How does the GT program work in MD?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:16:06 is incorrect. Magnet starts in 4th, though as other PPs stated, the criteria for admission are less clear. Acceptance was clearly tied to HGC/CES test scores in the past, and no one knows whether that is still the case under the new evaluation system. My guess is yes, since that is the only truly objective information, in addition to MAP scores, and PARCC scores for middle and up.

Also, differentiation does happen at home schools. Reading and math groups are separated by level. Students in the top level do receive accelerated instruction, even if some schools do this much better than others. An accelerated math track, known as Compacted Math, is an option beginning in 4th at the home school as well.

4th, 5th is not Magnet. There's no elementary schools magnet.

This is semantics. The Center for Enrichment Studies, which is 4th and 5th, is a magnet program. It's just broken up into more centers than the 2 that exist at the middle school level. If you go to the MCPS website, the CES is described under the link "Application (Magnet)".

If that makes you feel good to say that your snowflake is in "4th grade Magnet ", be my guess. But real Magnet starts in 6th grade in MCPS.

DP.. so does that mean that a 6th grader in a real magnet is a snowflake, too?

As the PP stated, in the MCPS website, CES is under ES magnet programs. I don't know what your problem is with this. Sour grapes? No, my DC isn't in it.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Md is moving in the direction of the FCPS model and they will be sorry

Why?

DP.. a program designed for the top 2 to 3% is going to look different than a program designed for the top 20%. The caliber of work won't be the same.

And yet people complain that there are many more kids that could be served in the MCPS gifted program. Wouldn't opening it up to more be one solution?

Depends on what "your" goal is. If you are looking for just an "enriched" program, then yes. But if the goal is to keep it as "gifted" program, then no. Gifted doesn't mean top 20% of your student body. An above average student who works hard to get that grade is not gifted. If that is no longer the purpose of CES (which sounds like it isn't), then it's fine to open it up to the more hard working kids. But, HGC used to be designed for those kids who were not necessarily the harder working kids, but the kids whose intelligence was really above and beyond but not necessarily hard working.

I think there's a misperception here. The CES/HGC program is purely test-in. It's not for hard workers or students with strong grades/recommendations; it's for students with outlying test scores (at least in relation to their local elementary). The reason for the name change is just political; there is no change to the rigor or content of the academic program.

Not yet. MCPS has already changed the test making it shorter and, presumably, easier. Yes, three years ago the program was purely test-in, but I don't think this is the case anymore.

My DD is currently applying (coming from independent). As far as I can tell, there is nothing evaluated other than the test. No grades, no recommendations, no interview. It's purely based on test results. Here's the form if you're curious: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/curriculum/specialprograms/elementary/CES%20Private%20School%20application%202018%2011-17.pdf

In terms of the test itself, the only thing they said at the parent information meeting was that they'd changed it to an online format, instead of paper and pen. I have no idea if it's the same length or difficulty.

No, it's not the same length or difficulty. My child is applying from MCPS, and during the meeting they said they would be looking at scores and grades to select the kids to be tested. It is different coming from private, since you 'nominate' your child yourself by applying, but the application process and testing has changed significantly in the last two years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:16:06 is incorrect. Magnet starts in 4th, though as other PPs stated, the criteria for admission are less clear. Acceptance was clearly tied to HGC/CES test scores in the past, and no one knows whether that is still the case under the new evaluation system. My guess is yes, since that is the only truly objective information, in addition to MAP scores, and PARCC scores for middle and up.

Also, differentiation does happen at home schools. Reading and math groups are separated by level. Students in the top level do receive accelerated instruction, even if some schools do this much better than others. An accelerated math track, known as Compacted Math, is an option beginning in 4th at the home school as well.

4th, 5th is not Magnet. There's no elementary schools magnet.

This is semantics. The Center for Enrichment Studies, which is 4th and 5th, is a magnet program. It's just broken up into more centers than the 2 that exist at the middle school level. If you go to the MCPS website, the CES is described under the link "Application (Magnet)".

If that makes you feel good to say that your snowflake is in "4th grade Magnet ", be my guess. But real Magnet starts in 6th grade in MCPS.

DP.. so does that mean that a 6th grader in a real magnet is a snowflake, too?

As the PP stated, in the MCPS website, CES is under ES magnet programs. I don't know what your problem is with this. Sour grapes? No, my DC isn't in it.

Obviously. The "my guess" poster obviously had his child rejected from HGC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:16:06 is incorrect. Magnet starts in 4th, though as other PPs stated, the criteria for admission are less clear. Acceptance was clearly tied to HGC/CES test scores in the past, and no one knows whether that is still the case under the new evaluation system. My guess is yes, since that is the only truly objective information, in addition to MAP scores, and PARCC scores for middle and up.

Also, differentiation does happen at home schools. Reading and math groups are separated by level. Students in the top level do receive accelerated instruction, even if some schools do this much better than others. An accelerated math track, known as Compacted Math, is an option beginning in 4th at the home school as well.

4th, 5th is not Magnet. There's no elementary schools magnet.

This is semantics. The Center for Enrichment Studies, which is 4th and 5th, is a magnet program. It's just broken up into more centers than the 2 that exist at the middle school level. If you go to the MCPS website, the CES is described under the link "Application (Magnet)".

If that makes you feel good to say that your snowflake is in "4th grade Magnet ", be my guess. But real Magnet starts in 6th grade in MCPS.

DP.. so does that mean that a 6th grader in a real magnet is a snowflake, too?

As the PP stated, in the MCPS website, CES is under ES magnet programs. I don't know what your problem is with this. Sour grapes? No, my DC isn't in it.

Well my DC is in it, so no sour grapes on my part. But if it makes PP proud to broadcast that her DC is in "ES Magnet ", be my guest .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:16:06 is incorrect. Magnet starts in 4th, though as other PPs stated, the criteria for admission are less clear. Acceptance was clearly tied to HGC/CES test scores in the past, and no one knows whether that is still the case under the new evaluation system. My guess is yes, since that is the only truly objective information, in addition to MAP scores, and PARCC scores for middle and up.

Also, differentiation does happen at home schools. Reading and math groups are separated by level. Students in the top level do receive accelerated instruction, even if some schools do this much better than others. An accelerated math track, known as Compacted Math, is an option beginning in 4th at the home school as well.

4th, 5th is not Magnet. There's no elementary schools magnet.

This is semantics. The Center for Enrichment Studies, which is 4th and 5th, is a magnet program. It's just broken up into more centers than the 2 that exist at the middle school level. If you go to the MCPS website, the CES is described under the link "Application (Magnet)".

If that makes you feel good to say that your snowflake is in "4th grade Magnet ", be my guess. But real Magnet starts in 6th grade in MCPS.

DP.. so does that mean that a 6th grader in a real magnet is a snowflake, too?

As the PP stated, in the MCPS website, CES is under ES magnet programs. I don't know what your problem is with this. Sour grapes? No, my DC isn't in it.

Well my DC is in it, so no sour grapes on my part. But if it makes PP proud to broadcast that her DC is in "ES Magnet ", be my guest .

As both PPs pointed out, the MCPS website puts CES in the broad category of magnet programs. It is not a consortia/choice program, and it is not a language immersion program; rather, it's a magnet program. What's wrong with that?
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/specialprograms/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:16:06 is incorrect. Magnet starts in 4th, though as other PPs stated, the criteria for admission are less clear. Acceptance was clearly tied to HGC/CES test scores in the past, and no one knows whether that is still the case under the new evaluation system. My guess is yes, since that is the only truly objective information, in addition to MAP scores, and PARCC scores for middle and up.

Also, differentiation does happen at home schools. Reading and math groups are separated by level. Students in the top level do receive accelerated instruction, even if some schools do this much better than others. An accelerated math track, known as Compacted Math, is an option beginning in 4th at the home school as well.

4th, 5th is not Magnet. There's no elementary schools magnet.

This is semantics. The Center for Enrichment Studies, which is 4th and 5th, is a magnet program. It's just broken up into more centers than the 2 that exist at the middle school level. If you go to the MCPS website, the CES is described under the link "Application (Magnet)".

If that makes you feel good to say that your snowflake is in "4th grade Magnet ", be my guess. But real Magnet starts in 6th grade in MCPS.

You're obtuse, PP. Of course CES/HGC is a magnet program, and is categorized as such on the MCPS website.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:16:06 is incorrect. Magnet starts in 4th, though as other PPs stated, the criteria for admission are less clear. Acceptance was clearly tied to HGC/CES test scores in the past, and no one knows whether that is still the case under the new evaluation system. My guess is yes, since that is the only truly objective information, in addition to MAP scores, and PARCC scores for middle and up.

Also, differentiation does happen at home schools. Reading and math groups are separated by level. Students in the top level do receive accelerated instruction, even if some schools do this much better than others. An accelerated math track, known as Compacted Math, is an option beginning in 4th at the home school as well.

4th, 5th is not Magnet. There's no elementary schools magnet.

This is semantics. The Center for Enrichment Studies, which is 4th and 5th, is a magnet program. It's just broken up into more centers than the 2 that exist at the middle school level. If you go to the MCPS website, the CES is described under the link "Application (Magnet)".

If that makes you feel good to say that your snowflake is in "4th grade Magnet ", be my guess. But real Magnet starts in 6th grade in MCPS.

You're obtuse, PP. Of course CES/HGC is a magnet program, and is categorized as such on the MCPS website.

I have a crystal ball here and here's what I see. PP's child was rejected from a CES/HGC but after months of rigorous tutoring said child was able to squeeze into a middle-school magnet program, so PP now is extremely jealous and pissed at everyone whose child is admitted to a CES/HGC and claims that only Takoma is "real Magnet".

Give it up, 'my guess" PP. You are pathetic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are there GT-type programs in the home schools for kids who are not accepted to the centers, or who choose not to go?

Some high schools have open IB programs, not magnets, and even at some schools with magnet programs, students for whom that school is their home school can opt into the program. Richard Montgomery High School has an IB magnet, but anyone who attends RM can go into the IB diploma program in 11th grade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:16:06 is incorrect. Magnet starts in 4th, though as other PPs stated, the criteria for admission are less clear. Acceptance was clearly tied to HGC/CES test scores in the past, and no one knows whether that is still the case under the new evaluation system. My guess is yes, since that is the only truly objective information, in addition to MAP scores, and PARCC scores for middle and up.

Also, differentiation does happen at home schools. Reading and math groups are separated by level. Students in the top level do receive accelerated instruction, even if some schools do this much better than others. An accelerated math track, known as Compacted Math, is an option beginning in 4th at the home school as well.

4th, 5th is not Magnet. There's no elementary schools magnet.

This is semantics. The Center for Enrichment Studies, which is 4th and 5th, is a magnet program. It's just broken up into more centers than the 2 that exist at the middle school level. If you go to the MCPS website, the CES is described under the link "Application (Magnet)".

If that makes you feel good to say that your snowflake is in "4th grade Magnet ", be my guess. But real Magnet starts in 6th grade in MCPS.

DP.. so does that mean that a 6th grader in a real magnet is a snowflake, too?

As the PP stated, in the MCPS website, CES is under ES magnet programs. I don't know what your problem is with this. Sour grapes? No, my DC isn't in it.

Well my DC is in it, so no sour grapes on my part. But if it makes PP proud to broadcast that her DC is in "ES Magnet ", be my guest .

If your DC is really in it, can you elaborate on why you do not think it can be considered a magnet program? Have you compared the curriculum with the regular 4th/5th grade curriculum? (Is your DC in a local center?)

[Anonymous]

Real question, how many kids in CES/HGC elementary , middle and High, got in without coaching, tutoring or highly educated SAHM coaching their kids? That 1% of kids are real Highly Gifted,everyone else you know where exactly you belong without extra HELP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are there GT-type programs in the home schools for kids who are not accepted to the centers, or who choose not to go?

NOT ANY MORE! Common core Curriculum 2.0 annihilated that and any teacher's ability to teach beyond the state mandated curriculum.

MCPS only serves a tiny fraction of its gifted students, it's focus is on ESOL and bottom performers. Read the mission statement and keep paying your property taxes.

Teachers are supposed to differentiate. Not saying this happens, but they are supposed to be able to teach to each child's ability- ha! Big joke. I know.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Real question, how many kids in CES/HGC elementary , middle and High, got in without coaching, tutoring or highly educated SAHM coaching their kids? That 1% of kids are real Highly Gifted,everyone else you know where exactly you belong without extra HELP.

Mine did. Accepted into HGC, no "coaching," never done any outside tutoring, had no idea what the test would even be like before she took it. And she's thriving in her second year, not only in her grades but in the amount and quality of what she's learning. I'm not at all saying that makes my kid some kind of special snowflake genius. Just saying it's entirely possible to get in without the kind of high-pressure stuff that allegedly goes on, according to DCUM.


I don't know of any other families at our school who coached or tutored specifically for the HGC test. Even if the parents wouldn't admit it, the kids always talk, right?

In fact, I'd love to hear from someone who really DID take their kid to a tutor to prep for the HGC test. Thinking back, I don't think I've ever actually seen a post from someone who admits that they did—only from those who claim that "everyone does it."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Real question, how many kids in CES/HGC elementary , middle and High, got in without coaching, tutoring or highly educated SAHM coaching their kids? That 1% of kids are real Highly Gifted,everyone else you know where exactly you belong without extra HELP.

Mine did. Accepted into HGC, no "coaching," never done any outside tutoring, had no idea what the test would even be like before she took it. And she's thriving in her second year, not only in her grades but in the amount and quality of what she's learning. I'm not at all saying that makes my kid some kind of special snowflake genius. Just saying it's entirely possible to get in without the kind of high-pressure stuff that allegedly goes on, according to DCUM.


I don't know of any other families at our school who coached or tutored specifically for the HGC test. Even if the parents wouldn't admit it, the kids always talk, right?

In fact, I'd love to hear from someone who really DID take their kid to a tutor to prep for the HGC test. Thinking back, I don't think I've ever actually seen a post from someone who admits that they did—only from those who claim that "everyone does it."

Please, all this sanctimony about getting into HGC on merit. As if being well-off and born to two well-educated parents wasn't already being born on third base.

[Anonymous]

HGC / CES is focused on literacy (reading/writing/social studies). The math is the same as the kids get in their home schools. In 4th grade, your child is either in regular Math 4 or compacted Math 4/5 (where they do all the 4th grade math and half the 5th grade math in 4th; then the other half of 5th and all of 6th in 5th grade) -- regardless of school setting. So if you kid is highly gifted in math but not verbal, its doubtful they will be selected for CES.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:HGC / CES is focused on literacy (reading/writing/social studies). The math is the same as the kids get in their home schools. In 4th grade, your child is either in regular Math 4 or compacted Math 4/5 (where they do all the 4th grade math and half the 5th grade math in 4th; then the other half of 5th and all of 6th in 5th grade) -- regardless of school setting. So if you kid is highly gifted in math but not verbal, its doubtful they will be selected for CES.

Wait, HGC kids don’t automatically do compacted math?