Does MCPS MS curriculum alone prepare students for the math/science magnets?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think admission is largely based on test scores or else all those kids at Hoover and Cabin John would be getting in but they are not. Based on DC's knowledge - but it's not like kids have surveyed every other kid - it does seem like the minimum of 99th percentile is mostly accurate. But there are many more 99th percentile kids not getting in including half of TPMS magnet.

The test score level varies by school/cluster. Many kids at TPMS magnet presumably score higher than some of the kids who got in from other schools, but MCPS realizes that magnet seats are a scarce resource which many kids can benefit from and so they are distributed approximately by highest test scores per school/cluster.

Other factors come into play like - if a kid is not accepted to a magnet HS, will they have a peer group and access to accelerated instruction at their home school

This was done for racial equity. MCPS didn't like the fact that the HT/Magnet programs were populated mostly by Asians with a handful of white kids. So they decided a scheme that would discriminate against Asian kids but maxing out the number of them that could get into these programs. It was a genius move. It is racist and terrible because tmit doesn't help the best and brightest. But progressives don't care about that. They care about equity which requires discrimination.

"Best and brightest" based on which measures? Being able to afford test prep courses and tons of tutoring?

Question for the equity brigade. Would you rather a heart surgeon who scored well on tests or a heart surgeon who didn't? How about a lawyer who was defending you? If you're honest, you'll say the ones who scored well on tests. But you're leftists so you can't be honest. You have to stick to the script.

But we're talking public K-12 education, not med school. But thanks for playing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think admission is largely based on test scores or else all those kids at Hoover and Cabin John would be getting in but they are not. Based on DC's knowledge - but it's not like kids have surveyed every other kid - it does seem like the minimum of 99th percentile is mostly accurate. But there are many more 99th percentile kids not getting in including half of TPMS magnet.

The test score level varies by school/cluster. Many kids at TPMS magnet presumably score higher than some of the kids who got in from other schools, but MCPS realizes that magnet seats are a scarce resource which many kids can benefit from and so they are distributed approximately by highest test scores per school/cluster.

Other factors come into play like - if a kid is not accepted to a magnet HS, will they have a peer group and access to accelerated instruction at their home school

I hate to break it to you but the non-TPMS kids who got in were also scoring as high or higher than the top echelon of TPMS kids who got in. Many of the top Functions kids are not from TPMS. Kids change a lot from ES to MS to high school. Some probably turned down TPMS for middle school but wanted to go to a magnet for high school. Sorry this does not fit your story.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think admission is largely based on test scores or else all those kids at Hoover and Cabin John would be getting in but they are not. Based on DC's knowledge - but it's not like kids have surveyed every other kid - it does seem like the minimum of 99th percentile is mostly accurate. But there are many more 99th percentile kids not getting in including half of TPMS magnet.

The test score level varies by school/cluster. Many kids at TPMS magnet presumably score higher than some of the kids who got in from other schools, but MCPS realizes that magnet seats are a scarce resource which many kids can benefit from and so they are distributed approximately by highest test scores per school/cluster.

Other factors come into play like - if a kid is not accepted to a magnet HS, will they have a peer group and access to accelerated instruction at their home school

I hate to break it to you but the non-TPMS kids who got in were also scoring as high or higher than the top echelon of TPMS kids who got in. Many of the top Functions kids are not from TPMS. Kids change a lot from ES to MS to high school. Some probably turned down TPMS for middle school but wanted to go to a magnet for high school. Sorry this does not fit your story.

Nah, not many.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think admission is largely based on test scores or else all those kids at Hoover and Cabin John would be getting in but they are not. Based on DC's knowledge - but it's not like kids have surveyed every other kid - it does seem like the minimum of 99th percentile is mostly accurate. But there are many more 99th percentile kids not getting in including half of TPMS magnet.

The test score level varies by school/cluster. Many kids at TPMS magnet presumably score higher than some of the kids who got in from other schools, but MCPS realizes that magnet seats are a scarce resource which many kids can benefit from and so they are distributed approximately by highest test scores per school/cluster.

Other factors come into play like - if a kid is not accepted to a magnet HS, will they have a peer group and access to accelerated instruction at their home school

This was done for racial equity. MCPS didn't like the fact that the HT/Magnet programs were populated mostly by Asians with a handful of white kids. So they decided a scheme that would discriminate against Asian kids but maxing out the number of them that could get into these programs. It was a genius move. It is racist and terrible because tmit doesn't help the best and brightest. But progressives don't care about that. They care about equity which requires discrimination.

Your tinfoil hat is too tight; loosening it up a little bit.

The numbers don't lie. There was a 20% drop in Asian acceptance rates the first year and another 20% the next year. But leftists don't like facts. You prefer lived experience which can be made up to suit your needs.

Of course because more non-Asian students applied, while previously it was mostly prepped Asians.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think admission is largely based on test scores or else all those kids at Hoover and Cabin John would be getting in but they are not. Based on DC's knowledge - but it's not like kids have surveyed every other kid - it does seem like the minimum of 99th percentile is mostly accurate. But there are many more 99th percentile kids not getting in including half of TPMS magnet.

The test score level varies by school/cluster. Many kids at TPMS magnet presumably score higher than some of the kids who got in from other schools, but MCPS realizes that magnet seats are a scarce resource which many kids can benefit from and so they are distributed approximately by highest test scores per school/cluster.

Other factors come into play like - if a kid is not accepted to a magnet HS, will they have a peer group and access to accelerated instruction at their home school

I hate to break it to you but the non-TPMS kids who got in were also scoring as high or higher than the top echelon of TPMS kids who got in. Many of the top Functions kids are not from TPMS. Kids change a lot from ES to MS to high school. Some probably turned down TPMS for middle school but wanted to go to a magnet for high school. Sorry this does not fit your story.

It amazes me that parents on this board think that they have enough information to make statements like this. If it’s true and they do have that level of detailed info it’s freaking weird that they or their kid has surveyed all their peers on their MAP scores prior to going on to Blair as well as their prior middle school. This also ignores the kids who decided that on reflection there was no reason or benefit in taking functions so they decided against it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think admission is largely based on test scores or else all those kids at Hoover and Cabin John would be getting in but they are not. Based on DC's knowledge - but it's not like kids have surveyed every other kid - it does seem like the minimum of 99th percentile is mostly accurate. But there are many more 99th percentile kids not getting in including half of TPMS magnet.

The test score level varies by school/cluster. Many kids at TPMS magnet presumably score higher than some of the kids who got in from other schools, but MCPS realizes that magnet seats are a scarce resource which many kids can benefit from and so they are distributed approximately by highest test scores per school/cluster.

Other factors come into play like - if a kid is not accepted to a magnet HS, will they have a peer group and access to accelerated instruction at their home school

I hate to break it to you but the non-TPMS kids who got in were also scoring as high or higher than the top echelon of TPMS kids who got in. Many of the top Functions kids are not from TPMS. Kids change a lot from ES to MS to high school. Some probably turned down TPMS for middle school but wanted to go to a magnet for high school. Sorry this does not fit your story.

It amazes me that parents on this board think that they have enough information to make statements like this. If it’s true and they do have that level of detailed info it’s freaking weird that they or their kid has surveyed all their peers on their MAP scores prior to going on to Blair as well as their prior middle school. This also ignores the kids who decided that on reflection there was no reason or benefit in taking functions so they decided against it.

What are you even talking about? Kids talk and are often comparing scores. If your child is coming from Cabin John or Hoover you know who scored high. The class just took map a few weeks ago and kids were comparing at school and many mentioned their previous scores and how much they improved. You sound really put out your kid is not in Functions. This is not to say kids who are not in Functions are stupid. The point was that there are many smart kids in the magnet and they did not all go to TPMS and the kids who did not go to TPMS are not some charity case there for equity. There are also some of them who are Asian!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think admission is largely based on test scores or else all those kids at Hoover and Cabin John would be getting in but they are not. Based on DC's knowledge - but it's not like kids have surveyed every other kid - it does seem like the minimum of 99th percentile is mostly accurate. But there are many more 99th percentile kids not getting in including half of TPMS magnet.

The test score level varies by school/cluster. Many kids at TPMS magnet presumably score higher than some of the kids who got in from other schools, but MCPS realizes that magnet seats are a scarce resource which many kids can benefit from and so they are distributed approximately by highest test scores per school/cluster.

Other factors come into play like - if a kid is not accepted to a magnet HS, will they have a peer group and access to accelerated instruction at their home school

This was done for racial equity. MCPS didn't like the fact that the HT/Magnet programs were populated mostly by Asians with a handful of white kids. So they decided a scheme that would discriminate against Asian kids but maxing out the number of them that could get into these programs. It was a genius move. It is racist and terrible because tmit doesn't help the best and brightest. But progressives don't care about that. They care about equity which requires discrimination.

"Best and brightest" based on which measures? Being able to afford test prep courses and tons of tutoring?

Question for the equity brigade. Would you rather a heart surgeon who scored well on tests or a heart surgeon who didn't? How about a lawyer who was defending you? If you're honest, you'll say the ones who scored well on tests. But you're leftists so you can't be honest. You have to stick to the script.

But we're talking public K-12 education, not med school. But thanks for playing.

You want sub-par teachers. Got it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think admission is largely based on test scores or else all those kids at Hoover and Cabin John would be getting in but they are not. Based on DC's knowledge - but it's not like kids have surveyed every other kid - it does seem like the minimum of 99th percentile is mostly accurate. But there are many more 99th percentile kids not getting in including half of TPMS magnet.

The test score level varies by school/cluster. Many kids at TPMS magnet presumably score higher than some of the kids who got in from other schools, but MCPS realizes that magnet seats are a scarce resource which many kids can benefit from and so they are distributed approximately by highest test scores per school/cluster.

Other factors come into play like - if a kid is not accepted to a magnet HS, will they have a peer group and access to accelerated instruction at their home school

This was done for racial equity. MCPS didn't like the fact that the HT/Magnet programs were populated mostly by Asians with a handful of white kids. So they decided a scheme that would discriminate against Asian kids but maxing out the number of them that could get into these programs. It was a genius move. It is racist and terrible because tmit doesn't help the best and brightest. But progressives don't care about that. They care about equity which requires discrimination.

Your tinfoil hat is too tight; loosening it up a little bit.

The numbers don't lie. There was a 20% drop in Asian acceptance rates the first year and another 20% the next year. But leftists don't like facts. You prefer lived experience which can be made up to suit your needs.

Of course because more non-Asian students applied, while previously it was mostly prepped Asians.

I know you believe preparation is an aspect of white supremacy but most people appreciate preparation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think admission is largely based on test scores or else all those kids at Hoover and Cabin John would be getting in but they are not. Based on DC's knowledge - but it's not like kids have surveyed every other kid - it does seem like the minimum of 99th percentile is mostly accurate. But there are many more 99th percentile kids not getting in including half of TPMS magnet.

The test score level varies by school/cluster. Many kids at TPMS magnet presumably score higher than some of the kids who got in from other schools, but MCPS realizes that magnet seats are a scarce resource which many kids can benefit from and so they are distributed approximately by highest test scores per school/cluster.

Other factors come into play like - if a kid is not accepted to a magnet HS, will they have a peer group and access to accelerated instruction at their home school

I hate to break it to you but the non-TPMS kids who got in were also scoring as high or higher than the top echelon of TPMS kids who got in. Many of the top Functions kids are not from TPMS. Kids change a lot from ES to MS to high school. Some probably turned down TPMS for middle school but wanted to go to a magnet for high school. Sorry this does not fit your story.

It amazes me that parents on this board think that they have enough information to make statements like this. If it’s true and they do have that level of detailed info it’s freaking weird that they or their kid has surveyed all their peers on their MAP scores prior to going on to Blair as well as their prior middle school. This also ignores the kids who decided that on reflection there was no reason or benefit in taking functions so they decided against it.

What are you even talking about? Kids talk and are often comparing scores. If your child is coming from Cabin John or Hoover you know who scored high. The class just took map a few weeks ago and kids were comparing at school and many mentioned their previous scores and how much they improved. You sound really put out your kid is not in Functions. This is not to say kids who are not in Functions are stupid. The point was that there are many smart kids in the magnet and they did not all go to TPMS and the kids who did not go to TPMS are not some charity case there for equity. There are also some of them who are Asian!

I get that kids might share scores at their middle school, though the idea that every kid knows every one else’s score is bunk especially at middle schools with hundreds of kids per grade. But the suggestion that any kid knows the MAP scores of most of the kids in their grade at Blair and the school they went to is ludicrous. And btw, my kid is in functions and not only do they not know anyone’s score they don’t share it either. Several of kids friends decided not to take the test for functions because they just weren’t interested, regardless of whether they could have got in. As a parent you are ridiculously over involved to post those claims which at impossible for you to verify.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think admission is largely based on test scores or else all those kids at Hoover and Cabin John would be getting in but they are not. Based on DC's knowledge - but it's not like kids have surveyed every other kid - it does seem like the minimum of 99th percentile is mostly accurate. But there are many more 99th percentile kids not getting in including half of TPMS magnet.

The test score level varies by school/cluster. Many kids at TPMS magnet presumably score higher than some of the kids who got in from other schools, but MCPS realizes that magnet seats are a scarce resource which many kids can benefit from and so they are distributed approximately by highest test scores per school/cluster.

Other factors come into play like - if a kid is not accepted to a magnet HS, will they have a peer group and access to accelerated instruction at their home school

I hate to break it to you but the non-TPMS kids who got in were also scoring as high or higher than the top echelon of TPMS kids who got in. Many of the top Functions kids are not from TPMS. Kids change a lot from ES to MS to high school. Some probably turned down TPMS for middle school but wanted to go to a magnet for high school. Sorry this does not fit your story.

It amazes me that parents on this board think that they have enough information to make statements like this. If it’s true and they do have that level of detailed info it’s freaking weird that they or their kid has surveyed all their peers on their MAP scores prior to going on to Blair as well as their prior middle school. This also ignores the kids who decided that on reflection there was no reason or benefit in taking functions so they decided against it.

What are you even talking about? Kids talk and are often comparing scores. If your child is coming from Cabin John or Hoover you know who scored high. The class just took map a few weeks ago and kids were comparing at school and many mentioned their previous scores and how much they improved. You sound really put out your kid is not in Functions. This is not to say kids who are not in Functions are stupid. The point was that there are many smart kids in the magnet and they did not all go to TPMS and the kids who did not go to TPMS are not some charity case there for equity. There are also some of them who are Asian!

I get that kids might share scores at their middle school, though the idea that every kid knows every one else’s score is bunk especially at middle schools with hundreds of kids per grade. But the suggestion that any kid knows the MAP scores of most of the kids in their grade at Blair and the school they went to is ludicrous. And btw, my kid is in functions and not only do they not know anyone’s score they don’t share it either. Several of kids friends decided not to take the test for functions because they just weren’t interested, regardless of whether they could have got in. As a parent you are ridiculously over involved to post those claims which at impossible for you to verify.

Magnet parents like you are so rigid in nitpicking at things and missing the point of posts. The point of the post was that there are smart kids with really high scores coming from schools other than TPMS and the idea that TPMS kids who did not get in are better than non-TPMS kids who did get in is just silly.

You and your arrogance are one of the aspects of the magnet that people hate. The admin has been working really hard for as long as my child has been there to put a stop to this superiority complex that TPMS kids start out with and it's clear it's being driven by parents like you. My child is in an older grade and the kids do eventually realize that the top students are a mix of TPMS and non-TPMS kids. FWIW, my child was accepted at TPMS but stayed at their private until HS when they switched to Blair.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think admission is largely based on test scores or else all those kids at Hoover and Cabin John would be getting in but they are not. Based on DC's knowledge - but it's not like kids have surveyed every other kid - it does seem like the minimum of 99th percentile is mostly accurate. But there are many more 99th percentile kids not getting in including half of TPMS magnet.

The test score level varies by school/cluster. Many kids at TPMS magnet presumably score higher than some of the kids who got in from other schools, but MCPS realizes that magnet seats are a scarce resource which many kids can benefit from and so they are distributed approximately by highest test scores per school/cluster.

Other factors come into play like - if a kid is not accepted to a magnet HS, will they have a peer group and access to accelerated instruction at their home school

I hate to break it to you but the non-TPMS kids who got in were also scoring as high or higher than the top echelon of TPMS kids who got in. Many of the top Functions kids are not from TPMS. Kids change a lot from ES to MS to high school. Some probably turned down TPMS for middle school but wanted to go to a magnet for high school. Sorry this does not fit your story.

It amazes me that parents on this board think that they have enough information to make statements like this. If it’s true and they do have that level of detailed info it’s freaking weird that they or their kid has surveyed all their peers on their MAP scores prior to going on to Blair as well as their prior middle school. This also ignores the kids who decided that on reflection there was no reason or benefit in taking functions so they decided against it.

What are you even talking about? Kids talk and are often comparing scores. If your child is coming from Cabin John or Hoover you know who scored high. The class just took map a few weeks ago and kids were comparing at school and many mentioned their previous scores and how much they improved. You sound really put out your kid is not in Functions. This is not to say kids who are not in Functions are stupid. The point was that there are many smart kids in the magnet and they did not all go to TPMS and the kids who did not go to TPMS are not some charity case there for equity. There are also some of them who are Asian!

Most of them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think admission is largely based on test scores or else all those kids at Hoover and Cabin John would be getting in but they are not. Based on DC's knowledge - but it's not like kids have surveyed every other kid - it does seem like the minimum of 99th percentile is mostly accurate. But there are many more 99th percentile kids not getting in including half of TPMS magnet.

The test score level varies by school/cluster. Many kids at TPMS magnet presumably score higher than some of the kids who got in from other schools, but MCPS realizes that magnet seats are a scarce resource which many kids can benefit from and so they are distributed approximately by highest test scores per school/cluster.

Other factors come into play like - if a kid is not accepted to a magnet HS, will they have a peer group and access to accelerated instruction at their home school

This was done for racial equity. MCPS didn't like the fact that the HT/Magnet programs were populated mostly by Asians with a handful of white kids. So they decided a scheme that would discriminate against Asian kids but maxing out the number of them that could get into these programs. It was a genius move. It is racist and terrible because tmit doesn't help the best and brightest. But progressives don't care about that. They care about equity which requires discrimination.

"Best and brightest" based on which measures? Being able to afford test prep courses and tons of tutoring?

Question for the equity brigade. Would you rather a heart surgeon who scored well on tests or a heart surgeon who didn't? How about a lawyer who was defending you? If you're honest, you'll say the ones who scored well on tests. But you're leftists so you can't be honest. You have to stick to the script.

I want a surgeon with good hands and a strong sense of ethics about when to operate, not someone who memorized the most mnemonics for metabolic pathways and took the most AP History classes. The gatekeeping of schooling has very little to do with professional skilled performance. These careers aren’t trivia contests.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:"Long story short, she ended up being accepted in all Poolesville and RMIB programs. She was at 99th percentile with reading and math at that time. No competitions, no major engagements. What I think has made a difference is her essay as her friends did not had the same results with similar stacks."

Could you share how her essay was different from her friends who didn't have the same results for acceptance?

Different poster here, but my kid was in the same situation. I think their essay was attention getting with a clear hook and spoke to their strengths. It demonstrated passion, team work, enthusiasm, motivation and academic success while also showing some interests that were different from the crowd. It was also in their voice and didn’t sound pompous or like a parent had written it. There was a good balance between being humble and showcasing their abilities. I don’t know what was in the other kids essays with similar stats that didn’t get in.

Cool story but you have absolutely no idea how the committee made their decision or how it compares to the essays everyone else wrote.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP - the main data points that the SMCS selection committee gets nowadays is just MAP-M and courses+grades. They are just looking for students very accelerated in math. You don’t need all the extras to get accepted or to be successful.

20 years ago, the magnets were intended to serve students who didn’t have access to enough advanced programming at their home school. Today, all HS have advanced courses and there are a variety of special programs at many high schools that students from other clusters can attend. For many, the focus of getting into SMCS is misplaced because there are other opportunities that will serve kids equally well.

The median admitted Blair SMACS student MAP is not “very accelerated”. It’s approximately the level of “got an A in Algebra” (fall 8th grade). And half are below median.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DC is at a high poverty middle school with none of the clubs you listed but we get emails all the time about FREE enrichment activities. Free after school coding camps, free weekend math opportunities, free science activities.

Some of these are sponsored by MCPS and many take place at the school or are virtual.

Kids who are interested can take advantage of these opportunities.

Why would your child even want to go to a STEM magnet if your child has shown no interest? You sound like someone who can afford to enrich but you are just trying to stir up trouble and use this opportunity to bash "certain ethnic groups."

DP, but what are you talking about? The OP never mentioned any ethnic groups at all. This discussion is not about ethnicity. I’m also confused where you inferred that OP “can afford to enrich.”

I will respond to what you said in your post, though. Those of us with students who are NOT in high poverty schools do not get emails all the time about free enrichment opportunities. Many of these programs are very specifically directed toward schools, such as yours, and not toward other schools. OP sounds like they are part of the “missing middle” in that high poverty schools get programs directed at their students, low poverty schools have families that enrich privately, and those in between sort of come up feeling ignored or lacking the ability to compete. I think that was the OP’s entire point. Kind of how elite universities end up with lots of 1 percenters and also recruit 1st gen students (first in their family to go to college), and a strong suburban student with neither hook gets passed over based on aspects of parent income/background they have no power to change in spite of having demonstrated ability and interest in every way they actually can control.

For parents who are middle class but have a strong language barrier and no community and are too busy with work/life to look for opportunities, there’s a missing middle. But there it a plethora of free online resources for ES/MS math and science enrichment, just a google away.