SWW - when do notices go out about interviews?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This whole thread has only confirmed my belief that if you're looking for something to be negative about, you are going to find it. We went through the interview process last year and I find the comments about hormonal teenagers thinking with their private parts to be insulting and hilarious at the same time. I am glad some parents have weighed in here on the training teens go through to be involved in the interviews. I would assume that to be the case but I doubt that is going to assuage the negative posters here just looking for problems.

I think having upperclassmen involved in the interviews is a plus because 1) it provides students with leadership opportunities; and 2) it can make interviews less stressful for students not accustomed to them - rather than a panel of teachers you have a teacher and someone your age. It also allowed us as parents during our Q&A time to find out about the student experience at the school. Our kid's interview was fine. They were not fluff questions but they were about getting to know the student. My child answered questions based on their academic interests and those happened to be things that fit in with a relevant club and class at the school, so it showed they would be a good fit at the school.

I doubt this will change anyone's mind but what I've read on here just has not been our experience. The issue is that the number of amazing kids in DC far outstrips the number of available spots. I think that's really why the interview process is a good thing, because it helps identify those kids who are most interested in Walls and the academic topics that most apply to the school's strengths.

People like to find an excuse before a result is even known. The process is what it is and complaining on a blog won't change anything.

All things are excuses why my kid won't be admitted-the test, lack of the test, student interviewer, bad teacher interview, recommendations, kids from private schools, train ride too far, shy kid, etc. The saddest thing is that most didn't even read the rubric or even understand the process. Keep at it "keyboard warriors" you'll get that result one day......................

My kid is the kind of kid who is probably advantaged by this current process. It's still a bad process.

[Anonymous]

It's a bad process. The only people even trying to defend it are those who've "won" based on it.

And to the PP who contended that juniors and seniors did the interviews - that may have been the plan, but my kid was interviewed by a (seemingly great!) sophomore last weekend.

Which is all to say that even when the plans say X, the execution may be Y. And therein lies the problem with the subjectivity that's baked into every bit of the process.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This whole thread has only confirmed my belief that if you're looking for something to be negative about, you are going to find it. We went through the interview process last year and I find the comments about hormonal teenagers thinking with their private parts to be insulting and hilarious at the same time. I am glad some parents have weighed in here on the training teens go through to be involved in the interviews. I would assume that to be the case but I doubt that is going to assuage the negative posters here just looking for problems.

I think having upperclassmen involved in the interviews is a plus because 1) it provides students with leadership opportunities; and 2) it can make interviews less stressful for students not accustomed to them - rather than a panel of teachers you have a teacher and someone your age. It also allowed us as parents during our Q&A time to find out about the student experience at the school. Our kid's interview was fine. They were not fluff questions but they were about getting to know the student. My child answered questions based on their academic interests and those happened to be things that fit in with a relevant club and class at the school, so it showed they would be a good fit at the school.

I doubt this will change anyone's mind but what I've read on here just has not been our experience. The issue is that the number of amazing kids in DC far outstrips the number of available spots. I think that's really why the interview process is a good thing, because it helps identify those kids who are most interested in Walls and the academic topics that most apply to the school's strengths.

People like to find an excuse before a result is even known. The process is what it is and complaining on a blog won't change anything.

All things are excuses why my kid won't be admitted-the test, lack of the test, student interviewer, bad teacher interview, recommendations, kids from private schools, train ride too far, shy kid, etc. The saddest thing is that most didn't even read the rubric or even understand the process. Keep at it "keyboard warriors" you'll get that result one day......................

It’s actually not sad at all. I am thankful for all the posters who have shared their disappointments, anxieties, and issues with the process. There is some solace in seeing that others are in the same boat. Getting into a quality public high school in this city is no small matter and is an emotional roller coaster.

As weird as DCUM is, some of these comments have true value, and I’d like to share my gratitude.

[Anonymous]

Yes seeing other people’s point of views is nice and is why I’m on here but when some parents are so hostile the environment is rather unbearable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This whole thread has only confirmed my belief that if you're looking for something to be negative about, you are going to find it. We went through the interview process last year and I find the comments about hormonal teenagers thinking with their private parts to be insulting and hilarious at the same time. I am glad some parents have weighed in here on the training teens go through to be involved in the interviews. I would assume that to be the case but I doubt that is going to assuage the negative posters here just looking for problems.

I think having upperclassmen involved in the interviews is a plus because 1) it provides students with leadership opportunities; and 2) it can make interviews less stressful for students not accustomed to them - rather than a panel of teachers you have a teacher and someone your age. It also allowed us as parents during our Q&A time to find out about the student experience at the school. Our kid's interview was fine. They were not fluff questions but they were about getting to know the student. My child answered questions based on their academic interests and those happened to be things that fit in with a relevant club and class at the school, so it showed they would be a good fit at the school.

I doubt this will change anyone's mind but what I've read on here just has not been our experience. The issue is that the number of amazing kids in DC far outstrips the number of available spots. I think that's really why the interview process is a good thing, because it helps identify those kids who are most interested in Walls and the academic topics that most apply to the school's strengths.

People like to find an excuse before a result is even known. The process is what it is and complaining on a blog won't change anything.

All things are excuses why my kid won't be admitted-the test, lack of the test, student interviewer, bad teacher interview, recommendations, kids from private schools, train ride too far, shy kid, etc. The saddest thing is that most didn't even read the rubric or even understand the process. Keep at it "keyboard warriors" you'll get that result one day......................

It’s actually not sad at all. I am thankful for all the posters who have shared their disappointments, anxieties, and issues with the process. There is some solace in seeing that others are in the same boat. Getting into a quality public high school in this city is no small matter and is an emotional roller coaster.

As weird as DCUM is, some of these comments have true value, and I’d like to share my gratitude.

They have value b/c you feel that you're not alone and validates your opinion? The whining changes nothing. Engage with the Chancellor's Parent Advisory Board, your Council person, Mayor's Office, etc. if you want your voice heard and change to occur.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This whole thread has only confirmed my belief that if you're looking for something to be negative about, you are going to find it. We went through the interview process last year and I find the comments about hormonal teenagers thinking with their private parts to be insulting and hilarious at the same time. I am glad some parents have weighed in here on the training teens go through to be involved in the interviews. I would assume that to be the case but I doubt that is going to assuage the negative posters here just looking for problems.

I think having upperclassmen involved in the interviews is a plus because 1) it provides students with leadership opportunities; and 2) it can make interviews less stressful for students not accustomed to them - rather than a panel of teachers you have a teacher and someone your age. It also allowed us as parents during our Q&A time to find out about the student experience at the school. Our kid's interview was fine. They were not fluff questions but they were about getting to know the student. My child answered questions based on their academic interests and those happened to be things that fit in with a relevant club and class at the school, so it showed they would be a good fit at the school.

I doubt this will change anyone's mind but what I've read on here just has not been our experience. The issue is that the number of amazing kids in DC far outstrips the number of available spots. I think that's really why the interview process is a good thing, because it helps identify those kids who are most interested in Walls and the academic topics that most apply to the school's strengths.

People like to find an excuse before a result is even known. The process is what it is and complaining on a blog won't change anything.

All things are excuses why my kid won't be admitted-the test, lack of the test, student interviewer, bad teacher interview, recommendations, kids from private schools, train ride too far, shy kid, etc. The saddest thing is that most didn't even read the rubric or even understand the process. Keep at it "keyboard warriors" you'll get that result one day......................

It’s actually not sad at all. I am thankful for all the posters who have shared their disappointments, anxieties, and issues with the process. There is some solace in seeing that others are in the same boat. Getting into a quality public high school in this city is no small matter and is an emotional roller coaster.

As weird as DCUM is, some of these comments have true value, and I’d like to share my gratitude.

They have value b/c you feel that you're not alone and validates your opinion? The whining changes nothing. Engage with the Chancellor's Parent Advisory Board, your Council person, Mayor's Office, etc. if you want your voice heard and change to occur.

Ha! This is not how policy change happens with DCPS.

The only thing that works is when things get publicly uncomfortable. A Washington Post article, FOIA information getting out, etc…

[Anonymous]

Seems like near unanimous support here for the entrance exam to return. Let's reach out to the media and start the conversation.

[Anonymous]

Entrance exam AND a standardized test score, PARCC or PSAT 8/9.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Seems like near unanimous support here for the entrance exam to return. Let's reach out to the media and start the conversation.

You can reach out to:

[e-mail]

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Seems like near unanimous support here for the entrance exam to return. Let's reach out to the media and start the conversation.

By "unanimous" do you mean the 4-5 repeat posters? On DCUM? LOL Of course, you can "go to the media" with whatever you want, but I find it HILARIOUS that you are basing your idea of "unanimous support" from a DCUM echo chamber. Be sure to tell the media all about your convo on DCUM.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Seems like near unanimous support here for the entrance exam to return. Let's reach out to the media and start the conversation.

By "unanimous" do you mean the 4-5 repeat posters? On DCUM? LOL Of course, you can "go to the media" with whatever you want, but I find it HILARIOUS that you are basing your idea of "unanimous support" from a DCUM echo chamber. Be sure to tell the media all about your convo on DCUM.

What reasonable person is opposed to an entrance exam?

[Anonymous]

Trying to plan childcare for a younger sibling--when the student and family interviews are over, does the student immediately start working on the writing prompt or they have to wait until a large group of students is done with the interview part and all of them start the writing part? On average how many hours did you spend at Walls last Saturday?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Trying to plan childcare for a younger sibling--when the student and family interviews are over, does the student immediately start working on the writing prompt or they have to wait until a large group of students is done with the interview part and all of them start the writing part? On average how many hours did you spend at Walls last Saturday?

If younger sibling will be ok to sit quietly with a book for 5-10 minutes, you won't need to line up childcare.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Seems like near unanimous support here for the entrance exam to return. Let's reach out to the media and start the conversation.

By "unanimous" do you mean the 4-5 repeat posters? On DCUM? LOL Of course, you can "go to the media" with whatever you want, but I find it HILARIOUS that you are basing your idea of "unanimous support" from a DCUM echo chamber. Be sure to tell the media all about your convo on DCUM.

What reasonable person is opposed to an entrance exam?

Totally missing the point here.

[Anonymous]

So, I'll be the ableist voice here. And I'm willing to hear your points of view. Mostly I just haven't heard them. But I am somewhat skeptical of parents, mostly upper class and high achieving, advocating for the entitlement of their children to be the same.

So, to ask the question:

Why, in a world where those who are bold, articulate, and engaged become our leaders, transform the economy, innovate, etc., do we not reward them?

And I get that we shouldn't institutionalize or shun those who are intelligent but unable to share economically-valued abilities with the rest of the world, but why does a selective high school have to pick a student who doesn't show an ability to participate meaningfully, engage with their teachers and peers, complete work or tests, etc.?

Basically, I can see why we set a floor for your child with autism but I can't see why we have to also seat them on the heights, in a tiered and selective education system.

I expect that I have crossed some lines here, but really it's because I haven't heard these arguments and would like to.