Laptops in Kindergarten?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What are some of the websites the kids use? If you’re a kindergarten parent, how have teachers explained the approach of using screen time for instruction to you?

They're on the apps that the teacher has on their page--like Epic, Happy numbers, etc. they aren't surfing the net or allowed to get YouTube.

That said, it's way too much screen time. But they do it early for testing (kids can barely get through MAP testing if they don't know how to use the computer) and it allows teachers to pull small groups because the rest of the class is pacified by the computer

MCPS pushes for mixed-ability classroom in the name of ‘Equity’. What do you expect the teacher to do?

In order to meet with the small groups, the rest of the class has to be kept quiet. The Chromebooks are the easiest way to accomplish that.

It's kindergarten. Mixed ability classes are going to be inevitable. And in my experience parents are always happy with tracking as long as their kid is not in the low performing classroom

What do you mean by tracking? Related: Does MCPS have kindergartners do standardized assessments on the Chromebook?

Yes. Kindergartners take MAP testing on their Chromebooks.

New to MCPS here. What is MAP testing for kindergartners?

MAP is a thrice-yearly test (although K might only take it twice) that tests mastery/exposure to material. Primarily, it is meant as a tool for teachers to demonstrate growth over time and to identify sub-areas where a student may need additional support.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What are some of the websites the kids use? If you’re a kindergarten parent, how have teachers explained the approach of using screen time for instruction to you?

They're on the apps that the teacher has on their page--like Epic, Happy numbers, etc. they aren't surfing the net or allowed to get YouTube.

That said, it's way too much screen time. But they do it early for testing (kids can barely get through MAP testing if they don't know how to use the computer) and it allows teachers to pull small groups because the rest of the class is pacified by the computer

MCPS pushes for mixed-ability classroom in the name of ‘Equity’. What do you expect the teacher to do?

In order to meet with the small groups, the rest of the class has to be kept quiet. The Chromebooks are the easiest way to accomplish that.

It's kindergarten. Mixed ability classes are going to be inevitable. And in my experience parents are always happy with tracking as long as their kid is not in the low performing classroom

What do you mean by tracking? Related: Does MCPS have kindergartners do standardized assessments on the Chromebook?

Yes. Kindergartners take MAP testing on their Chromebooks.

New to MCPS here. What is MAP testing for kindergartners?

MAP is a thrice-yearly test (although K might only take it twice) that tests mastery/exposure to material. Primarily, it is meant as a tool for teachers to demonstrate growth over time and to identify sub-areas where a student may need additional support.

My kindergartner took it three times last year, although we were only provided scores for math, not reading.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What are some of the websites the kids use? If you’re a kindergarten parent, how have teachers explained the approach of using screen time for instruction to you?

They're on the apps that the teacher has on their page--like Epic, Happy numbers, etc. they aren't surfing the net or allowed to get YouTube.

That said, it's way too much screen time. But they do it early for testing (kids can barely get through MAP testing if they don't know how to use the computer) and it allows teachers to pull small groups because the rest of the class is pacified by the computer

MCPS pushes for mixed-ability classroom in the name of ‘Equity’. What do you expect the teacher to do?

In order to meet with the small groups, the rest of the class has to be kept quiet. The Chromebooks are the easiest way to accomplish that.

It's kindergarten. Mixed ability classes are going to be inevitable. And in my experience parents are always happy with tracking as long as their kid is not in the low performing classroom

What do you mean by tracking? Related: Does MCPS have kindergartners do standardized assessments on the Chromebook?

Yes. Kindergartners take MAP testing on their Chromebooks.

New to MCPS here. What is MAP testing for kindergartners?

MAP is a thrice-yearly test (although K might only take it twice) that tests mastery/exposure to material. Primarily, it is meant as a tool for teachers to demonstrate growth over time and to identify sub-areas where a student may need additional support.

My kindergartner took it three times last year, although we were only provided scores for math, not reading.

Yeah I thought it was just math in K? Our school is using Dibels this year too for K-2 I think

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What are some of the websites the kids use? If you’re a kindergarten parent, how have teachers explained the approach of using screen time for instruction to you?

They're on the apps that the teacher has on their page--like Epic, Happy numbers, etc. they aren't surfing the net or allowed to get YouTube.

That said, it's way too much screen time. But they do it early for testing (kids can barely get through MAP testing if they don't know how to use the computer) and it allows teachers to pull small groups because the rest of the class is pacified by the computer

MCPS pushes for mixed-ability classroom in the name of ‘Equity’. What do you expect the teacher to do?

In order to meet with the small groups, the rest of the class has to be kept quiet. The Chromebooks are the easiest way to accomplish that.

It's kindergarten. Mixed ability classes are going to be inevitable. And in my experience parents are always happy with tracking as long as their kid is not in the low performing classroom

What do you mean by tracking? Related: Does MCPS have kindergartners do standardized assessments on the Chromebook?

Yes. Kindergartners take MAP testing on their Chromebooks.

New to MCPS here. What is MAP testing for kindergartners?

MAP is a thrice-yearly test (although K might only take it twice) that tests mastery/exposure to material. Primarily, it is meant as a tool for teachers to demonstrate growth over time and to identify sub-areas where a student may need additional support.

They will identify where they need extra support but not actually give that support in class. Our MS found students lacking in foundational math and English skills from as far back as 3rd grade. Those teachers said “we don’t have time to teach those skills” so instead parents and other content area teachers are required to supervise kids working online on IXL. It’s really sad that MCPS doesn’t acknowledge the full effects of the pandemic and simply expects “business as usual”. Imagine if teachers were allowed to meet students where they are.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What are some of the websites the kids use? If you’re a kindergarten parent, how have teachers explained the approach of using screen time for instruction to you?

They're on the apps that the teacher has on their page--like Epic, Happy numbers, etc. they aren't surfing the net or allowed to get YouTube.

That said, it's way too much screen time. But they do it early for testing (kids can barely get through MAP testing if they don't know how to use the computer) and it allows teachers to pull small groups because the rest of the class is pacified by the computer

MCPS pushes for mixed-ability classroom in the name of ‘Equity’. What do you expect the teacher to do?

In order to meet with the small groups, the rest of the class has to be kept quiet. The Chromebooks are the easiest way to accomplish that.

It's kindergarten. Mixed ability classes are going to be inevitable. And in my experience parents are always happy with tracking as long as their kid is not in the low performing classroom

What do you mean by tracking? Related: Does MCPS have kindergartners do standardized assessments on the Chromebook?

Yes. Kindergartners take MAP testing on their Chromebooks.

New to MCPS here. What is MAP testing for kindergartners?

MAP is a thrice-yearly test (although K might only take it twice) that tests mastery/exposure to material. Primarily, it is meant as a tool for teachers to demonstrate growth over time and to identify sub-areas where a student may need additional support.

They will identify where they need extra support but not actually give that support in class. Our MS found students lacking in foundational math and English skills from as far back as 3rd grade. Those teachers said “we don’t have time to teach those skills” so instead parents and other content area teachers are required to supervise kids working online on IXL. It’s really sad that MCPS doesn’t acknowledge the full effects of the pandemic and simply expects “business as usual”. Imagine if teachers were allowed to meet students where they are.

I work at a MS school. No teacher made comments such as those. Name your school if this is true, bc I also know middle school teachers county wide. This did NOT happen at their schools either.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm wondering if some folks on this thread have ever had their mids in MCPS. For what it is worth, my current 4th grader only used the Chromebooks for cumulative tests + about 15 minutes/day of literacy games per day up until this year.

This year, they are only using it for cumulative assessments + leveled literacy homework with assigned texts plus comprehension questions.

Honestly, it's not much time with the computer at all, and they are still getting spelling worksheets and math homework to complete by hand. It's not that much different than how I learned as a kid, in the mostly pre-computer age. Back then, most of our work was online and we were allowed to play Oregon Trail for about 15 mins in between stations. That's what my kid is doing now as well.

Two things:

1) It is possible that different elementary schools use Chromebooks more or less than others.

2) Was your child not in virtual school for over a year? That was 6 hours on a Chromebook. I find it hard to believe when you say your child only spent around 15 minutes on the Chromebook and he/she is in 4th grade. For at least a year, it was was way more than that.

I have 3 kids in MCPS and used to volunteer in the classroom a ton before Covid. The teachers rely very heavily on the Chromebooks, whether it is as a way to keep kids quiet while in small groups or as a way to do assignments. You’re fortunate if what you say is true. My oldest is now in high school, and she finally seems to be doing more stuff with paper and pencil. Thank goodness.

I wasn't counting the covid year because that's not really relevant to the actual experience of MCPS today in 2022. Once school returned in March 2021 (so, my child's 2nd grade year), the teachers worked very hard to keep them offline as much as possible. I'm sorry if that' wasn't your experience, but some of the other folks on this thread seem to have very little experience with public school, and are just looking for an excuse to talk up/justify their "superior" decision-making in choosing private.

I don’t really get that impression at all. We can’t afford private, so we stick it out with MCPS. But talking to parents who DO have kids in private school is interesting to me. Provides another perspective. I have no ill will against parents who switch to private. Especially after Covid, we know of so many families who decided private is better for them.

I think we all do what works for us. You sound like you feel an excessive amount of animosity towards families who choose private school.

Regardless, excessive screen time is most definitely an issue in MCPS.

Really don't understand why parents who are truly happy with their education in private school have to come troll the public school boards to brag about it. I spend zero time on the private and homeschooling it's because I'm happy with my kids education and I don't really feel any desire to go out of my lane and brag about it. Maybe it's actually private school recruiters masquerading as parents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm wondering if some folks on this thread have ever had their mids in MCPS. For what it is worth, my current 4th grader only used the Chromebooks for cumulative tests + about 15 minutes/day of literacy games per day up until this year.

This year, they are only using it for cumulative assessments + leveled literacy homework with assigned texts plus comprehension questions.

Honestly, it's not much time with the computer at all, and they are still getting spelling worksheets and math homework to complete by hand. It's not that much different than how I learned as a kid, in the mostly pre-computer age. Back then, most of our work was online and we were allowed to play Oregon Trail for about 15 mins in between stations. That's what my kid is doing now as well.

Two things:

1) It is possible that different elementary schools use Chromebooks more or less than others.

2) Was your child not in virtual school for over a year? That was 6 hours on a Chromebook. I find it hard to believe when you say your child only spent around 15 minutes on the Chromebook and he/she is in 4th grade. For at least a year, it was was way more than that.

I have 3 kids in MCPS and used to volunteer in the classroom a ton before Covid. The teachers rely very heavily on the Chromebooks, whether it is as a way to keep kids quiet while in small groups or as a way to do assignments. You’re fortunate if what you say is true. My oldest is now in high school, and she finally seems to be doing more stuff with paper and pencil. Thank goodness.

I wasn't counting the covid year because that's not really relevant to the actual experience of MCPS today in 2022. Once school returned in March 2021 (so, my child's 2nd grade year), the teachers worked very hard to keep them offline as much as possible. I'm sorry if that' wasn't your experience, but some of the other folks on this thread seem to have very little experience with public school, and are just looking for an excuse to talk up/justify their "superior" decision-making in choosing private.

I don’t really get that impression at all. We can’t afford private, so we stick it out with MCPS. But talking to parents who DO have kids in private school is interesting to me. Provides another perspective. I have no ill will against parents who switch to private. Especially after Covid, we know of so many families who decided private is better for them.

I think we all do what works for us. You sound like you feel an excessive amount of animosity towards families who choose private school.

Regardless, excessive screen time is most definitely an issue in MCPS.

Really don't understand why parents who are truly happy with their education in private school have to come troll the public school boards to brag about it. I spend zero time on the private and homeschooling it's because I'm happy with my kids education and I don't really feel any desire to go out of my lane and brag about it. Maybe it's actually private school recruiters masquerading as parents.

Do you realize how pathetic you sound? Can you really not imagine that someone might be able to see why someone made a different choice?

Also, private schools don’t need to stoop so low as to try to drum up applicants by masquerading as parents on here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was worried about this, but as a K mom now its not actually a big deal. in my kids class they use it for a short time in school every other day. The games (starship?) are fun and have a small educational element. frankly my kid does need to figure out where letters and keys are on a keyboard (instead of, say, learning cursive) because that is the reality they will deal with in life.

also the libby app for library books online is great for reading new and different books to my kids every night. i don't see a big difference between using that app and holding a physical book except they can instantly pick out a new one (for free!)

Oh my gosh the Libby app is amazing. My kid is a voracious reader and I love letting her get new books with out making a trip to the library. My younger kid loves the books that will read out loud and show the corresponding page, with the words highlighted as they are read. Obviously we read lots of traditional books together but these are great. Not all screens are created equal!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was worried about this, but as a K mom now its not actually a big deal. in my kids class they use it for a short time in school every other day. The games (starship?) are fun and have a small educational element. frankly my kid does need to figure out where letters and keys are on a keyboard (instead of, say, learning cursive) because that is the reality they will deal with in life.

also the libby app for library books online is great for reading new and different books to my kids every night. i don't see a big difference between using that app and holding a physical book except they can instantly pick out a new one (for free!)

Oh my gosh the Libby app is amazing. My kid is a voracious reader and I love letting her get new books with out making a trip to the library. My younger kid loves the books that will read out loud and show the corresponding page, with the words highlighted as they are read. Obviously we read lots of traditional books together but these are great. Not all screens are created equal!

Great. Some of it is good. Most of what MCPS uses is crap.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm wondering if some folks on this thread have ever had their mids in MCPS. For what it is worth, my current 4th grader only used the Chromebooks for cumulative tests + about 15 minutes/day of literacy games per day up until this year.

This year, they are only using it for cumulative assessments + leveled literacy homework with assigned texts plus comprehension questions.

Honestly, it's not much time with the computer at all, and they are still getting spelling worksheets and math homework to complete by hand. It's not that much different than how I learned as a kid, in the mostly pre-computer age. Back then, most of our work was online and we were allowed to play Oregon Trail for about 15 mins in between stations. That's what my kid is doing now as well.

Two things:

1) It is possible that different elementary schools use Chromebooks more or less than others.

2) Was your child not in virtual school for over a year? That was 6 hours on a Chromebook. I find it hard to believe when you say your child only spent around 15 minutes on the Chromebook and he/she is in 4th grade. For at least a year, it was was way more than that.

I have 3 kids in MCPS and used to volunteer in the classroom a ton before Covid. The teachers rely very heavily on the Chromebooks, whether it is as a way to keep kids quiet while in small groups or as a way to do assignments. You’re fortunate if what you say is true. My oldest is now in high school, and she finally seems to be doing more stuff with paper and pencil. Thank goodness.

I wasn't counting the covid year because that's not really relevant to the actual experience of MCPS today in 2022. Once school returned in March 2021 (so, my child's 2nd grade year), the teachers worked very hard to keep them offline as much as possible. I'm sorry if that' wasn't your experience, but some of the other folks on this thread seem to have very little experience with public school, and are just looking for an excuse to talk up/justify their "superior" decision-making in choosing private.

I don’t really get that impression at all. We can’t afford private, so we stick it out with MCPS. But talking to parents who DO have kids in private school is interesting to me. Provides another perspective. I have no ill will against parents who switch to private. Especially after Covid, we know of so many families who decided private is better for them.

I think we all do what works for us. You sound like you feel an excessive amount of animosity towards families who choose private school.

Regardless, excessive screen time is most definitely an issue in MCPS.

Really don't understand why parents who are truly happy with their education in private school have to come troll the public school boards to brag about it. I spend zero time on the private and homeschooling it's because I'm happy with my kids education and I don't really feel any desire to go out of my lane and brag about it. Maybe it's actually private school recruiters masquerading as parents.

Do you realize how pathetic you sound? Can you really not imagine that someone might be able to see why someone made a different choice?

Also, private schools don’t need to stoop so low as to try to drum up applicants by masquerading as parents on here.

Ah, ha! Proof in the denial!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What are some of the websites the kids use? If you’re a kindergarten parent, how have teachers explained the approach of using screen time for instruction to you?

They're on the apps that the teacher has on their page--like Epic, Happy numbers, etc. they aren't surfing the net or allowed to get YouTube.

That said, it's way too much screen time. But they do it early for testing (kids can barely get through MAP testing if they don't know how to use the computer) and it allows teachers to pull small groups because the rest of the class is pacified by the computer

MCPS pushes for mixed-ability classroom in the name of ‘Equity’. What do you expect the teacher to do?

In order to meet with the small groups, the rest of the class has to be kept quiet. The Chromebooks are the easiest way to accomplish that.

It's kindergarten. Mixed ability classes are going to be inevitable. And in my experience parents are always happy with tracking as long as their kid is not in the low performing classroom

What do you mean by tracking? Related: Does MCPS have kindergartners do standardized assessments on the Chromebook?

Yes. Kindergartners take MAP testing on their Chromebooks.

New to MCPS here. What is MAP testing for kindergartners?

MAP is a thrice-yearly test (although K might only take it twice) that tests mastery/exposure to material. Primarily, it is meant as a tool for teachers to demonstrate growth over time and to identify sub-areas where a student may need additional support.

My kindergartner took it three times last year, although we were only provided scores for math, not reading.

I think the score for reading was really complicated so it wasn't really shared out with parents

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm wondering if some folks on this thread have ever had their mids in MCPS. For what it is worth, my current 4th grader only used the Chromebooks for cumulative tests + about 15 minutes/day of literacy games per day up until this year.

This year, they are only using it for cumulative assessments + leveled literacy homework with assigned texts plus comprehension questions.

Honestly, it's not much time with the computer at all, and they are still getting spelling worksheets and math homework to complete by hand. It's not that much different than how I learned as a kid, in the mostly pre-computer age. Back then, most of our work was online and we were allowed to play Oregon Trail for about 15 mins in between stations. That's what my kid is doing now as well.

Two things:

1) It is possible that different elementary schools use Chromebooks more or less than others.

2) Was your child not in virtual school for over a year? That was 6 hours on a Chromebook. I find it hard to believe when you say your child only spent around 15 minutes on the Chromebook and he/she is in 4th grade. For at least a year, it was was way more than that.

I have 3 kids in MCPS and used to volunteer in the classroom a ton before Covid. The teachers rely very heavily on the Chromebooks, whether it is as a way to keep kids quiet while in small groups or as a way to do assignments. You’re fortunate if what you say is true. My oldest is now in high school, and she finally seems to be doing more stuff with paper and pencil. Thank goodness.

I wasn't counting the covid year because that's not really relevant to the actual experience of MCPS today in 2022. Once school returned in March 2021 (so, my child's 2nd grade year), the teachers worked very hard to keep them offline as much as possible. I'm sorry if that' wasn't your experience, but some of the other folks on this thread seem to have very little experience with public school, and are just looking for an excuse to talk up/justify their "superior" decision-making in choosing private.

I don’t really get that impression at all. We can’t afford private, so we stick it out with MCPS. But talking to parents who DO have kids in private school is interesting to me. Provides another perspective. I have no ill will against parents who switch to private. Especially after Covid, we know of so many families who decided private is better for them.

I think we all do what works for us. You sound like you feel an excessive amount of animosity towards families who choose private school.

Regardless, excessive screen time is most definitely an issue in MCPS.

Really don't understand why parents who are truly happy with their education in private school have to come troll the public school boards to brag about it. I spend zero time on the private and homeschooling it's because I'm happy with my kids education and I don't really feel any desire to go out of my lane and brag about it. Maybe it's actually private school recruiters masquerading as parents.

Do you realize how pathetic you sound? Can you really not imagine that someone might be able to see why someone made a different choice?

Also, private schools don’t need to stoop so low as to try to drum up applicants by masquerading as parents on here.

I think it's weird that private school parents are constantly advertising private school on a public school forum.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What are some of the websites the kids use? If you’re a kindergarten parent, how have teachers explained the approach of using screen time for instruction to you?

They're on the apps that the teacher has on their page--like Epic, Happy numbers, etc. they aren't surfing the net or allowed to get YouTube.

That said, it's way too much screen time. But they do it early for testing (kids can barely get through MAP testing if they don't know how to use the computer) and it allows teachers to pull small groups because the rest of the class is pacified by the computer

MCPS pushes for mixed-ability classroom in the name of ‘Equity’. What do you expect the teacher to do?

In order to meet with the small groups, the rest of the class has to be kept quiet. The Chromebooks are the easiest way to accomplish that.

It's kindergarten. Mixed ability classes are going to be inevitable. And in my experience parents are always happy with tracking as long as their kid is not in the low performing classroom

What do you mean by tracking? Related: Does MCPS have kindergartners do standardized assessments on the Chromebook?

Yes. Kindergartners take MAP testing on their Chromebooks.

New to MCPS here. What is MAP testing for kindergartners?

MAP is a thrice-yearly test (although K might only take it twice) that tests mastery/exposure to material. Primarily, it is meant as a tool for teachers to demonstrate growth over time and to identify sub-areas where a student may need additional support.

They will identify where they need extra support but not actually give that support in class. Our MS found students lacking in foundational math and English skills from as far back as 3rd grade. Those teachers said “we don’t have time to teach those skills” so instead parents and other content area teachers are required to supervise kids working online on IXL. It’s really sad that MCPS doesn’t acknowledge the full effects of the pandemic and simply expects “business as usual”. Imagine if teachers were allowed to meet students where they are.

My school implemented intervention groups that focus on skills that students were missing and kids on or above grade level get enrichment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm wondering if some folks on this thread have ever had their mids in MCPS. For what it is worth, my current 4th grader only used the Chromebooks for cumulative tests + about 15 minutes/day of literacy games per day up until this year.

This year, they are only using it for cumulative assessments + leveled literacy homework with assigned texts plus comprehension questions.

Honestly, it's not much time with the computer at all, and they are still getting spelling worksheets and math homework to complete by hand. It's not that much different than how I learned as a kid, in the mostly pre-computer age. Back then, most of our work was online and we were allowed to play Oregon Trail for about 15 mins in between stations. That's what my kid is doing now as well.

Two things:

1) It is possible that different elementary schools use Chromebooks more or less than others.

2) Was your child not in virtual school for over a year? That was 6 hours on a Chromebook. I find it hard to believe when you say your child only spent around 15 minutes on the Chromebook and he/she is in 4th grade. For at least a year, it was was way more than that.

I have 3 kids in MCPS and used to volunteer in the classroom a ton before Covid. The teachers rely very heavily on the Chromebooks, whether it is as a way to keep kids quiet while in small groups or as a way to do assignments. You’re fortunate if what you say is true. My oldest is now in high school, and she finally seems to be doing more stuff with paper and pencil. Thank goodness.

I wasn't counting the covid year because that's not really relevant to the actual experience of MCPS today in 2022. Once school returned in March 2021 (so, my child's 2nd grade year), the teachers worked very hard to keep them offline as much as possible. I'm sorry if that' wasn't your experience, but some of the other folks on this thread seem to have very little experience with public school, and are just looking for an excuse to talk up/justify their "superior" decision-making in choosing private.

I don’t really get that impression at all. We can’t afford private, so we stick it out with MCPS. But talking to parents who DO have kids in private school is interesting to me. Provides another perspective. I have no ill will against parents who switch to private. Especially after Covid, we know of so many families who decided private is better for them.

I think we all do what works for us. You sound like you feel an excessive amount of animosity towards families who choose private school.

Regardless, excessive screen time is most definitely an issue in MCPS.

Really don't understand why parents who are truly happy with their education in private school have to come troll the public school boards to brag about it. I spend zero time on the private and homeschooling it's because I'm happy with my kids education and I don't really feel any desire to go out of my lane and brag about it. Maybe it's actually private school recruiters masquerading as parents.

Do you realize how pathetic you sound? Can you really not imagine that someone might be able to see why someone made a different choice?

Also, private schools don’t need to stoop so low as to try to drum up applicants by masquerading as parents on here.

I think it's weird that private school parents are constantly advertising private school on a public school forum.

Someone asked a question about private school. I answered it. I don’t care if any of you apply to private school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm wondering if some folks on this thread have ever had their mids in MCPS. For what it is worth, my current 4th grader only used the Chromebooks for cumulative tests + about 15 minutes/day of literacy games per day up until this year.

This year, they are only using it for cumulative assessments + leveled literacy homework with assigned texts plus comprehension questions.

Honestly, it's not much time with the computer at all, and they are still getting spelling worksheets and math homework to complete by hand. It's not that much different than how I learned as a kid, in the mostly pre-computer age. Back then, most of our work was online and we were allowed to play Oregon Trail for about 15 mins in between stations. That's what my kid is doing now as well.

Two things:

1) It is possible that different elementary schools use Chromebooks more or less than others.

2) Was your child not in virtual school for over a year? That was 6 hours on a Chromebook. I find it hard to believe when you say your child only spent around 15 minutes on the Chromebook and he/she is in 4th grade. For at least a year, it was was way more than that.

I have 3 kids in MCPS and used to volunteer in the classroom a ton before Covid. The teachers rely very heavily on the Chromebooks, whether it is as a way to keep kids quiet while in small groups or as a way to do assignments. You’re fortunate if what you say is true. My oldest is now in high school, and she finally seems to be doing more stuff with paper and pencil. Thank goodness.

I wasn't counting the covid year because that's not really relevant to the actual experience of MCPS today in 2022. Once school returned in March 2021 (so, my child's 2nd grade year), the teachers worked very hard to keep them offline as much as possible. I'm sorry if that' wasn't your experience, but some of the other folks on this thread seem to have very little experience with public school, and are just looking for an excuse to talk up/justify their "superior" decision-making in choosing private.

I don’t really get that impression at all. We can’t afford private, so we stick it out with MCPS. But talking to parents who DO have kids in private school is interesting to me. Provides another perspective. I have no ill will against parents who switch to private. Especially after Covid, we know of so many families who decided private is better for them.

I think we all do what works for us. You sound like you feel an excessive amount of animosity towards families who choose private school.

Regardless, excessive screen time is most definitely an issue in MCPS.

Really don't understand why parents who are truly happy with their education in private school have to come troll the public school boards to brag about it. I spend zero time on the private and homeschooling it's because I'm happy with my kids education and I don't really feel any desire to go out of my lane and brag about it. Maybe it's actually private school recruiters masquerading as parents.

Do you realize how pathetic you sound? Can you really not imagine that someone might be able to see why someone made a different choice?

Also, private schools don’t need to stoop so low as to try to drum up applicants by masquerading as parents on here.

Ah, ha! Proof in the denial!

You’re right! I work for a private school and WE ARE DESPERATE!!!!