids applying to the type of schools the OP think he kid deserves to attend, you are talking about a lot of 4s and 5s in classes with curriculums that are supposed to be consistent across all schools offering the course.

Is it MCPS where you get an 82 one semester and a 92 the next and they end up with an A for the year? That’s the crazy grade inflation I’m talking about.

Indeed, but as a PP stated, just look at their AP test scores.

Everyone games the system to their advantage. Kids will put in the minimal effort to get the A, but when it counts like the AP test scores, they will show their ability.

Lots of public school kids get majority 5s on APs and 1500+ SAT scores. No amount of grade inflation is going to help with the AP test scores.

I don’t care about AP scores. The colleges are screening by GPAs which are artificially inflated.

AP scores validate or discredit a GPA. They are the one objective measure of course rigor that colleges have. Schools can talk about how rigorous their classes are until they are blue in the face, but a kid with and A and a 5 in a similarly titled class from a no name public school is going to be viewed as having done well in a rigorous class.

There are many schools that don't do AP for many unique and valid reasons.

What valid reasons do private schools use to get rid of AP classes?

They think they can create better classes.

Yet, based on the grade inflation argument, AP exams (and classes) are really the only objective measurement of ability. Basically, private schools are getting rid of AP classes because they don't want to pay College Board. IMO, it's a financial reason. Their teachers aren't even certified teachers.

When I see job postings, I always see how the employers want certifications in abc, xyz, but I guess for private K-12, certifications need not be required. I guess it's because they don't get paid as much. Private school parents are happy to spend $$ on schools being taught by teachers who don't get paid that much and aren't certified. Then, those same parents expect high results for college admissions.

Go figure.

Go figure that people can approach the same issue differently than you. You want to bow at the altar of the college board go ahead. Some people don’t and that’s a choice.

Sure. just don't complain when the choice haas consequences that you don't like

+1 rich private school parents complaining about public school grade inflation, public school bowing at the altar of the college board, and then get upset because their larlo's college admission was lackluster.

Go figure.

Not every private school parent is upset. Nor is every public school parent happy. If you use this board as the measuring stick for that you’re naive.

"this is why I choose private" parents are upset.

Is it not unreasonable for private parents to be upset if their kids are being DISADVANTAGED in the application process in a way that is unfair? (Lack of adjustment to GPA for higher rigor, tougher grading)

The colleges are aware of the high schools and how to evaluate the students do there is no disadvantage. Private school kids get into top colleges at a higher rate than public. The disadvantage works the opposite way than you describe.

It just sounds like anecdotally this is not the case anymore esp at larger schools/state U etc.

You could always send your kid to public and mix with the unwashed masses

Privileged private school parents complaining that the system is not fair is just so ... rich. I just can't.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ok. Everyone is disappointed when their hard working student does not get into a desired college. That is true across the board.

Yes, but private school parents seem to be blaming the private school, as if paying for the $$ private school should mean they should get special treatment.

I have no dog in this fight but it seems the position of the private schools is that their kids with lower GPAs are being evaluated more harshly. Like the appropriate adjustments are not being made for the rigor of the grading.

This. My kid has been in public and private. Public school was not rigorous (even though it’s one of the “top area public schools). My kid’s gpa would be much higher in public. Maybe colleges were never really distinguishing between the rigor of schools or mandatory SATs disguised this.

The public school applicants have AP scores to validate their grades. If we're talking about public school kids applying to the type of schools the OP think he kid deserves to attend, you are talking about a lot of 4s and 5s in classes with curriculums that are supposed to be consistent across all schools offering the course.

Is it MCPS where you get an 82 one semester and a 92 the next and they end up with an A for the year? That’s the crazy grade inflation I’m talking about.

Indeed, but as a PP stated, just look at their AP test scores.

Everyone games the system to their advantage. Kids will put in the minimal effort to get the A, but when it counts like the AP test scores, they will show their ability.

Lots of public school kids get majority 5s on APs and 1500+ SAT scores. No amount of grade inflation is going to help with the AP test scores.

I don’t care about AP scores. The colleges are screening by GPAs which are artificially inflated.

AP scores validate or discredit a GPA. They are the one objective measure of course rigor that colleges have. Schools can talk about how rigorous their classes are until they are blue in the face, but a kid with and A and a 5 in a similarly titled class from a no name public school is going to be viewed as having done well in a rigorous class.

There are many schools that don't do AP for many unique and valid reasons.

What valid reasons do private schools use to get rid of AP classes?

They think they can create better classes.

Yet, based on the grade inflation argument, AP exams (and classes) are really the only objective measurement of ability. Basically, private schools are getting rid of AP classes because they don't want to pay College Board. IMO, it's a financial reason. Their teachers aren't even certified teachers.

When I see job postings, I always see how the employers want certifications in abc, xyz, but I guess for private K-12, certifications need not be required. I guess it's because they don't get paid as much. Private school parents are happy to spend $$ on schools being taught by teachers who don't get paid that much and aren't certified. Then, those same parents expect high results for college admissions.

Go figure.

Go figure that people can approach the same issue differently than you. You want to bow at the altar of the college board go ahead. Some people don’t and that’s a choice.

Sure. just don't complain when the choice haas consequences that you don't like

+1 rich private school parents complaining about public school grade inflation, public school bowing at the altar of the college board, and then get upset because their larlo's college admission was lackluster.

Go figure.

Not every private school parent is upset. Nor is every public school parent happy. If you use this board as the measuring stick for that you’re naive.

"this is why I choose private" parents are upset.

Is it not unreasonable for private parents to be upset if their kids are being DISADVANTAGED in the application process in a way that is unfair? (Lack of adjustment to GPA for higher rigor, tougher grading)

There are public school educated students that are more accomplished than the competition and they are offered admission. That is life.

life is so unfair .. wah wah