Differences in what a kid is allowed to take

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OMG you sound horrible. Why does it matter and why do you feel so entitled to an exception? This will make no difference to your child's happiness.

STUDENTS ARE ALLOWED TO TAKE ANY CLASS AS LONG AS THEY HAVE THE PREREQUISITES.

There is no MCPS rule that mandates a particular order. It's just that by convention, kids start with regular or Honors Bio, and move on from there, because most kids aren't taking advanced math. The game changes entirely if the kid is advanced in math, because then they can take any class in any order. The College Board recommends taking a preparatory class before AP Chem and AP Bio (usually the Honors version of same), but that is not an MCPS requirement, so if the kid feels strongly about it, they can insist they want to enroll in the class anyway. AP Physics C (or the other, simpler one) do not have prerequisites apart from Calculus.

Do not weigh in if you don't know what you are talking about. There is no entitlement here. OP and family are savvy people, that's all!

OP, email the counselor yourself today. I had to do that many times to discuss advanced coursework for my kid.

Unfortunately, this drags down the AP classes. No, your middle school science class and lack of lab experience do not prepare you adequately to be a strong participant in either AP Bio or AP Chem, even if you end up scoring OK in the end. The teacher absolutely has to make up for these shortfalls in preparation.

This is idiotic. AP labs are cookbook recipes, not nuclear fission. And no one in the post is talking about skipping pre-AP Bio or Chem anyway. (BTW, my DD did skip pre-AP Chem, and got an A and a 5 on the AP exam.)

[Anonymous]

There is no reason other than class capacity that a kid can't take Physics if they have the prerequisites.

This is also how MCPS holds back students to make Blair look good, imho. If the counselor isn't letting your kid take the course, I'd go on NextDoor and contact Jason Mack. He may have some advice for you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There is no reason other than class capacity that a kid can't take Physics if they have the prerequisites.

This is also how MCPS holds back students to make Blair look good, imho. If the counselor isn't letting your kid take the course, I'd go on NextDoor and contact Jason Mack. He may have some advice for you.

Why would your local school principal lower their own students' achievement just to make Blair look better? That's insane conspiracy thinking.

If you said they do it to close the achievement gap between races at the local school, that would align with MCPS published goals and metrics.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The bigger issue is that being the only 9th grader with all juniors and seniors is not usually a fun experience for the 9th grader.

It's a terrible experience for the juniors and seniors. Who wants to parter with a 9th grader?

exactly
my 8th grader is psyched whenever they are in the same class or extracurricular activity with HS kids

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OMG you sound horrible. Why does it matter and why do you feel so entitled to an exception? This will make no difference to your child's happiness.

STUDENTS ARE ALLOWED TO TAKE ANY CLASS AS LONG AS THEY HAVE THE PREREQUISITES.

There is no MCPS rule that mandates a particular order. It's just that by convention, kids start with regular or Honors Bio, and move on from there, because most kids aren't taking advanced math. The game changes entirely if the kid is advanced in math, because then they can take any class in any order. The College Board recommends taking a preparatory class before AP Chem and AP Bio (usually the Honors version of same), but that is not an MCPS requirement, so if the kid feels strongly about it, they can insist they want to enroll in the class anyway. AP Physics C (or the other, simpler one) do not have prerequisites apart from Calculus.

Do not weigh in if you don't know what you are talking about. There is no entitlement here. OP and family are savvy people, that's all!

OP, email the counselor yourself today. I had to do that many times to discuss advanced coursework for my kid.

Unfortunately, this drags down the AP classes. No, your middle school science class and lack of lab experience do not prepare you adequately to be a strong participant in either AP Bio or AP Chem, even if you end up scoring OK in the end. The teacher absolutely has to make up for these shortfalls in preparation.

"Best students are dragging down AP classes". This is a new one. If only no one was ever accelerated the teaching level would be sooo incredibly high!

It does drag it down. Just because a little middle school kid coming into high school thinks they know the subject doesn’t mean they will be successful in an advanced science class with experienced high schoolers. NO upperclassman wants to partnered or work with an underclassman. The teacher doesn’t know how much they truly know. But they do know what the upperclassman know. Why would you put your kid in that, I don’t know. Parents are seriously so obtuse sometimes. There is more to school than just getting a good grade. Apparently parents should run the system because they clearly understand pedagogy. 🙄

[Anonymous]

There is quite a wide range of knowledge and ability that overlaps age brackets. Half the kids in that AP class are "dragging it down".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OMG you sound horrible. Why does it matter and why do you feel so entitled to an exception? This will make no difference to your child's happiness.

STUDENTS ARE ALLOWED TO TAKE ANY CLASS AS LONG AS THEY HAVE THE PREREQUISITES.

There is no MCPS rule that mandates a particular order. It's just that by convention, kids start with regular or Honors Bio, and move on from there, because most kids aren't taking advanced math. The game changes entirely if the kid is advanced in math, because then they can take any class in any order. The College Board recommends taking a preparatory class before AP Chem and AP Bio (usually the Honors version of same), but that is not an MCPS requirement, so if the kid feels strongly about it, they can insist they want to enroll in the class anyway. AP Physics C (or the other, simpler one) do not have prerequisites apart from Calculus.

Do not weigh in if you don't know what you are talking about. There is no entitlement here. OP and family are savvy people, that's all!

OP, email the counselor yourself today. I had to do that many times to discuss advanced coursework for my kid.

Unfortunately, this drags down the AP classes. No, your middle school science class and lack of lab experience do not prepare you adequately to be a strong participant in either AP Bio or AP Chem, even if you end up scoring OK in the end. The teacher absolutely has to make up for these shortfalls in preparation.

"Best students are dragging down AP classes". This is a new one. If only no one was ever accelerated the teaching level would be sooo incredibly high!

It does drag it down. Just because a little middle school kid coming into high school thinks they know the subject doesn’t mean they will be successful in an advanced science class with experienced high schoolers. NO upperclassman wants to partnered or work with an underclassman. The teacher doesn’t know how much they truly know. But they do know what the upperclassman know. Why would you put your kid in that, I don’t know. Parents are seriously so obtuse sometimes. There is more to school than just getting a good grade. Apparently parents should run the system because they clearly understand pedagogy. 🙄

They way you are running it, it would likely be an improvement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OMG you sound horrible. Why does it matter and why do you feel so entitled to an exception? This will make no difference to your child's happiness.

STUDENTS ARE ALLOWED TO TAKE ANY CLASS AS LONG AS THEY HAVE THE PREREQUISITES.

There is no MCPS rule that mandates a particular order. It's just that by convention, kids start with regular or Honors Bio, and move on from there, because most kids aren't taking advanced math. The game changes entirely if the kid is advanced in math, because then they can take any class in any order. The College Board recommends taking a preparatory class before AP Chem and AP Bio (usually the Honors version of same), but that is not an MCPS requirement, so if the kid feels strongly about it, they can insist they want to enroll in the class anyway. AP Physics C (or the other, simpler one) do not have prerequisites apart from Calculus.

Do not weigh in if you don't know what you are talking about. There is no entitlement here. OP and family are savvy people, that's all!

OP, email the counselor yourself today. I had to do that many times to discuss advanced coursework for my kid.

Unfortunately, this drags down the AP classes. No, your middle school science class and lack of lab experience do not prepare you adequately to be a strong participant in either AP Bio or AP Chem, even if you end up scoring OK in the end. The teacher absolutely has to make up for these shortfalls in preparation.

"Best students are dragging down AP classes". This is a new one. If only no one was ever accelerated the teaching level would be sooo incredibly high!

It does drag it down. Just because a little middle school kid coming into high school thinks they know the subject doesn’t mean they will be successful in an advanced science class with experienced high schoolers. NO upperclassman wants to partnered or work with an underclassman. The teacher doesn’t know how much they truly know. But they do know what the upperclassman know. Why would you put your kid in that, I don’t know. Parents are seriously so obtuse sometimes. There is more to school than just getting a good grade. Apparently parents should run the system because they clearly understand pedagogy. 🙄

They way you are running it, it would likely be an improvement.

Go for it then.

[Anonymous]

MCPS is a system of schools, not a school system. Principals can do whatever they want and they aren’t afraid to tell you that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OMG you sound horrible. Why does it matter and why do you feel so entitled to an exception? This will make no difference to your child's happiness.

STUDENTS ARE ALLOWED TO TAKE ANY CLASS AS LONG AS THEY HAVE THE PREREQUISITES.

There is no MCPS rule that mandates a particular order. It's just that by convention, kids start with regular or Honors Bio, and move on from there, because most kids aren't taking advanced math. The game changes entirely if the kid is advanced in math, because then they can take any class in any order. The College Board recommends taking a preparatory class before AP Chem and AP Bio (usually the Honors version of same), but that is not an MCPS requirement, so if the kid feels strongly about it, they can insist they want to enroll in the class anyway. AP Physics C (or the other, simpler one) do not have prerequisites apart from Calculus.

Do not weigh in if you don't know what you are talking about. There is no entitlement here. OP and family are savvy people, that's all!

OP, email the counselor yourself today. I had to do that many times to discuss advanced coursework for my kid.

Unfortunately, this drags down the AP classes. No, your middle school science class and lack of lab experience do not prepare you adequately to be a strong participant in either AP Bio or AP Chem, even if you end up scoring OK in the end. The teacher absolutely has to make up for these shortfalls in preparation.

"Best students are dragging down AP classes". This is a new one. If only no one was ever accelerated the teaching level would be sooo incredibly high!

Even smart kids need background knowledge and lab experience to effectively benefit from college level classes. If they don’t have that, the teachers are forced to teach high school level classes. Sorry- it is just true - AP teacher

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OMG you sound horrible. Why does it matter and why do you feel so entitled to an exception? This will make no difference to your child's happiness.

STUDENTS ARE ALLOWED TO TAKE ANY CLASS AS LONG AS THEY HAVE THE PREREQUISITES.

There is no MCPS rule that mandates a particular order. It's just that by convention, kids start with regular or Honors Bio, and move on from there, because most kids aren't taking advanced math. The game changes entirely if the kid is advanced in math, because then they can take any class in any order. The College Board recommends taking a preparatory class before AP Chem and AP Bio (usually the Honors version of same), but that is not an MCPS requirement, so if the kid feels strongly about it, they can insist they want to enroll in the class anyway. AP Physics C (or the other, simpler one) do not have prerequisites apart from Calculus.

Do not weigh in if you don't know what you are talking about. There is no entitlement here. OP and family are savvy people, that's all!

OP, email the counselor yourself today. I had to do that many times to discuss advanced coursework for my kid.

Unfortunately, this drags down the AP classes. No, your middle school science class and lack of lab experience do not prepare you adequately to be a strong participant in either AP Bio or AP Chem, even if you end up scoring OK in the end. The teacher absolutely has to make up for these shortfalls in preparation.

"Best students are dragging down AP classes". This is a new one. If only no one was ever accelerated the teaching level would be sooo incredibly high!

Even smart kids need background knowledge and lab experience to effectively benefit from college level classes. If they don’t have that, the teachers are forced to teach high school level classes. Sorry- it is just true - AP teacher

How many of your AP students burned the classroom with the Bunsen burner, or drank the cup of acid?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OMG you sound horrible. Why does it matter and why do you feel so entitled to an exception? This will make no difference to your child's happiness.

STUDENTS ARE ALLOWED TO TAKE ANY CLASS AS LONG AS THEY HAVE THE PREREQUISITES.

There is no MCPS rule that mandates a particular order. It's just that by convention, kids start with regular or Honors Bio, and move on from there, because most kids aren't taking advanced math. The game changes entirely if the kid is advanced in math, because then they can take any class in any order. The College Board recommends taking a preparatory class before AP Chem and AP Bio (usually the Honors version of same), but that is not an MCPS requirement, so if the kid feels strongly about it, they can insist they want to enroll in the class anyway. AP Physics C (or the other, simpler one) do not have prerequisites apart from Calculus.

Do not weigh in if you don't know what you are talking about. There is no entitlement here. OP and family are savvy people, that's all!

OP, email the counselor yourself today. I had to do that many times to discuss advanced coursework for my kid.

Unfortunately, this drags down the AP classes. No, your middle school science class and lack of lab experience do not prepare you adequately to be a strong participant in either AP Bio or AP Chem, even if you end up scoring OK in the end. The teacher absolutely has to make up for these shortfalls in preparation.

"Best students are dragging down AP classes". This is a new one. If only no one was ever accelerated the teaching level would be sooo incredibly high!

Even smart kids need background knowledge and lab experience to effectively benefit from college level classes. If they don’t have that, the teachers are forced to teach high school level classes. Sorry- it is just true - AP teacher

Get real. You are not dumbing down your classes because of a handful of highly accelerated students. You are dumbing it down because your average student is not that bright, despite ostensibly having relevant experience and prerequisites.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OMG you sound horrible. Why does it matter and why do you feel so entitled to an exception? This will make no difference to your child's happiness.

STUDENTS ARE ALLOWED TO TAKE ANY CLASS AS LONG AS THEY HAVE THE PREREQUISITES.

There is no MCPS rule that mandates a particular order. It's just that by convention, kids start with regular or Honors Bio, and move on from there, because most kids aren't taking advanced math. The game changes entirely if the kid is advanced in math, because then they can take any class in any order. The College Board recommends taking a preparatory class before AP Chem and AP Bio (usually the Honors version of same), but that is not an MCPS requirement, so if the kid feels strongly about it, they can insist they want to enroll in the class anyway. AP Physics C (or the other, simpler one) do not have prerequisites apart from Calculus.

Do not weigh in if you don't know what you are talking about. There is no entitlement here. OP and family are savvy people, that's all!

OP, email the counselor yourself today. I had to do that many times to discuss advanced coursework for my kid.

Unfortunately, this drags down the AP classes. No, your middle school science class and lack of lab experience do not prepare you adequately to be a strong participant in either AP Bio or AP Chem, even if you end up scoring OK in the end. The teacher absolutely has to make up for these shortfalls in preparation.

"Best students are dragging down AP classes". This is a new one. If only no one was ever accelerated the teaching level would be sooo incredibly high!

Even smart kids need background knowledge and lab experience to effectively benefit from college level classes. If they don’t have that, the teachers are forced to teach high school level classes. Sorry- it is just true - AP teacher

Get real. You are not dumbing down your classes because of a handful of highly accelerated students. You are dumbing it down because your average student is not that bright, despite ostensibly having relevant experience and prerequisites.

Ok Jan 🙄

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OMG you sound horrible. Why does it matter and why do you feel so entitled to an exception? This will make no difference to your child's happiness.

STUDENTS ARE ALLOWED TO TAKE ANY CLASS AS LONG AS THEY HAVE THE PREREQUISITES.

There is no MCPS rule that mandates a particular order. It's just that by convention, kids start with regular or Honors Bio, and move on from there, because most kids aren't taking advanced math. The game changes entirely if the kid is advanced in math, because then they can take any class in any order. The College Board recommends taking a preparatory class before AP Chem and AP Bio (usually the Honors version of same), but that is not an MCPS requirement, so if the kid feels strongly about it, they can insist they want to enroll in the class anyway. AP Physics C (or the other, simpler one) do not have prerequisites apart from Calculus.

Do not weigh in if you don't know what you are talking about. There is no entitlement here. OP and family are savvy people, that's all!

OP, email the counselor yourself today. I had to do that many times to discuss advanced coursework for my kid.

Unfortunately, this drags down the AP classes. No, your middle school science class and lack of lab experience do not prepare you adequately to be a strong participant in either AP Bio or AP Chem, even if you end up scoring OK in the end. The teacher absolutely has to make up for these shortfalls in preparation.

"Best students are dragging down AP classes". This is a new one. If only no one was ever accelerated the teaching level would be sooo incredibly high!

Even smart kids need background knowledge and lab experience to effectively benefit from college level classes. If they don’t have that, the teachers are forced to teach high school level classes. Sorry- it is just true - AP teacher

Get real. You are not dumbing down your classes because of a handful of highly accelerated students. You are dumbing it down because your average student is not that bright, despite ostensibly having relevant experience and prerequisites.

They are dumbing it down as its easier for them. Last year in Bio there were zero labs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OMG you sound horrible. Why does it matter and why do you feel so entitled to an exception? This will make no difference to your child's happiness.

STUDENTS ARE ALLOWED TO TAKE ANY CLASS AS LONG AS THEY HAVE THE PREREQUISITES.

There is no MCPS rule that mandates a particular order. It's just that by convention, kids start with regular or Honors Bio, and move on from there, because most kids aren't taking advanced math. The game changes entirely if the kid is advanced in math, because then they can take any class in any order. The College Board recommends taking a preparatory class before AP Chem and AP Bio (usually the Honors version of same), but that is not an MCPS requirement, so if the kid feels strongly about it, they can insist they want to enroll in the class anyway. AP Physics C (or the other, simpler one) do not have prerequisites apart from Calculus.

Do not weigh in if you don't know what you are talking about. There is no entitlement here. OP and family are savvy people, that's all!

OP, email the counselor yourself today. I had to do that many times to discuss advanced coursework for my kid.

Unfortunately, this drags down the AP classes. No, your middle school science class and lack of lab experience do not prepare you adequately to be a strong participant in either AP Bio or AP Chem, even if you end up scoring OK in the end. The teacher absolutely has to make up for these shortfalls in preparation.

"Best students are dragging down AP classes". This is a new one. If only no one was ever accelerated the teaching level would be sooo incredibly high!

Even smart kids need background knowledge and lab experience to effectively benefit from college level classes. If they don’t have that, the teachers are forced to teach high school level classes. Sorry- it is just true - AP teacher

Get real. You are not dumbing down your classes because of a handful of highly accelerated students. You are dumbing it down because your average student is not that bright, despite ostensibly having relevant experience and prerequisites.

They are dumbing it down as its easier for them. Last year in Bio there were zero labs.

Are there more labs in AP Bio (it's double period so you would think but since this is mcps, not sure), or in IB Bio?