I definitely see value in offering a few unique specialty programs at some high schools like they do today. For example, one or two high schools might focus on medical, another on engineering, and another on something entirely different. That way, students can explore their interests and follow their goals. But the test-in magnet programs? Those should be phased out—they create unnecessary barriers and inequities. |
| There are a lot of advantages to how the DCC works. The DCC is able to offer a bounty of HS programs that don't exist anywhere else in MCPS because of school choice and IME it really helps prepare kids for life after graduation in the field of their choosing. |
What do you mean? What barriers and in what way are they creating inequities? |
It creates an uneven system where some schools get more resources, advanced classes, and peer motivation, while others (especially the non-Ws and high FARMs schools) are left with fewer opportunities. It also tends to separate students by achievement level—and often by race and income—which can make schools less diverse and inclusive. When strong students and involved families leave, for some schools, it really weakens the sense of community and support. |
The randomness was removed by the lottery AFTER MCPS expanded the inclusion of students who would not have made it to the Magnet programs if only academic or standardized tests were the criteria. And they did this only to increase Diversity in the magnet class. If this is not DEI, then what is it? |
The randomness of the lottery is what protects them. Whatever the reasons for moving to it. They absolutely will not get rid of it now because it gets them as close to the outcomes they want in a manner they can defend. They are not hand selecting students. You would do better to advocate to change the criteria for who will be entered into the lottery than to advocate for an end of the lottery. |
So you’re good with a racist lottery? |
DP. The lottery is race-blind. |
This, I wish we realized our school didn't offer advanced classes. I would have chosen another school. My kid cannot get the classes they need in jr. and senior years as they maxed out in certain subjects. |
No it isn’t. |
+1 |
It is. |
High achievers don't wish. They choose where they live after doing extensive research into the school their children will attend. This is a great example of why all the efforts and money spent trying to bridge the achievement gap fail. Achievement is something you learn and is fostered through parenting. Period. The schools can't teach it. |
It might be race blind, but locally norm, putting kids who scored 85 percentile in the pool with kids scored 99 percentile did open the pool to more race. And 85 percentile is picked over 99 percentile through lottery.. such a joke! |
Exactly, the lottery, if held, should only be between all the 99 percenters. |