Support the Montgomery Virtual Academy (MVA) from Budget Cuts!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was reading through the report and noticed that the FARMS rate for MVA students is 43.1%. Why is the FARMS rate so high for MVA students? My own experience in working with low income families, is that these are the kids that most need to be in in-person school. Poverty is already isolating for children, it is counterproductive to isolate them more.

I think it depends on the school and the home environment Virtual school in structured home setting is a far better alternative than a chaotic school with out of control students, fights, revolving door of teachers, that many FARM students have to endure.

What schools in MCPS are as you described? Can you name them? I teach at one of the lowest ranked high schools in MCPS and it is nothing like you describe. Yes, some teachers leave every year but there is hardly a revolving door. Yes, fights happen but they are perhaps once a month. Yes, there is truancy but also plenty of kids who come every day and want to learn. Why are you exaggerating? Kids who are motivated and want to learn can still get an excellent educational experience at our school

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Educator here. The fact is that research indicates that young people, especially elementary school kids, do not learn well from zoom. Effective learning is active rather than passive. That is how we are wired to learn. Taking a class virtually here and there is okay but having your entire education online is problematic. Are there a few exceptions? Of course. But public education cannot be built around exceptions.

Can you give us the MCPS data from the last two years to prove your facts?

Ah yes, the "the data for the most recent 2 years will show a miraculous turnaround in student achievement, if only MCPS wasn't conspiring against us personally by not releasing this earth-shatteringly great news for the MVA" argument.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Educator here. The fact is that research indicates that young people, especially elementary school kids, do not learn well from zoom. Effective learning is active rather than passive. That is how we are wired to learn. Taking a class virtually here and there is okay but having your entire education online is problematic. Are there a few exceptions? Of course. But public education cannot be built around exceptions.

Former virtual academy educator here. I had some of the most motivated and excited-to- learn students I’ve ever had in my classes. It was an incredible experience. My students learned VERY well. Most likely because all I did was teach! I had no behavior issues, very few distractions, and a mandatory study hall at the end of the day. Many students essentially had one-on-one tutoring almost daily. And I did have one student with a IEP that did come for help every single day. She also had a speech impediment. Do you tiny she would have been brave enough to ask for help everyday in person? Would her teacher be available everyday? Absolutely not. I have taught in both situations. Students at the VA flourish. Please do not speak for all students. This program is an excellent resource that provides an education for those who can’t do their best in a loud, crowded, fast-paced environment such as an overcrowded public middle or high school. No student will fall through the cracks in the VA. They are tracked constantly. Staff constantly are in communication with families. Why shouldn’t we support these students? Why aren’t you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Educator here. The fact is that research indicates that young people, especially elementary school kids, do not learn well from zoom. Effective learning is active rather than passive. That is how we are wired to learn. Taking a class virtually here and there is okay but having your entire education online is problematic. Are there a few exceptions? Of course. But public education cannot be built around exceptions.

Former virtual academy educator here. I had some of the most motivated and excited-to- learn students I’ve ever had in my classes. It was an incredible experience. My students learned VERY well. Most likely because all I did was teach! I had no behavior issues, very few distractions, and a mandatory study hall at the end of the day. Many students essentially had one-on-one tutoring almost daily. And I did have one student with a IEP that did come for help every single day. She also had a speech impediment. Do you tiny she would have been brave enough to ask for help everyday in person? Would her teacher be available everyday? Absolutely not. I have taught in both situations. Students at the VA flourish. Please do not speak for all students. This program is an excellent resource that provides an education for those who can’t do their best in a loud, crowded, fast-paced environment such as an overcrowded public middle or high school. No student will fall through the cracks in the VA. They are tracked constantly. Staff constantly are in communication with families. Why shouldn’t we support these students? Why aren’t you?

Look, this sounds incredible and I'd also be mad if my child was losing the chance have a private school experience at public expense. However, it is a public expense, and using taxpayer funds to provide an elite few with a bespoke educational experience is neither wise, nor equitable, nor frankly defensible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Educator here. The fact is that research indicates that young people, especially elementary school kids, do not learn well from zoom. Effective learning is active rather than passive. That is how we are wired to learn. Taking a class virtually here and there is okay but having your entire education online is problematic. Are there a few exceptions? Of course. But public education cannot be built around exceptions.

Former virtual academy educator here. I had some of the most motivated and excited-to- learn students I’ve ever had in my classes. It was an incredible experience. My students learned VERY well. Most likely because all I did was teach! I had no behavior issues, very few distractions, and a mandatory study hall at the end of the day. Many students essentially had one-on-one tutoring almost daily. And I did have one student with a IEP that did come for help every single day. She also had a speech impediment. Do you tiny she would have been brave enough to ask for help everyday in person? Would her teacher be available everyday? Absolutely not. I have taught in both situations. Students at the VA flourish. Please do not speak for all students. This program is an excellent resource that provides an education for those who can’t do their best in a loud, crowded, fast-paced environment such as an overcrowded public middle or high school. No student will fall through the cracks in the VA. They are tracked constantly. Staff constantly are in communication with families. Why shouldn’t we support these students? Why aren’t you?

Look, this sounds incredible and I'd also be mad if my child was losing the chance have a private school experience at public expense. However, it is a public expense, and using taxpayer funds to provide an elite few with a bespoke educational experience is neither wise, nor equitable, nor frankly defensible.

You don’t get it - there’s a waitlist!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Educator here. The fact is that research indicates that young people, especially elementary school kids, do not learn well from zoom. Effective learning is active rather than passive. That is how we are wired to learn. Taking a class virtually here and there is okay but having your entire education online is problematic. Are there a few exceptions? Of course. But public education cannot be built around exceptions.

Former virtual academy educator here. I had some of the most motivated and excited-to- learn students I’ve ever had in my classes. It was an incredible experience. My students learned VERY well. Most likely because all I did was teach! I had no behavior issues, very few distractions, and a mandatory study hall at the end of the day. Many students essentially had one-on-one tutoring almost daily. And I did have one student with a IEP that did come for help every single day. She also had a speech impediment. Do you tiny she would have been brave enough to ask for help everyday in person? Would her teacher be available everyday? Absolutely not. I have taught in both situations. Students at the VA flourish. Please do not speak for all students. This program is an excellent resource that provides an education for those who can’t do their best in a loud, crowded, fast-paced environment such as an overcrowded public middle or high school. No student will fall through the cracks in the VA. They are tracked constantly. Staff constantly are in communication with families. Why shouldn’t we support these students? Why aren’t you?

Look, this sounds incredible and I'd also be mad if my child was losing the chance have a private school experience at public expense. However, it is a public expense, and using taxpayer funds to provide an elite few with a bespoke educational experience is neither wise, nor equitable, nor frankly defensible.

It’s open to all that applied. I’m sorry that your child isn’t getting a resource that works best for them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Educator here. The fact is that research indicates that young people, especially elementary school kids, do not learn well from zoom. Effective learning is active rather than passive. That is how we are wired to learn. Taking a class virtually here and there is okay but having your entire education online is problematic. Are there a few exceptions? Of course. But public education cannot be built around exceptions.

Former virtual academy educator here. I had some of the most motivated and excited-to- learn students I’ve ever had in my classes. It was an incredible experience. My students learned VERY well. Most likely because all I did was teach! I had no behavior issues, very few distractions, and a mandatory study hall at the end of the day. Many students essentially had one-on-one tutoring almost daily. And I did have one student with a IEP that did come for help every single day. She also had a speech impediment. Do you tiny she would have been brave enough to ask for help everyday in person? Would her teacher be available everyday? Absolutely not. I have taught in both situations. Students at the VA flourish. Please do not speak for all students. This program is an excellent resource that provides an education for those who can’t do their best in a loud, crowded, fast-paced environment such as an overcrowded public middle or high school. No student will fall through the cracks in the VA. They are tracked constantly. Staff constantly are in communication with families. Why shouldn’t we support these students? Why aren’t you?

Look, this sounds incredible and I'd also be mad if my child was losing the chance have a private school experience at public expense. However, it is a public expense, and using taxpayer funds to provide an elite few with a bespoke educational experience is neither wise, nor equitable, nor frankly defensible.

PP, I agree with you. This should not be publicly funded. There are virtual private school options just as there are in-person private school options. I don't care how much it costs, this should not be funded through taxpayer money. There was a time for it, and that time has passed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Educator here. The fact is that research indicates that young people, especially elementary school kids, do not learn well from zoom. Effective learning is active rather than passive. That is how we are wired to learn. Taking a class virtually here and there is okay but having your entire education online is problematic. Are there a few exceptions? Of course. But public education cannot be built around exceptions.

Former virtual academy educator here. I had some of the most motivated and excited-to- learn students I’ve ever had in my classes. It was an incredible experience. My students learned VERY well. Most likely because all I did was teach! I had no behavior issues, very few distractions, and a mandatory study hall at the end of the day. Many students essentially had one-on-one tutoring almost daily. And I did have one student with a IEP that did come for help every single day. She also had a speech impediment. Do you tiny she would have been brave enough to ask for help everyday in person? Would her teacher be available everyday? Absolutely not. I have taught in both situations. Students at the VA flourish. Please do not speak for all students. This program is an excellent resource that provides an education for those who can’t do their best in a loud, crowded, fast-paced environment such as an overcrowded public middle or high school. No student will fall through the cracks in the VA. They are tracked constantly. Staff constantly are in communication with families. Why shouldn’t we support these students? Why aren’t you?

Look, this sounds incredible and I'd also be mad if my child was losing the chance have a private school experience at public expense. However, it is a public expense, and using taxpayer funds to provide an elite few with a bespoke educational experience is neither wise, nor equitable, nor frankly defensible.

PP, I agree with you. This should not be publicly funded. There are virtual private school options just as there are in-person private school options. I don't care how much it costs, this should not be funded through taxpayer money. There was a time for it, and that time has passed.

Yes, everyone would prefer these families advocate for accommodations for these children in private placements and we will be happy to pay for that. Of course, it will be more expensive than MVA but that is fine. As long as the children are not educated in a way we hate. We are happy to pay more for their education if we can get them where we never see them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Educator here. The fact is that research indicates that young people, especially elementary school kids, do not learn well from zoom. Effective learning is active rather than passive. That is how we are wired to learn. Taking a class virtually here and there is okay but having your entire education online is problematic. Are there a few exceptions? Of course. But public education cannot be built around exceptions.

Former virtual academy educator here. I had some of the most motivated and excited-to- learn students I’ve ever had in my classes. It was an incredible experience. My students learned VERY well. Most likely because all I did was teach! I had no behavior issues, very few distractions, and a mandatory study hall at the end of the day. Many students essentially had one-on-one tutoring almost daily. And I did have one student with a IEP that did come for help every single day. She also had a speech impediment. Do you tiny she would have been brave enough to ask for help everyday in person? Would her teacher be available everyday? Absolutely not. I have taught in both situations. Students at the VA flourish. Please do not speak for all students. This program is an excellent resource that provides an education for those who can’t do their best in a loud, crowded, fast-paced environment such as an overcrowded public middle or high school. No student will fall through the cracks in the VA. They are tracked constantly. Staff constantly are in communication with families. Why shouldn’t we support these students? Why aren’t you?

Look, this sounds incredible and I'd also be mad if my child was losing the chance have a private school experience at public expense. However, it is a public expense, and using taxpayer funds to provide an elite few with a bespoke educational experience is neither wise, nor equitable, nor frankly defensible.

PP, I agree with you. This should not be publicly funded. There are virtual private school options just as there are in-person private school options. I don't care how much it costs, this should not be funded through taxpayer money. There was a time for it, and that time has passed.

But. There is not. I don’t want my taxes to go towards sports that take away from educational priorities. I don’t want public funds to go towards artificial football turfs. I don’t want public funds to go towards a big meeting space for the board that is not used on a daily basis. I don’t want public funds to go towards any new initiatives. Or meals or travel for CO staff. That’s just a start. We all don’t get what we want with public funds.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Educator here. The fact is that research indicates that young people, especially elementary school kids, do not learn well from zoom. Effective learning is active rather than passive. That is how we are wired to learn. Taking a class virtually here and there is okay but having your entire education online is problematic. Are there a few exceptions? Of course. But public education cannot be built around exceptions.

Former virtual academy educator here. I had some of the most motivated and excited-to- learn students I’ve ever had in my classes. It was an incredible experience. My students learned VERY well. Most likely because all I did was teach! I had no behavior issues, very few distractions, and a mandatory study hall at the end of the day. Many students essentially had one-on-one tutoring almost daily. And I did have one student with a IEP that did come for help every single day. She also had a speech impediment. Do you tiny she would have been brave enough to ask for help everyday in person? Would her teacher be available everyday? Absolutely not. I have taught in both situations. Students at the VA flourish. Please do not speak for all students. This program is an excellent resource that provides an education for those who can’t do their best in a loud, crowded, fast-paced environment such as an overcrowded public middle or high school. No student will fall through the cracks in the VA. They are tracked constantly. Staff constantly are in communication with families. Why shouldn’t we support these students? Why aren’t you?

Look, this sounds incredible and I'd also be mad if my child was losing the chance have a private school experience at public expense. However, it is a public expense, and using taxpayer funds to provide an elite few with a bespoke educational experience is neither wise, nor equitable, nor frankly defensible.

PP, I agree with you. This should not be publicly funded. There are virtual private school options just as there are in-person private school options. I don't care how much it costs, this should not be funded through taxpayer money. There was a time for it, and that time has passed.

But. There is not. I don’t want my taxes to go towards sports that take away from educational priorities. I don’t want public funds to go towards artificial football turfs. I don’t want public funds to go towards a big meeting space for the board that is not used on a daily basis. I don’t want public funds to go towards any new initiatives. Or meals or travel for CO staff. That’s just a start. We all don’t get what we want with public funds.

We don't all get what we want. We get what our elected representative choose, which is no MVA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Educator here. The fact is that research indicates that young people, especially elementary school kids, do not learn well from zoom. Effective learning is active rather than passive. That is how we are wired to learn. Taking a class virtually here and there is okay but having your entire education online is problematic. Are there a few exceptions? Of course. But public education cannot be built around exceptions.

Former virtual academy educator here. I had some of the most motivated and excited-to- learn students I’ve ever had in my classes. It was an incredible experience. My students learned VERY well. Most likely because all I did was teach! I had no behavior issues, very few distractions, and a mandatory study hall at the end of the day. Many students essentially had one-on-one tutoring almost daily. And I did have one student with a IEP that did come for help every single day. She also had a speech impediment. Do you tiny she would have been brave enough to ask for help everyday in person? Would her teacher be available everyday? Absolutely not. I have taught in both situations. Students at the VA flourish. Please do not speak for all students. This program is an excellent resource that provides an education for those who can’t do their best in a loud, crowded, fast-paced environment such as an overcrowded public middle or high school. No student will fall through the cracks in the VA. They are tracked constantly. Staff constantly are in communication with families. Why shouldn’t we support these students? Why aren’t you?

Look, this sounds incredible and I'd also be mad if my child was losing the chance have a private school experience at public expense. However, it is a public expense, and using taxpayer funds to provide an elite few with a bespoke educational experience is neither wise, nor equitable, nor frankly defensible.

PP, I agree with you. This should not be publicly funded. There are virtual private school options just as there are in-person private school options. I don't care how much it costs, this should not be funded through taxpayer money. There was a time for it, and that time has passed.

Yes, everyone would prefer these families advocate for accommodations for these children in private placements and we will be happy to pay for that. Of course, it will be more expensive than MVA but that is fine. As long as the children are not educated in a way we hate. We are happy to pay more for their education if we can get them where we never see them.

Exactly. The contempt dripping from this person’s keyboard must be very viscous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Educator here. The fact is that research indicates that young people, especially elementary school kids, do not learn well from zoom. Effective learning is active rather than passive. That is how we are wired to learn. Taking a class virtually here and there is okay but having your entire education online is problematic. Are there a few exceptions? Of course. But public education cannot be built around exceptions.

Former virtual academy educator here. I had some of the most motivated and excited-to- learn students I’ve ever had in my classes. It was an incredible experience. My students learned VERY well. Most likely because all I did was teach! I had no behavior issues, very few distractions, and a mandatory study hall at the end of the day. Many students essentially had one-on-one tutoring almost daily. And I did have one student with a IEP that did come for help every single day. She also had a speech impediment. Do you tiny she would have been brave enough to ask for help everyday in person? Would her teacher be available everyday? Absolutely not. I have taught in both situations. Students at the VA flourish. Please do not speak for all students. This program is an excellent resource that provides an education for those who can’t do their best in a loud, crowded, fast-paced environment such as an overcrowded public middle or high school. No student will fall through the cracks in the VA. They are tracked constantly. Staff constantly are in communication with families. Why shouldn’t we support these students? Why aren’t you?

Look, this sounds incredible and I'd also be mad if my child was losing the chance have a private school experience at public expense. However, it is a public expense, and using taxpayer funds to provide an elite few with a bespoke educational experience is neither wise, nor equitable, nor frankly defensible.

PP, I agree with you. This should not be publicly funded. There are virtual private school options just as there are in-person private school options. I don't care how much it costs, this should not be funded through taxpayer money. There was a time for it, and that time has passed.

But. There is not. I don’t want my taxes to go towards sports that take away from educational priorities. I don’t want public funds to go towards artificial football turfs. I don’t want public funds to go towards a big meeting space for the board that is not used on a daily basis. I don’t want public funds to go towards any new initiatives. Or meals or travel for CO staff. That’s just a start. We all don’t get what we want with public funds.

We don't all get what we want. We get what our elected representative choose, which is no MVA.

Which is why we are allowed to advocate for what WE want. We don’t care about your schools or taking away programs from your children. If your “elected rep” took away a precious magnet program in a W school you all would be on speed dial to the governor. Get real Linda.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was reading through the report and noticed that the FARMS rate for MVA students is 43.1%. Why is the FARMS rate so high for MVA students? My own experience in working with low income families, is that these are the kids that most need to be in in-person school. Poverty is already isolating for children, it is counterproductive to isolate them more.

I think it depends on the school and the home environment Virtual school in structured home setting is a far better alternative than a chaotic school with out of control students, fights, revolving door of teachers, that many FARM students have to endure.

What schools in MCPS are as you described? Can you name them? I teach at one of the lowest ranked high schools in MCPS and it is nothing like you describe. Yes, some teachers leave every year but there is hardly a revolving door. Yes, fights happen but they are perhaps once a month. Yes, there is truancy but also plenty of kids who come every day and want to learn. Why are you exaggerating? Kids who are motivated and want to learn can still get an excellent educational experience at our school

Fights are not once a month.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Educator here. The fact is that research indicates that young people, especially elementary school kids, do not learn well from zoom. Effective learning is active rather than passive. That is how we are wired to learn. Taking a class virtually here and there is okay but having your entire education online is problematic. Are there a few exceptions? Of course. But public education cannot be built around exceptions.

Former virtual academy educator here. I had some of the most motivated and excited-to- learn students I’ve ever had in my classes. It was an incredible experience. My students learned VERY well. Most likely because all I did was teach! I had no behavior issues, very few distractions, and a mandatory study hall at the end of the day. Many students essentially had one-on-one tutoring almost daily. And I did have one student with a IEP that did come for help every single day. She also had a speech impediment. Do you tiny she would have been brave enough to ask for help everyday in person? Would her teacher be available everyday? Absolutely not. I have taught in both situations. Students at the VA flourish. Please do not speak for all students. This program is an excellent resource that provides an education for those who can’t do their best in a loud, crowded, fast-paced environment such as an overcrowded public middle or high school. No student will fall through the cracks in the VA. They are tracked constantly. Staff constantly are in communication with families. Why shouldn’t we support these students? Why aren’t you?

Look, this sounds incredible and I'd also be mad if my child was losing the chance have a private school experience at public expense. However, it is a public expense, and using taxpayer funds to provide an elite few with a bespoke educational experience is neither wise, nor equitable, nor frankly defensible.

PP, I agree with you. This should not be publicly funded. There are virtual private school options just as there are in-person private school options. I don't care how much it costs, this should not be funded through taxpayer money. There was a time for it, and that time has passed.

Yes, everyone would prefer these families advocate for accommodations for these children in private placements and we will be happy to pay for that. Of course, it will be more expensive than MVA but that is fine. As long as the children are not educated in a way we hate. We are happy to pay more for their education if we can get them where we never see them.

Mcps is not easily willing to pay for private placements and there are not enough schools or slots. Private placements cost more than the mva. Just because you hate it does not mean it’s bad. Why is online ok for you but not kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Educator here. The fact is that research indicates that young people, especially elementary school kids, do not learn well from zoom. Effective learning is active rather than passive. That is how we are wired to learn. Taking a class virtually here and there is okay but having your entire education online is problematic. Are there a few exceptions? Of course. But public education cannot be built around exceptions.

Former virtual academy educator here. I had some of the most motivated and excited-to- learn students I’ve ever had in my classes. It was an incredible experience. My students learned VERY well. Most likely because all I did was teach! I had no behavior issues, very few distractions, and a mandatory study hall at the end of the day. Many students essentially had one-on-one tutoring almost daily. And I did have one student with a IEP that did come for help every single day. She also had a speech impediment. Do you tiny she would have been brave enough to ask for help everyday in person? Would her teacher be available everyday? Absolutely not. I have taught in both situations. Students at the VA flourish. Please do not speak for all students. This program is an excellent resource that provides an education for those who can’t do their best in a loud, crowded, fast-paced environment such as an overcrowded public middle or high school. No student will fall through the cracks in the VA. They are tracked constantly. Staff constantly are in communication with families. Why shouldn’t we support these students? Why aren’t you?

Look, this sounds incredible and I'd also be mad if my child was losing the chance have a private school experience at public expense. However, it is a public expense, and using taxpayer funds to provide an elite few with a bespoke educational experience is neither wise, nor equitable, nor frankly defensible.

PP, I agree with you. This should not be publicly funded. There are virtual private school options just as there are in-person private school options. I don't care how much it costs, this should not be funded through taxpayer money. There was a time for it, and that time has passed.

But. There is not. I don’t want my taxes to go towards sports that take away from educational priorities. I don’t want public funds to go towards artificial football turfs. I don’t want public funds to go towards a big meeting space for the board that is not used on a daily basis. I don’t want public funds to go towards any new initiatives. Or meals or travel for CO staff. That’s just a start. We all don’t get what we want with public funds.

We don't all get what we want. We get what our elected representative choose, which is no MVA.

Which is why we are allowed to advocate for what WE want. We don’t care about your schools or taking away programs from your children. If your “elected rep” took away a precious magnet program in a W school you all would be on speed dial to the governor. Get real Linda.

Now you're hallucinating some lady named Linda? Good grief.