MCPS- feedback on how math and literacy are taught

[Anonymous]

Hi-- I am trying to figure out where I want my kiddos to go to school (currently in a rental) and am interested to hear experiences with how MCPS does with teaching reading and math. Would you describe it as progressive? Like, is Kindergarten glorified pre-k or is it legit learning? I'm pretty sure its legit learning in K right? FWIW, we live in Rockville/Potomac area. I know there are larger than preferred class sizes but beyond that, Im really looking to hear how people feel about the curriculum and how it is taught.

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

K is the new 1st grade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:K is the new 1st grade.

No its not, its a dumbed down curriculum as most kids are in play based preschools that don't teach at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi-- I am trying to figure out where I want my kiddos to go to school (currently in a rental) and am interested to hear experiences with how MCPS does with teaching reading and math. Would you describe it as progressive? Like, is Kindergarten glorified pre-k or is it legit learning? I'm pretty sure its legit learning in K right? FWIW, we live in Rockville/Potomac area. I know there are larger than preferred class sizes but beyond that, Im really looking to hear how people feel about the curriculum and how it is taught.

Thank you!

Progressive:

Math: very slow and painful - more worried about teaching 20 ways to do it vs. just getting it done and learning math facts

Reading: very basic

We supplement heavily at home. No spelling, very basic math and reading and minimal science and history.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:K is the new 1st grade.

No its not, its a dumbed down curriculum as most kids are in play based preschools that don't teach at all.

Which is th way it should be. Play based until age 7 is best for families with educated parents and resources.

[Anonymous]

Like for those of you with kindergarteners, are they counting by tens and learning soft words each week right now?

[Anonymous]

50% of MCPS parents think it's too slow and 50% think it's too fast.

[Anonymous]

Our K in MCPS is very academic. Not play-based and instead focused on reading/math. Definitely like 1st grade when I was a kid. No centers. Our schedule is:

90 minutes reading workshop
60 minutes math workshop
30 mins writing workshop
lunch/recess
social studies/science
special or extended social studies/science

I personally would like a more play-based model, but if you are looking for one that emphasizes academics, then this is probably a good fit for you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:50% of MCPS parents think it's too slow and 50% think it's too fast.

50% that thinks it is slow is also breaking the ceiling on the achievement gap much to MCPS dismay!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our K in MCPS is very academic. Not play-based and instead focused on reading/math. Definitely like 1st grade when I was a kid. No centers. Our schedule is:

90 minutes reading workshop
60 minutes math workshop
30 mins writing workshop
lunch/recess
social studies/science
special or extended social studies/science

I personally would like a more play-based model, but if you are looking for one that emphasizes academics, then this is probably a good fit for you.

Thanks- can you share which school?

[Anonymous]

There is heavy emphasis in K-3rd to teach kids a buzzillion ways to do addition and subtraction so it does feel slow. Then once you get to 4th, it goes much, much faster but this time they teach them a buzzillion ways to do multiplication/division.
I like how my kid can do addition/subtraction with big numbers basically in her head quickly with no problem. She's so much better in math than I was in 4th grade obviously many many years ago; and I was a product of a good private school then eventually MOCO public. I just wish there are text books.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:50% of MCPS parents think it's too slow and 50% think it's too fast.

Yeah I guess it all depends on the child and what work best for them.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thx for the feedback. I dont necessarily want material to be fast or dumbed down. Just wondering how peoeple like the curriculum and how people like how its being taught.

[Anonymous]

The curriculum is based on the common core.

[Anonymous]

Ok if anyone else has any feedback on how math and reading specifically are taught in the early years (k-3), please share your experiences. Thanks!