when will the new high school programs start?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I assume I would have heard if this were on the table but does anyone have any insight about whether MCPS might ever consider expanding the language immersion programs to include a h.s. component?

By the time kids get to high school, do they really need immersion anymore?

Also look at how many kids graduate with the MD Seal of Biliteracy without getting busses all over the county for immersion elementary and middle school programs

Interesting, does that seal actually mean very much then (as an indicator of bilingual ability?).

Whether a high school component is needed depends on your goals, but to truly keep up a language to fluency level it is pretty important to continue immersive experiences in some capacity. I think other immersion programs around the county often have a high school component but I guess I’m not super up on the details.

I understand that the immersion programs already have equity issues which might make expanding them vertically unpopular, but if we look at the time and resources MCPS is spending on these programs at the ES and MS levels, I think it makes sense to consider the long term goals of the programs and whether they are lost if abandoned too early.

The problem is they’ve been spending all the time and money on the immersion programs while kids fail in English. It’s public school. Get the basics right before adding anything else. We know there needs to be cuts to fund the necessities like special Ed staff and special programs for violent students. Your child can survive with Duo Lingo until they get to MS and can start a world language. Or…gasp…what if teachers were available to teach in every kid’s native language! Remember, the goal of public school is to get kids passing standardized tests in English. Quit whining about the needless extras when you know there isn’t enough money to fund the necessities and you know we can’t continue to raise taxes. Time to face reality.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ugh, you just know they will get rid of the most successful magnets (e.g., RMIB, Blair) in place of regional programs that are much worse (e.g., Kennedy). Those who care about this should write it now, becuase it sounds like it's being finalized this month.

Write what? And how do you “know” this?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ugh, you just know they will get rid of the most successful magnets (e.g., RMIB, Blair) in place of regional programs that are much worse (e.g., Kennedy). Those who care about this should write it now, becuase it sounds like it's being finalized this month.

Write what? And how do you “know” this?

People who care should be writing in opposition to the BOE and the Superintendent. I don't have any insider knowledge. But seeing option 3 in the boundary study makes me think that they are looking to dismantle what is working in MCPS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I assume I would have heard if this were on the table but does anyone have any insight about whether MCPS might ever consider expanding the language immersion programs to include a h.s. component?

By the time kids get to high school, do they really need immersion anymore?

Also look at how many kids graduate with the MD Seal of Biliteracy without getting busses all over the county for immersion elementary and middle school programs

Interesting, does that seal actually mean very much then (as an indicator of bilingual ability?).

Whether a high school component is needed depends on your goals, but to truly keep up a language to fluency level it is pretty important to continue immersive experiences in some capacity. I think other immersion programs around the county often have a high school component but I guess I’m not super up on the details.

I understand that the immersion programs already have equity issues which might make expanding them vertically unpopular, but if we look at the time and resources MCPS is spending on these programs at the ES and MS levels, I think it makes sense to consider the long term goals of the programs and whether they are lost if abandoned too early.

The problem is they’ve been spending all the time and money on the immersion programs while kids fail in English. It’s public school. Get the basics right before adding anything else. We know there needs to be cuts to fund the necessities like special Ed staff and special programs for violent students. Your child can survive with Duo Lingo until they get to MS and can start a world language. Or…gasp…what if teachers were available to teach in every kid’s native language! Remember, the goal of public school is to get kids passing standardized tests in English. Quit whining about the needless extras when you know there isn’t enough money to fund the necessities and you know we can’t continue to raise taxes. Time to face reality.

They would be much better off providing a foreign language special a few times a week in ES and having dual language classes for ESOL kids until their English is proficient to be successful. Then, kids take it in MS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I assume I would have heard if this were on the table but does anyone have any insight about whether MCPS might ever consider expanding the language immersion programs to include a h.s. component?

By the time kids get to high school, do they really need immersion anymore?

Also look at how many kids graduate with the MD Seal of Biliteracy without getting busses all over the county for immersion elementary and middle school programs

Interesting, does that seal actually mean very much then (as an indicator of bilingual ability?).

Whether a high school component is needed depends on your goals, but to truly keep up a language to fluency level it is pretty important to continue immersive experiences in some capacity. I think other immersion programs around the county often have a high school component but I guess I’m not super up on the details.

I understand that the immersion programs already have equity issues which might make expanding them vertically unpopular, but if we look at the time and resources MCPS is spending on these programs at the ES and MS levels, I think it makes sense to consider the long term goals of the programs and whether they are lost if abandoned too early.

The problem is they’ve been spending all the time and money on the immersion programs while kids fail in English. It’s public school. Get the basics right before adding anything else. We know there needs to be cuts to fund the necessities like special Ed staff and special programs for violent students. Your child can survive with Duo Lingo until they get to MS and can start a world language. Or…gasp…what if teachers were available to teach in every kid’s native language! Remember, the goal of public school is to get kids passing standardized tests in English. Quit whining about the needless extras when you know there isn’t enough money to fund the necessities and you know we can’t continue to raise taxes. Time to face reality.

I’m not sure how inquiring about immersion opportunities on a thread about high school special programs constitutes as whining, but I hope you enjoyed the lecture.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I assume I would have heard if this were on the table but does anyone have any insight about whether MCPS might ever consider expanding the language immersion programs to include a h.s. component?

By the time kids get to high school, do they really need immersion anymore?

Also look at how many kids graduate with the MD Seal of Biliteracy without getting busses all over the county for immersion elementary and middle school programs

Interesting, does that seal actually mean very much then (as an indicator of bilingual ability?).

Whether a high school component is needed depends on your goals, but to truly keep up a language to fluency level it is pretty important to continue immersive experiences in some capacity. I think other immersion programs around the county often have a high school component but I guess I’m not super up on the details.

I understand that the immersion programs already have equity issues which might make expanding them vertically unpopular, but if we look at the time and resources MCPS is spending on these programs at the ES and MS levels, I think it makes sense to consider the long term goals of the programs and whether they are lost if abandoned too early.

I wonder if there is a way to execute a two-way immersion program in high school? Might be easier to pitch with the dual benefit of serving English-speakers who want continued immersion and Spanish-speakers who would benefit from having some classes in Spanish?

But I agree with others who say that if this is important to you, weigh in quickly-- maybe sign up to testify about it at the next board meeting?

That is a good thought. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No clear timeline for applications has been communicated. Stop spreading rumors as if they were fact.

Yes, it has. Implementation begins in January. PP is correct - that's when the application will open.

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/academic-programs-analysis/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No clear timeline for applications has been communicated. Stop spreading rumors as if they were fact.

Yes, it has. Implementation begins in January. PP is correct - that's when the application will open.

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/academic-programs-analysis/

It says *implementation* begins, which can mean a lot of things. If you have a concrete source that says when *application* begins, you should cite it. January is already late for the following year — applications currently start in November, and information sessions start in September. It’s highly unlikely that they will be able to start a whole new set of programs in the 2026/27 school year. At best they will be able to get started by 2027/28, which would make more sense anyway because that’s when the boundaries change.

[Anonymous]

That is right. Usually the HS program application ends in Nov, MS ends in Feb and ES ends in April. So I believe the Jan 2026 is for new MS programs

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No clear timeline for applications has been communicated. Stop spreading rumors as if they were fact.

Yes, it has. Implementation begins in January. PP is correct - that's when the application will open.

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/academic-programs-analysis/

It says *implementation* begins, which can mean a lot of things. If you have a concrete source that says when *application* begins, you should cite it. January is already late for the following year — applications currently start in November, and information sessions start in September. It’s highly unlikely that they will be able to start a whole new set of programs in the 2026/27 school year. At best they will be able to get started by 2027/28, which would make more sense anyway because that’s when the boundaries change.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That is right. Usually the HS program application ends in Nov, MS ends in Feb and ES ends in April. So I believe the Jan 2026 is for new MS programs

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No clear timeline for applications has been communicated. Stop spreading rumors as if they were fact.

Yes, it has. Implementation begins in January. PP is correct - that's when the application will open.

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/academic-programs-analysis/

It says *implementation* begins, which can mean a lot of things. If you have a concrete source that says when *application* begins, you should cite it. January is already late for the following year — applications currently start in November, and information sessions start in September. It’s highly unlikely that they will be able to start a whole new set of programs in the 2026/27 school year. At best they will be able to get started by 2027/28, which would make more sense anyway because that’s when the boundaries change.

This tread is about HS, not MS programs. The program analysis people have not said much abut middle schools, although it's in their remit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ugh, you just know they will get rid of the most successful magnets (e.g., RMIB, Blair) in place of regional programs that are much worse (e.g., Kennedy). Those who care about this should write it now, becuase it sounds like it's being finalized this month.

Write what? And how do you “know” this?

People who care should be writing in opposition to the BOE and the Superintendent. I don't have any insider knowledge. But seeing option 3 in the boundary study makes me think that they are looking to dismantle what is working in MCPS.

There’s nothing to oppose right now! How do you oppose something that doesn’t yet exist?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No clear timeline for applications has been communicated. Stop spreading rumors as if they were fact.

Yes, it has. Implementation begins in January. PP is correct - that's when the application will open.

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/academic-programs-analysis/

That slide also says that the design team will recommend programs April-June and that doesn’t seem to have happened. It seems unlikely that there will be any changes to the application process in time for the 26/27 school year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ugh, you just know they will get rid of the most successful magnets (e.g., RMIB, Blair) in place of regional programs that are much worse (e.g., Kennedy). Those who care about this should write it now, becuase it sounds like it's being finalized this month.

Write what? And how do you “know” this?

People who care should be writing in opposition to the BOE and the Superintendent. I don't have any insider knowledge. But seeing option 3 in the boundary study makes me think that they are looking to dismantle what is working in MCPS.

There’s nothing to oppose right now! How do you oppose something that doesn’t yet exist?

Yeah. We definitely shouldn't be advocating while there is time to shape the decision. Instead, we should wait until they put out their solution without that more specific feedback, and watch as it is railroaded through per their stated approval timeline and the interleave dependencies with the timeline of the boundary studies...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That is right. Usually the HS program application ends in Nov, MS ends in Feb and ES ends in April. So I believe the Jan 2026 is for new MS programs

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No clear timeline for applications has been communicated. Stop spreading rumors as if they were fact.

Yes, it has. Implementation begins in January. PP is correct - that's when the application will open.

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/academic-programs-analysis/

It says *implementation* begins, which can mean a lot of things. If you have a concrete source that says when *application* begins, you should cite it. January is already late for the following year — applications currently start in November, and information sessions start in September. It’s highly unlikely that they will be able to start a whole new set of programs in the 2026/27 school year. At best they will be able to get started by 2027/28, which would make more sense anyway because that’s when the boundaries change.

This tread is about HS, not MS programs. The program analysis people have not said much abut middle schools, although it's in their remit.

Correct. They are starting with high schools. Middle schools will be after that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ugh, you just know they will get rid of the most successful magnets (e.g., RMIB, Blair) in place of regional programs that are much worse (e.g., Kennedy). Those who care about this should write it now, becuase it sounds like it's being finalized this month.

Write what? And how do you “know” this?

People who care should be writing in opposition to the BOE and the Superintendent. I don't have any insider knowledge. But seeing option 3 in the boundary study makes me think that they are looking to dismantle what is working in MCPS.

There’s nothing to oppose right now! How do you oppose something that doesn’t yet exist?

Yeah. We definitely shouldn't be advocating while there is time to shape the decision. Instead, we should wait until they put out their solution without that more specific feedback, and watch as it is railroaded through per their stated approval timeline and the interleave dependencies with the timeline of the boundary studies...

Exactly. They said they are making at least some decisions in June to inform the summer work on the boundary study needed to release new maps. It will be too late soon enough.