What is the real reason MCPS uses Lottery for Middle School Magnet Program

[Anonymous]

You've reached the same conclusion as many many other parents. The only question now is why Wolfe and McKnight don't do this? According to another thread, they're spending 1.6M on Kid's Museum instead of enhancing programs?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You've reached the same conclusion as many many other parents. The only question now is why Wolfe and McKnight don't do this? According to another thread, they're spending 1.6M on Kid's Museum instead of enhancing programs?

I've been one of the loudest proponents of differentiation on this thread, but I'm unbothered by the Kid Museum partnership. Kids, including gifted kids, benefit from these sorts of partnerships because they expose kids to resources they would not otherwise be able to access. Maybe it lights a spark that would otherwise not be lit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You've reached the same conclusion as many many other parents. The only question now is why Wolfe and McKnight don't do this? According to another thread, they're spending 1.6M on Kid's Museum instead of enhancing programs?

I've been one of the loudest proponents of differentiation on this thread, but I'm unbothered by the Kid Museum partnership. Kids, including gifted kids, benefit from these sorts of partnerships because they expose kids to resources they would not otherwise be able to access. Maybe it lights a spark that would otherwise not be lit.

Has your child even been to the Kid's Museum through MCPS? I know mine hasn't. Oh, wait - you're probably one of the paid MCPS Office of Communication trolls, right?

News flash - MCPS already has "sparked kids" denied programs they're showing interest in due to "lack of resources" according to MCPS (ex. the Magnets), and you're concerned about "spark"???? Give me a break. I'm worried about core instruction deficiencies of the kids already denied resources, while MCPS is spending 1.6M because their parents are too lazy to take them to a museum???

[Anonymous]

1.6 MM is nothing. Take a look at what DC spends on its bussing program (only for SN kids.) As much as NYC. Take a look at what DC spends in school renovations. 30 million dollar atrium, anyone? Underground parking?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You've reached the same conclusion as many many other parents. The only question now is why Wolfe and McKnight don't do this? According to another thread, they're spending 1.6M on Kid's Museum instead of enhancing programs?

I've been one of the loudest proponents of differentiation on this thread, but I'm unbothered by the Kid Museum partnership. Kids, including gifted kids, benefit from these sorts of partnerships because they expose kids to resources they would not otherwise be able to access. Maybe it lights a spark that would otherwise not be lit.

According to the press release this new partnership will serve 7,500 ES and MS students. There are over 109,000 ES and MS students in MCPS. Do you think your kid will be in the 7% served by this program? I have had 4 kids go through MCPS. Oldest is out of college. There were barely any field trips before covid. Now?

[Anonymous]

Former superintendent, Dr. Starr’s wife is the founder of the Kid Museum. System is beyond corrupt.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You've reached the same conclusion as many many other parents. The only question now is why Wolfe and McKnight don't do this? According to another thread, they're spending 1.6M on Kid's Museum instead of enhancing programs?

I've been one of the loudest proponents of differentiation on this thread, but I'm unbothered by the Kid Museum partnership. Kids, including gifted kids, benefit from these sorts of partnerships because they expose kids to resources they would not otherwise be able to access. Maybe it lights a spark that would otherwise not be lit.

Does anyone know if this is the first time MCPS gave money to KIDS museum? The Museum has been in the basement of Davis Library for over Ten years. Last time They were talking about move it to a new office building in Rockville. I always wondering why such great venue for kids, especially the kids they intended to help whose parents are less likely to expose them to STEM, not locate in downtown SS, Wheaton, or Germantown.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:1.6 MM is nothing. Take a look at what DC spends on its bussing program (only for SN kids.) As much as NYC. Take a look at what DC spends in school renovations. 30 million dollar atrium, anyone? Underground parking?

No worries - just give me the 1.6 MM and I'll cheer you on. Until then, stop wasting taxpayer money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You've reached the same conclusion as many many other parents. The only question now is why Wolfe and McKnight don't do this? According to another thread, they're spending 1.6M on Kid's Museum instead of enhancing programs?

I've been one of the loudest proponents of differentiation on this thread, but I'm unbothered by the Kid Museum partnership. Kids, including gifted kids, benefit from these sorts of partnerships because they expose kids to resources they would not otherwise be able to access. Maybe it lights a spark that would otherwise not be lit.

Does anyone know if this is the first time MCPS gave money to KIDS museum? The Museum has been in the basement of Davis Library for over Ten years. Last time They were talking about move it to a new office building in Rockville. I always wondering why such great venue for kids, especially the kids they intended to help whose parents are less likely to expose them to STEM, not locate in downtown SS, Wheaton, or Germantown.

Plenty of suitable spaces in Wheaton for sure...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You've reached the same conclusion as many many other parents. The only question now is why Wolfe and McKnight don't do this? According to another thread, they're spending 1.6M on Kid's Museum instead of enhancing programs?

I've been one of the loudest proponents of differentiation on this thread, but I'm unbothered by the Kid Museum partnership. Kids, including gifted kids, benefit from these sorts of partnerships because they expose kids to resources they would not otherwise be able to access. Maybe it lights a spark that would otherwise not be lit.

Does anyone know if this is the first time MCPS gave money to KIDS museum? The Museum has been in the basement of Davis Library for over Ten years. Last time They were talking about move it to a new office building in Rockville. I always wondering why such great venue for kids, especially the kids they intended to help whose parents are less likely to expose them to STEM, not locate in downtown SS, Wheaton, or Germantown.

Plenty of suitable spaces in Wheaton for sure...

If I'm corrupt, then downtown SS / Wheaton (e.g. catering to TPMS) or Germantown (e.g. catering to Poolesville) is exactly where I'd put it so that no other students are able to access the programs. This provides an excuse to exclude children that would otherwise qualify.

If I'm looking out for the best interests of all students in the county, then Rockville (via 270/370) is most accessible to EVERYONE in the county.

But if anyone believes that giving 1.6 M to Kids Museum is a good idea, that's something I'd disagree with. First, it's not covid-related so this is a mismanagement use of taxpayer funds. Second, MCPS could achieve better results by offering after-school programs then working with PTA's or offering "scholarships" to FARMS students. Third, it just bad political optics overall. This reeks like a dirty deal since it's directly connected to a newly-appointed board member.

Poor leadership = bad decisions. This is why the MCPS Magnet program is in the dumpster right now - gambling Vegas-style with our children's futures.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Does anyone know what is the real reason MCPS BOE uses lottery for CES program?
Why can't it be the consistency of performance against benchmarks in elementary school? and/or likewise consistency of performance in middle school for highschool magnet program

Are they using Lottery for selection into sports and games teams as well instead of performance benchmarks? or is the lottery exclusive for academic programs?

Seriously, the lottery should be held in a public setting instead of a lottery selection shrouded in mystery. Applicant submits application. Receives a raffle ticket. You put your ticket in the bowl (or elect to let them put the ticket in the bowl for you). They shake it up and let some kids pick it. Easy Peasy and everyone knows it is fair.

Lottery exclusively applied for academics so that certain groups can be reduced. You know those kids who work too hard and whose immigrant parents care too much about education. Screw those uppities. You won't replace us.

Please clarify, who is replacing who? But really, they should do it so that if you qualify academically, you get a raffle ticket and the raffle is held in the open.

Their statements aren't factual. The lottery was done because of the pandemic after the makers of the CogAT stated their test could not be administered remotely. They're just making up crazy conspiracy theories for which there is 0 evidence because it supports their extreme political agenda.

Right, even if what you are saying is true, is COGAT is the only possible test? Really? Instead of spending millions of $ on consultants.MCPS could actually create a test where prep wouldn't even matter. what extreme political agenda is it please? The lottery defamation league agenda? I see one side in power making power and some people asking questions and resisting politically expedient lazy solutions.

The PP was correct. Most of this stuff is misinformation to rile up the uninformed. They didn't set out to make a lottery it was the consequence of circumstances beyond their control. A more valid question is now that they could adminster the cogAT why are they keeping it?

That's not true. The year before Covid, MCPS did not adhere to the standards publicly posted on how to calculate the MCPS Percentile used to select MS Magnet students.

It's interesting that now MCPS is not publishing the exact "local norming" and "lottery" methodologies? Notice a pattern there?

It's not curious at all because anyone should be able to figure it out it's basic stuff and detailed on their website so I don't know what you're talking about.

Please post the link to the methodology for local norming and lottery formulation. I am interested and want to understand it.

+1. Everyone says that is “obvious” or “easy” to understand but I would really like MCPS to help me understand.

Yes please. Help me understand!

Let’s just stipulate that I have low intelligence and need things spelled out for me in plain language. It’s not “easy” or “obvious” to me and I have looked on the website and watched the YouTube videos and I’m none the wiser.

Still waiting (cricket chirp, chirp, chirp..)

They post all the info on their website. I've read the last couple times they updated the process. It seemed perfectly clear to me.

Please post the link with “all the info” thanks!

I'd have to google it again and figure you can do that just as easily.

Me too. My Google must be broken. I'm not getting the same results you must be getting.

I'm patient. I can wait. Thanks for getting this info together!

Did anyone ever post the links? I don't see them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You've reached the same conclusion as many many other parents. The only question now is why Wolfe and McKnight don't do this? According to another thread, they're spending 1.6M on Kid's Museum instead of enhancing programs?

I've been one of the loudest proponents of differentiation on this thread, but I'm unbothered by the Kid Museum partnership. Kids, including gifted kids, benefit from these sorts of partnerships because they expose kids to resources they would not otherwise be able to access. Maybe it lights a spark that would otherwise not be lit.

Does anyone know if this is the first time MCPS gave money to KIDS museum? The Museum has been in the basement of Davis Library for over Ten years. Last time They were talking about move it to a new office building in Rockville. I always wondering why such great venue for kids, especially the kids they intended to help whose parents are less likely to expose them to STEM, not locate in downtown SS, Wheaton, or Germantown.

Plenty of suitable spaces in Wheaton for sure...

If I'm corrupt, then downtown SS / Wheaton (e.g. catering to TPMS) or Germantown (e.g. catering to Poolesville) is exactly where I'd put it so that no other students are able to access the programs. This provides an excuse to exclude children that would otherwise qualify.

If I'm looking out for the best interests of all students in the county, then Rockville (via 270/370) is most accessible to EVERYONE in the county.

But if anyone believes that giving 1.6 M to Kids Museum is a good idea, that's something I'd disagree with. First, it's not covid-related so this is a mismanagement use of taxpayer funds. Second, MCPS could achieve better results by offering after-school programs then working with PTA's or offering "scholarships" to FARMS students. Third, it just bad political optics overall. This reeks like a dirty deal since it's directly connected to a newly-appointed board member.

Poor leadership = bad decisions. This is why the MCPS Magnet program is in the dumpster right now - gambling Vegas-style with our children's futures.

Do you hear yourself when you type? NP, but accessible to "EVERYONE in the county" = public transportation accessible.

Yes, Rockville has a Metro station, if you put it right there. Trying to figure out how SS/Wheaton are so inaccessible. District 13, which goes up to Wheaton, is the most densely populated district, and it's immediately adjacent to the 3rd, 4th and 5th most dense.

It's true that Rockville is 2nd. But between Rockville and Wheaton it's a wash. Rockville is easier for people from Germantown and G'burg to get to, but there are many more people downcounty, and those people would find Wheaton more convenient. People downcounty are also less likely to have cars.

I think Rockville, if just near a Metro, would be a fine choice, but I don't know how Wheaton is an obviously poorer choice.

Wheaton is not "catering to TPMS." And the Kid Museum is oriented to younger kids anyway.

Anyway, ESH. Especially the people who think kids in SS are less likely to be "exposed to STEM." That's a new euphemism.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You've reached the same conclusion as many many other parents. The only question now is why Wolfe and McKnight don't do this? According to another thread, they're spending 1.6M on Kid's Museum instead of enhancing programs?

I've been one of the loudest proponents of differentiation on this thread, but I'm unbothered by the Kid Museum partnership. Kids, including gifted kids, benefit from these sorts of partnerships because they expose kids to resources they would not otherwise be able to access. Maybe it lights a spark that would otherwise not be lit.

Does anyone know if this is the first time MCPS gave money to KIDS museum? The Museum has been in the basement of Davis Library for over Ten years. Last time They were talking about move it to a new office building in Rockville. I always wondering why such great venue for kids, especially the kids they intended to help whose parents are less likely to expose them to STEM, not locate in downtown SS, Wheaton, or Germantown.

Plenty of suitable spaces in Wheaton for sure...

If I'm corrupt, then downtown SS / Wheaton (e.g. catering to TPMS) or Germantown (e.g. catering to Poolesville) is exactly where I'd put it so that no other students are able to access the programs. This provides an excuse to exclude children that would otherwise qualify.

If I'm looking out for the best interests of all students in the county, then Rockville (via 270/370) is most accessible to EVERYONE in the county.

But if anyone believes that giving 1.6 M to Kids Museum is a good idea, that's something I'd disagree with. First, it's not covid-related so this is a mismanagement use of taxpayer funds. Second, MCPS could achieve better results by offering after-school programs then working with PTA's or offering "scholarships" to FARMS students. Third, it just bad political optics overall. This reeks like a dirty deal since it's directly connected to a newly-appointed board member.

Poor leadership = bad decisions. This is why the MCPS Magnet program is in the dumpster right now - gambling Vegas-style with our children's futures.

Do you hear yourself when you type? NP, but accessible to "EVERYONE in the county" = public transportation accessible.

Yes, Rockville has a Metro station, if you put it right there. Trying to figure out how SS/Wheaton are so inaccessible. District 13, which goes up to Wheaton, is the most densely populated district, and it's immediately adjacent to the 3rd, 4th and 5th most dense.

It's true that Rockville is 2nd. But between Rockville and Wheaton it's a wash. Rockville is easier for people from Germantown and G'burg to get to, but there are many more people downcounty, and those people would find Wheaton more convenient. People downcounty are also less likely to have cars.

I think Rockville, if just near a Metro, would be a fine choice, but I don't know how Wheaton is an obviously poorer choice.

Wheaton is not "catering to TPMS." And the Kid Museum is oriented to younger kids anyway.

Anyway, ESH. Especially the people who think kids in SS are less likely to be "exposed to STEM." That's a new euphemism.

Calculate the travel distance for people not located in SS to Wheaton. It eliminates the majority of West and Northwest county.

Kind of shows your state of mind, though. Do you only care about votes, or do you care about the children? If you believe that only SS matters, then there's no changing your mind, is there?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You've reached the same conclusion as many many other parents. The only question now is why Wolfe and McKnight don't do this? According to another thread, they're spending 1.6M on Kid's Museum instead of enhancing programs?

I've been one of the loudest proponents of differentiation on this thread, but I'm unbothered by the Kid Museum partnership. Kids, including gifted kids, benefit from these sorts of partnerships because they expose kids to resources they would not otherwise be able to access. Maybe it lights a spark that would otherwise not be lit.

Does anyone know if this is the first time MCPS gave money to KIDS museum? The Museum has been in the basement of Davis Library for over Ten years. Last time They were talking about move it to a new office building in Rockville. I always wondering why such great venue for kids, especially the kids they intended to help whose parents are less likely to expose them to STEM, not locate in downtown SS, Wheaton, or Germantown.

Plenty of suitable spaces in Wheaton for sure...

If I'm corrupt, then downtown SS / Wheaton (e.g. catering to TPMS) or Germantown (e.g. catering to Poolesville) is exactly where I'd put it so that no other students are able to access the programs. This provides an excuse to exclude children that would otherwise qualify.

If I'm looking out for the best interests of all students in the county, then Rockville (via 270/370) is most accessible to EVERYONE in the county.

But if anyone believes that giving 1.6 M to Kids Museum is a good idea, that's something I'd disagree with. First, it's not covid-related so this is a mismanagement use of taxpayer funds. Second, MCPS could achieve better results by offering after-school programs then working with PTA's or offering "scholarships" to FARMS students. Third, it just bad political optics overall. This reeks like a dirty deal since it's directly connected to a newly-appointed board member.

Poor leadership = bad decisions. This is why the MCPS Magnet program is in the dumpster right now - gambling Vegas-style with our children's futures.

To sum up your argument:

Everything MCPS does reeks... everything MCPS does is mismanagement... everything MCPS is corrupt... every MCPS decision is gambling...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You've reached the same conclusion as many many other parents. The only question now is why Wolfe and McKnight don't do this? According to another thread, they're spending 1.6M on Kid's Museum instead of enhancing programs?

I've been one of the loudest proponents of differentiation on this thread, but I'm unbothered by the Kid Museum partnership. Kids, including gifted kids, benefit from these sorts of partnerships because they expose kids to resources they would not otherwise be able to access. Maybe it lights a spark that would otherwise not be lit.

Does anyone know if this is the first time MCPS gave money to KIDS museum? The Museum has been in the basement of Davis Library for over Ten years. Last time They were talking about move it to a new office building in Rockville. I always wondering why such great venue for kids, especially the kids they intended to help whose parents are less likely to expose them to STEM, not locate in downtown SS, Wheaton, or Germantown.

Why are we investing in a Kid Museum at all. We live in a city of free museums. Transportation is a huge issue (not enough buses to use for field trips) and often cited at my kids' ES on why they don't take more field trips. Why don't they take the 1.6 million and distribute it to schools to pay for coach buses so kids can take advantage of all museums that already exist?