So is the Walls cut-off this year a 4.0?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:are electives (art, music, gym) included in the calculation?

or just the 5 core classes?

-math
-ELA
-history
-science
-foreign language

Everything that has a grade is input into GPA.

Here is how they calculated GPA: https://enrolldcps.dc.gov/sites/dcpsenrollment/files/page_content/attachments/SWW%20GPA%20Scale_SY%2022-23%20Admissions%20Update%20FINAL.pdf

It doesn't make a difference a SWW since the cutoff was almost 4.0, but the footnote infuriates me.

*Note: In response to the COVID-19 health emergency DCPS has prioritized equity and rigor in our
grading policies to ensure all students are supported academically as they navigate the challenges of the
pandemic. For SY19-20, SY20-21, and SY21-22 DCPS has modified its grading policy so that students who
earn a “C” and/or “D” grade will see it displayed on their transcript as passing grades of “P,” indicating
that a student demonstrated proficiency in the course.

Homogenizing a C and D and pretending like both "demonstrated proficiency" illustrates the degree to which DCPS is just passing kids along in the system and setting them up for failure.

Sample 7th grade report report card for DCPS:

Grade-level Math: D (shows up as "P")
Grade-level English: D
Grade-level Science: D
Grade-level Social Studies: D
Grade-level Foreign Language: D
Art: A
PE: A

For “equity” reasons, this student has a 4.0 GPA and receives an interview at Walls.

Sample 7th grade report card for DC charter school:

Advanced Math: 90% (A-)
Advanced English: 90% (A-)
Advanced Science: 90% (A-)
Advanced Social Studies: 90% (A-)
Advanced Foreign Language: 90% (A-)
Art: 98% (A)
PE: 98% (A)

This student receives no “equity” bump and has a 3.7 GPA and is denied an interview at Walls.

Does anyone really think that Walls is accepting the best and brightest in DC under the current admission system?

A "P" is counted as a C+, not omitted.

Source?

Just a little reading and you can find anything....https://enrolldcps.dc.gov/sites/dcpsenrollment/files/page_content/attachments/SWW%20GPA%20Scale_SY%2022-23%20Admissions%20Update%20FINAL.pdf

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are charter school D’s converted to a C+ or just DCPS schools?

Also this grade inflation is truly shameful. Talk about doing kids a disservice. HELP THEM if they’re getting D’s. Don’t just pretend it’s not happening.

It doesn’t matter if charter Ds are converted to C+, because the cutoff is 3.87.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are charter school D’s converted to a C+ or just DCPS schools?

Also this grade inflation is truly shameful. Talk about doing kids a disservice. HELP THEM if they’re getting D’s. Don’t just pretend it’s not happening.

It's everywhere-public, private, etc. I wonder how universities handle it when the kids get there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:are electives (art, music, gym) included in the calculation?

or just the 5 core classes?

-math
-ELA
-history
-science
-foreign language

Everything that has a grade is input into GPA.

Here is how they calculated GPA: https://enrolldcps.dc.gov/sites/dcpsenrollment/files/page_content/attachments/SWW%20GPA%20Scale_SY%2022-23%20Admissions%20Update%20FINAL.pdf

It doesn't make a difference a SWW since the cutoff was almost 4.0, but the footnote infuriates me.

*Note: In response to the COVID-19 health emergency DCPS has prioritized equity and rigor in our
grading policies to ensure all students are supported academically as they navigate the challenges of the
pandemic. For SY19-20, SY20-21, and SY21-22 DCPS has modified its grading policy so that students who
earn a “C” and/or “D” grade will see it displayed on their transcript as passing grades of “P,” indicating
that a student demonstrated proficiency in the course.

Homogenizing a C and D and pretending like both "demonstrated proficiency" illustrates the degree to which DCPS is just passing kids along in the system and setting them up for failure.

Sample 7th grade report report card for DCPS:

Grade-level Math: D (shows up as "P")
Grade-level English: D
Grade-level Science: D
Grade-level Social Studies: D
Grade-level Foreign Language: D
Art: A
PE: A

For “equity” reasons, this student has a 4.0 GPA and receives an interview at Walls.

Sample 7th grade report card for DC charter school:

Advanced Math: 90% (A-)
Advanced English: 90% (A-)
Advanced Science: 90% (A-)
Advanced Social Studies: 90% (A-)
Advanced Foreign Language: 90% (A-)
Art: 98% (A)
PE: 98% (A)

This student receives no “equity” bump and has a 3.7 GPA and is denied an interview at Walls.

Does anyone really think that Walls is accepting the best and brightest in DC under the current admission system?

....Not the way it works.

The current system is used as a proxy for behavior/learning disabilities. They are using grades to get kids who are well behaved and who don't need supports. They are NOT getting the best or highest achieving from an academic standpoint. And they are fine with that. They actually prefer it--as a parent of two students who have gone through the school, what they want is "easy" kids. Kids who are very high achievers are not easy to educate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:are electives (art, music, gym) included in the calculation?

or just the 5 core classes?

-math
-ELA
-history
-science
-foreign language

Everything that has a grade is input into GPA.

Here is how they calculated GPA: https://enrolldcps.dc.gov/sites/dcpsenrollment/files/page_content/attachments/SWW%20GPA%20Scale_SY%2022-23%20Admissions%20Update%20FINAL.pdf

It doesn't make a difference a SWW since the cutoff was almost 4.0, but the footnote infuriates me.

*Note: In response to the COVID-19 health emergency DCPS has prioritized equity and rigor in our
grading policies to ensure all students are supported academically as they navigate the challenges of the
pandemic. For SY19-20, SY20-21, and SY21-22 DCPS has modified its grading policy so that students who
earn a “C” and/or “D” grade will see it displayed on their transcript as passing grades of “P,” indicating
that a student demonstrated proficiency in the course.

Homogenizing a C and D and pretending like both "demonstrated proficiency" illustrates the degree to which DCPS is just passing kids along in the system and setting them up for failure.

Sample 7th grade report report card for DCPS:

Grade-level Math: D (shows up as "P")
Grade-level English: D
Grade-level Science: D
Grade-level Social Studies: D
Grade-level Foreign Language: D
Art: A
PE: A

For “equity” reasons, this student has a 4.0 GPA and receives an interview at Walls.

Sample 7th grade report card for DC charter school:

Advanced Math: 90% (A-)
Advanced English: 90% (A-)
Advanced Science: 90% (A-)
Advanced Social Studies: 90% (A-)
Advanced Foreign Language: 90% (A-)
Art: 98% (A)
PE: 98% (A)

This student receives no “equity” bump and has a 3.7 GPA and is denied an interview at Walls.

Does anyone really think that Walls is accepting the best and brightest in DC under the current admission system?

....Not the way it works.

The current system is used as a proxy for behavior/learning disabilities. They are using grades to get kids who are well behaved and who don't need supports. They are NOT getting the best or highest achieving from an academic standpoint. And they are fine with that. They actually prefer it--as a parent of two students who have gone through the school, what they want is "easy" kids. Kids who are very high achievers are not easy to educate.[i

Oh my..Tell that to teachers that have to deal with disruptions daily. High Achieving and well behaved are normally traits that appear together. Very bizarre...

[Anonymous]

And if they’re weeding out kids with special needs, regardless of whether they’re high-performing, then they’re discriminating.

Signed mom of a highly-gifted, academically-motivated kid with ASD who’s at the top of her current class, yet who may not get into Walls due to the interview. Same child would definitely get accepted into a test-in program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:And if they’re weeding out kids with special needs, regardless of whether they’re high-performing, then they’re discriminating.

Signed mom of a highly-gifted, academically-motivated kid with ASD who’s at the top of her current class, yet who may not get into Walls due to the interview. Same child would definitely get accepted into a test-in program.

Then you should have moved to Maryland or Virginia where she could apply to a test-in program. Stop shouting into the wind. This is on YOU!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And if they’re weeding out kids with special needs, regardless of whether they’re high-performing, then they’re discriminating.

Signed mom of a highly-gifted, academically-motivated kid with ASD who’s at the top of her current class, yet who may not get into Walls due to the interview. Same child would definitely get accepted into a test-in program.

Then you should have moved to Maryland or Virginia where she could apply to a test-in program. Stop shouting into the wind. This is on YOU!

SWW was partially a test-in program and, when it was, the grade cutoffs were lower. They dropped it during COVID and haven't brought it back. Programs in MD and VA have also been in flux. This was not something you could have planned for.

But the complete neglect of smart kids who aren't zoned for JR within DCPS - that all of the options are a total lottery, and if you lose your only option is a school where your kid will be multiple years ahead of their classmates - is articulated pretty well by "screw you, move".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And if they’re weeding out kids with special needs, regardless of whether they’re high-performing, then they’re discriminating.

Signed mom of a highly-gifted, academically-motivated kid with ASD who’s at the top of her current class, yet who may not get into Walls due to the interview. Same child would definitely get accepted into a test-in program.

Then you should have moved to Maryland or Virginia where she could apply to a test-in program. Stop shouting into the wind. This is on YOU!

You realize that it isn't just possible for people to MOVE TO MD or VA?!! (shouting because you did)

-moving itself is expensive
-many people live with elderly parents or in a family home in DC and can't give this up for rent in VA/MD
-people don't have cars in DC but would need one in MD or VA (another cost)
-people have multiple kids who are in multiple DC schools--including kids in daycare, PK, etc.

I work as a caseworker and I'd say 95% of kids/families I work with can't just "move to VA or MD". That is such a elitist bubble thing to suggest.
It actually angers me that you say it so flippantly.

These kids deserve a decent option for high achievers in DC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And if they’re weeding out kids with special needs, regardless of whether they’re high-performing, then they’re discriminating.

Signed mom of a highly-gifted, academically-motivated kid with ASD who’s at the top of her current class, yet who may not get into Walls due to the interview. Same child would definitely get accepted into a test-in program.

Then you should have moved to Maryland or Virginia where she could apply to a test-in program. Stop shouting into the wind. This is on YOU!

SWW was partially a test-in program and, when it was, the grade cutoffs were lower. They dropped it during COVID and haven't brought it back. Programs in MD and VA have also been in flux. This was not something you could have planned for.

But the complete neglect of smart kids who aren't zoned for JR within DCPS - that all of the options are a total lottery, and if you lose your only option is a school where your kid will be multiple years ahead of their classmates - is articulated pretty well by "screw you, move".

Walls hasn’t had a test-in component since 2019. You’ve had 4 years to plan for this possibility.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And if they’re weeding out kids with special needs, regardless of whether they’re high-performing, then they’re discriminating.

Signed mom of a highly-gifted, academically-motivated kid with ASD who’s at the top of her current class, yet who may not get into Walls due to the interview. Same child would definitely get accepted into a test-in program.

Then you should have moved to Maryland or Virginia where she could apply to a test-in program. Stop shouting into the wind. This is on YOU!

You realize that it isn't just possible for people to MOVE TO MD or VA?!! (shouting because you did)

-moving itself is expensive
-many people live with elderly parents or in a family home in DC and can't give this up for rent in VA/MD
-people don't have cars in DC but would need one in MD or VA (another cost)
-people have multiple kids who are in multiple DC schools--including kids in daycare, PK, etc.

I work as a caseworker and I'd say 95% of kids/families I work with can't just "move to VA or MD". That is such a elitist bubble thing to suggest.
It actually angers me that you say it so flippantly.

These kids deserve a decent option for high achievers in DC.

ALL students deserve good educational options, but we both know that life isn’t fair. Poor(er) people have never/will never have the same options as wealthier people in this country. Welcome to a capitalist economy.

Unfortunately, if you can’t move or afford private for a better education, then your options are limited. Walls cannot accept every deserving student.

[Anonymous]

I understand the anger and anxiety, but I don’t actually know of any high-potential kid who applied to Walls, Banneker, and MT and struck out. My own 99th percentile kid was below the GPA cutoff at Walls but accepted at Banneker. (Of course Banneker didn’t have the test scores but I assume it came across in the teacher recommendations.) And I know there’s a parent on here whose kid wanted Banneker and didn’t get an interview, but was accepted at Walls. And I think in the end each of us thinks our kid wound up in the right place, even though of course as parents we all wish our wonderful kids were wanted everywhere by everyone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And if they’re weeding out kids with special needs, regardless of whether they’re high-performing, then they’re discriminating.

Signed mom of a highly-gifted, academically-motivated kid with ASD who’s at the top of her current class, yet who may not get into Walls due to the interview. Same child would definitely get accepted into a test-in program.

Then you should have moved to Maryland or Virginia where she could apply to a test-in program. Stop shouting into the wind. This is on YOU!

SWW was partially a test-in program and, when it was, the grade cutoffs were lower. They dropped it during COVID and haven't brought it back. Programs in MD and VA have also been in flux. This was not something you could have planned for.

But the complete neglect of smart kids who aren't zoned for JR within DCPS - that all of the options are a total lottery, and if you lose your only option is a school where your kid will be multiple years ahead of their classmates - is articulated pretty well by "screw you, move".

Walls hasn’t had a test-in component since 2019. You’ve had 4 years to plan for this possibility.

They dropped it because of COVID. It was entirely reasonable to think it would come back. We still have no idea if/when it will come back or what other districts in the area are going to do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And if they’re weeding out kids with special needs, regardless of whether they’re high-performing, then they’re discriminating.

Signed mom of a highly-gifted, academically-motivated kid with ASD who’s at the top of her current class, yet who may not get into Walls due to the interview. Same child would definitely get accepted into a test-in program.

Then you should have moved to Maryland or Virginia where she could apply to a test-in program. Stop shouting into the wind. This is on YOU!

You realize that it isn't just possible for people to MOVE TO MD or VA?!! (shouting because you did)

-moving itself is expensive
-many people live with elderly parents or in a family home in DC and can't give this up for rent in VA/MD
-people don't have cars in DC but would need one in MD or VA (another cost)
-people have multiple kids who are in multiple DC schools--including kids in daycare, PK, etc.

I work as a caseworker and I'd say 95% of kids/families I work with can't just "move to VA or MD". That is such a elitist bubble thing to suggest.
It actually angers me that you say it so flippantly.

These kids deserve a decent option for high achievers in DC.

ALL students deserve good educational options, but we both know that life isn’t fair. Poor(er) people have never/will never have the same options as wealthier people in this country. Welcome to a capitalist economy.

Unfortunately, if you can’t move or afford private for a better education, then your options are limited. Walls cannot accept every deserving student.

There were 180 kids who got 5s in 7th grade math last year. A handful more probably were taking algebra and getting a 4 or 5, but not a lot. Many of them are not applying to SWW because they want to go to JR or they're happy at BASIS. So, I don't know, maybe start with those kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And if they’re weeding out kids with special needs, regardless of whether they’re high-performing, then they’re discriminating.

Signed mom of a highly-gifted, academically-motivated kid with ASD who’s at the top of her current class, yet who may not get into Walls due to the interview. Same child would definitely get accepted into a test-in program.

Then you should have moved to Maryland or Virginia where she could apply to a test-in program. Stop shouting into the wind. This is on YOU!

You realize that it isn't just possible for people to MOVE TO MD or VA?!! (shouting because you did)

-moving itself is expensive
-many people live with elderly parents or in a family home in DC and can't give this up for rent in VA/MD
-people don't have cars in DC but would need one in MD or VA (another cost)
-people have multiple kids who are in multiple DC schools--including kids in daycare, PK, etc.

I work as a caseworker and I'd say 95% of kids/families I work with can't just "move to VA or MD". That is such a elitist bubble thing to suggest.
It actually angers me that you say it so flippantly.

These kids deserve a decent option for high achievers in DC.

ALL students deserve good educational options, but we both know that life isn’t fair. Poor(er) people have never/will never have the same options as wealthier people in this country. Welcome to a capitalist economy.

Unfortunately, if you can’t move or afford private for a better education, then your options are limited. Walls cannot accept every deserving student.

There were 180 kids who got 5s in 7th grade math last year. A handful more probably were taking algebra and getting a 4 or 5, but not a lot. Many of them are not applying to SWW because they want to go to JR or they're happy at BASIS. So, I don't know, maybe start with those kids.

In all of DC? Whoa - that seems low??