MCCPTA Gifted Education Committee's Complaint about Systemic Failures by MCPS

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am holding out hope that the Superintendent McKnight fixes this culture of sneakiness.

The goal of equity are important but the way MCPS is going about hiding things and not being transparent is hurting the entire community. It is extremely divisive and I see parents who are angry and kids who are accusing each other of getting into programs just because prepping in the past and now because they are of a certain race. This is a situation that MCPS has created.

You know what I think is even sneakier or people that make accusations without any evidence.

You haven't read the other threads? It's quite a list and her signature is on the covid money document as well. Happy to pull them out if you'd like to see. The list is pretty long now and she's still the interim sup?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am holding out hope that the Superintendent McKnight fixes this culture of sneakiness.

The goal of equity are important but the way MCPS is going about hiding things and not being transparent is hurting the entire community. It is extremely divisive and I see parents who are angry and kids who are accusing each other of getting into programs just because prepping in the past and now because they are of a certain race. This is a situation that MCPS has created.

You know what I think is even sneakier or people that make accusations without any evidence.

You haven't read the other threads? It's quite a list and her signature is on the covid money document as well. Happy to pull them out if you'd like to see. The list is pretty long now and she's still the interim sup?

There wasn't anything sneaky about that. You've got to be kidding You're complaining about boçce again? Seriously seek help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am holding out hope that the Superintendent McKnight fixes this culture of sneakiness.

The goal of equity are important but the way MCPS is going about hiding things and not being transparent is hurting the entire community. It is extremely divisive and I see parents who are angry and kids who are accusing each other of getting into programs just because prepping in the past and now because they are of a certain race. This is a situation that MCPS has created.

You know what I think is even sneakier or people that make accusations without any evidence.

You haven't read the other threads? It's quite a list and her signature is on the covid money document as well. Happy to pull them out if you'd like to see. The list is pretty long now and she's still the interim sup?

There wasn't anything sneaky about that. You've got to be kidding You're complaining about boçce again? Seriously seek help.

Only when leaders hide behind disabled students to shield their actions, my dear.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Thank you for posting this on DCUM.
I support the work of the Gifted Education Committee.

One of my children was shut out of a seat at a magnet middle school, despite excellent grades and high MAP scores, and finding CES instruction very easy. The lottery discriminates against high-performing students, and relegates them to general education classes that cannot be sufficiently adjusted, despite the best efforts of the teachers. As a result, my child hates school, because she spends her school days rather bored and frustrated.

Not only that, but MCPS does not implement equal access to accelerated classes in each of their schools. I learned that some middle schools offered Algebra 1 to 6th graders in reasonably good standing, but my child's middle school refused her entry to that class, despite consistently high MAP-M scores, and despite administering a test the summer before 6th grade, on which she answered most questions correctly. I was shown that test: it consisted mostly of Algebra 1 content. She was asked to do well on the content of the class she was asking to enroll in, not on the content of class she was asking to skip! And, when she made a few mistakes, she was refused entry.

It's incredibly short-sighted of MCPS to abandon a portion of the students they serve, the very group that has the potential to do great things, and increase the risk that they become un-motivated, depressed and isolated because they are not adequately challenged.

Many kids are shut out. High map is subjective.

I think it shows readiness and is a good indicator of how a student will perform in some areas.

You missed the point. OP may think her child's scores were high, but they may not have been very high. Even in the past 95-98% kids were shut out, so except if her kids were consistently in the 99% or higher, they might not have had a chance regardless of the lottery.

My kid has always tested in the 99.8+ percentile in MAP and has never even been offered enrichment in class. We asked her teacher about it and she said she doesn't do that.

When curriculum 2.0 was implemented we were told enrichment consisted of advanced children teaching other children. While I think it is a good thing for peers to help one another, this is not "enrichment" for advanced kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Thank you for posting this on DCUM.
I support the work of the Gifted Education Committee.

One of my children was shut out of a seat at a magnet middle school, despite excellent grades and high MAP scores, and finding CES instruction very easy. The lottery discriminates against high-performing students, and relegates them to general education classes that cannot be sufficiently adjusted, despite the best efforts of the teachers. As a result, my child hates school, because she spends her school days rather bored and frustrated.

Not only that, but MCPS does not implement equal access to accelerated classes in each of their schools. I learned that some middle schools offered Algebra 1 to 6th graders in reasonably good standing, but my child's middle school refused her entry to that class, despite consistently high MAP-M scores, and despite administering a test the summer before 6th grade, on which she answered most questions correctly. I was shown that test: it consisted mostly of Algebra 1 content. She was asked to do well on the content of the class she was asking to enroll in, not on the content of class she was asking to skip! And, when she made a few mistakes, she was refused entry.

It's incredibly short-sighted of MCPS to abandon a portion of the students they serve, the very group that has the potential to do great things, and increase the risk that they become un-motivated, depressed and isolated because they are not adequately challenged.

Many kids are shut out. High map is subjective.

I think it shows readiness and is a good indicator of how a student will perform in some areas.

You missed the point. OP may think her child's scores were high, but they may not have been very high. Even in the past 95-98% kids were shut out, so except if her kids were consistently in the 99% or higher, they might not have had a chance regardless of the lottery.

My kid has always tested in the 99.8+ percentile in MAP and has never even been offered enrichment in class. We asked her teacher about it and she said she doesn't do that.

When curriculum 2.0 was implemented we were told enrichment consisted of advanced children teaching other children. While I think it is a good thing for peers to help one another, this is not "enrichment" for advanced kids.

Can you provide a citation for this or this is just something you made up?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am holding out hope that the Superintendent McKnight fixes this culture of sneakiness.

The goal of equity are important but the way MCPS is going about hiding things and not being transparent is hurting the entire community. It is extremely divisive and I see parents who are angry and kids who are accusing each other of getting into programs just because prepping in the past and now because they are of a certain race. This is a situation that MCPS has created.

You know what I think is even sneakier or people that make accusations without any evidence.

You haven't read the other threads? It's quite a list and her signature is on the covid money document as well. Happy to pull them out if you'd like to see. The list is pretty long now and she's still the interim sup?

There wasn't anything sneaky about that. You've got to be kidding You're complaining about boçce again? Seriously seek help.

Only when leaders hide behind disabled students to shield their actions, my dear.

non-sequitor

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am holding out hope that the Superintendent McKnight fixes this culture of sneakiness.

The goal of equity are important but the way MCPS is going about hiding things and not being transparent is hurting the entire community. It is extremely divisive and I see parents who are angry and kids who are accusing each other of getting into programs just because prepping in the past and now because they are of a certain race. This is a situation that MCPS has created.

You know what I think is even sneakier or people that make accusations without any evidence.


You haven't read the other threads? It's quite a list and her signature is on the covid money document as well. Happy to pull them out if you'd like to see. The list is pretty long now and she's still the interim sup?


There wasn't anything sneaky about that. You've got to be kidding You're complaining about boçce again? Seriously seek help.

Yep, the McKnight Stalker is unhinged.

[Anonymous]

I'm more concerned about the bulk of average kids who don't get the attention and help they need to reach their potential.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you want to know the current state of gifted education in MCPS, you should read this 95-page complaint by MCCPTA's Gifted Education Committee, filed on May 2, 2022.

Intro:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/14ZwXY8AHOuwVuyd_thk5gZND-nRsusXrt47o2Hs0KEI/edit?fbclid=IwAR3xzJoqqd2rYVXY44MPO8xUIts_keOs4bB7pBLi44nkw9OKp6B84Dqcm6U

"The GEC’s Complaint from the Public (CFP) chronicles systemic failures by MCPS to faithfully implement the gifted education requirements set forth by numerous MCPS policies and Maryland State laws. MCPS’s noncompliance has resulted in an inconsistent and inequitable delivery of enriched and accelerated instruction throughout the County."

Full 95-page complaint:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t3i9kssWABBpzLoduJo-2JVziplDMhBj/view?fbclid=IwAR3UtnOwEwkB8X2IZ2-46hX8INjuzXL7YM0iTgNsFriot-6bCn6SrjC0Ew8

Their concerns seem reasonable; however, the lottery isn't ideal but if I had to prioritize anything it would be expanding the size of these programs. There is no reason any kid who wants to be in a magnet and can do the work shouldn't be but their policy results in this artificial scarcity.

Absolutely. It’s just mind boggling that MCPS insists on artificial scarcity of something that has such minimal budget impact, if any.

I cannot help but believe either they are operating based on politics, whether internal to MCPS or external. For example, if too many gifted kids were in their own classes, what would student achievement look like?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm more concerned about the bulk of average kids who don't get the attention and help they need to reach their potential.

It’s really concerning that MCPS is incapable of serving anyone. Gifted, special needs and average kids are all being left behind. It’s not good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm more concerned about the bulk of average kids who don't get the attention and help they need to reach their potential.

It’s really concerning that MCPS is incapable of serving anyone. Gifted, special needs and average kids are all being left behind. It’s not good.

+1 Why is the Board of Education content at the lack of focus on educating students in MCPS? Class size matters. A rigorous curriculum matters. Implementing IEPs and 504 matters.

Every child that qualifies for the lottery should have access to the magnet program that they are applying for. Open up more locations throughout the county. Offer more at home schools. Why is a “lottery” deciding access?

Children will rise to the level of expectations MCPS sets for them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am holding out hope that the Superintendent McKnight fixes this culture of sneakiness.

The goal of equity are important but the way MCPS is going about hiding things and not being transparent is hurting the entire community. It is extremely divisive and I see parents who are angry and kids who are accusing each other of getting into programs just because prepping in the past and now because they are of a certain race. This is a situation that MCPS has created.

You know what I think is even sneakier or people that make accusations without any evidence.


You haven't read the other threads? It's quite a list and her signature is on the covid money document as well. Happy to pull them out if you'd like to see. The list is pretty long now and she's still the interim sup?


There wasn't anything sneaky about that. You've got to be kidding You're complaining about boçce again? Seriously seek help.

Yep, the McKnight Stalker is unhinged.

I think the interesting part is that there are only two cheerleaders standing up for her on these threads? And they always play the race card, or accuse others of being a stalker, or blame parents or teachers and nothing is ever her fault.

And the meaning of unhinged is highly disturbed, unstable, or distraught. Why is talking about waste, fraud and abuse unhinged? I think it's a public service, don't you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My gifted 2e kid is in K (2021-2022), and will be 1st grade(2022-2023) & 2nd grade (2023-2024). So, from my understanding, the lottery system is done by the time she is at 3rd grade (2024-2025), what does that mean? Does not affect us at all?

Lottery was brought in by those who wants to water down the standards so that all kids perform at same level. I think they will continue the lottery process as it gives them more control on who they want to place in the program. They will not have control if they look at the performance of kids. Merit based vs. Equity based process. Lottery is to drive he equity

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you want to know the current state of gifted education in MCPS, you should read this 95-page complaint by MCCPTA's Gifted Education Committee, filed on May 2, 2022.

Intro:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/14ZwXY8AHOuwVuyd_thk5gZND-nRsusXrt47o2Hs0KEI/edit?fbclid=IwAR3xzJoqqd2rYVXY44MPO8xUIts_keOs4bB7pBLi44nkw9OKp6B84Dqcm6U

"The GEC’s Complaint from the Public (CFP) chronicles systemic failures by MCPS to faithfully implement the gifted education requirements set forth by numerous MCPS policies and Maryland State laws. MCPS’s noncompliance has resulted in an inconsistent and inequitable delivery of enriched and accelerated instruction throughout the County."

Full 95-page complaint:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t3i9kssWABBpzLoduJo-2JVziplDMhBj/view?fbclid=IwAR3UtnOwEwkB8X2IZ2-46hX8INjuzXL7YM0iTgNsFriot-6bCn6SrjC0Ew8

Their concerns seem reasonable; however, the lottery isn't ideal but if I had to prioritize anything it would be expanding the size of these programs. There is no reason any kid who wants to be in a magnet and can do the work shouldn't be but their policy results in this artificial scarcity.

Looks like this is agenda driven from the top to benefit only certain kids not all kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I also appreciate the MCCPTA GEC advocacy. I agree with those who would like to take all of the eggs out of the magnet basket and upgrade home school curriculum. The state of Middle School curriculum is troubling for advanced learners. The two enriched classes (AIM HIGH) are better than nothing, but the level of instruction for English and Science should be upgraded. Too much filling in work sheets and busy work.

High School has lots of opportunities for kids to challenge themselves.

High school is not as rigorous as it used to be. No exams. Very little homework. For English, your child is lucky if more than two books are read in a semester (and this includes AP Literature). No penalty if a child turns in assignments late. At least half of my child’s teachers do not take attendance. When he is sick, he is still marked present.

I worry about what MCPS thinks they are preparing students for beyond high school.

Which school does you student attend?!?!?!?!?!?!? We have exams. We have homework. We have late penalties. We get notices if the kid is 3 minutes late to a class.

Is your student telling you this stuff?

I'm guessing it's just fiction because we are at a DCC high school and none of what they're saying is true.

My child attends Churchill.

Parentvue tells me my child was recorded as present for most periods when my child was home sick. Parentvue also reflects full credit for assignments turned in late. Two books assigned for AP English each semester this year, about the same as previous years in the cluster. The rigor has been non-existent for current students at the school.

Perhaps the problem in MCPS is that some schools offer more opportunities than others. Just because a school labels a class as an AP class doesn’t mean necessarily that it’s a rigorous course and that students have to meet high standards.

You have no idea how advanced and rigorous the programs are at Churchill. Do not post wrong information please.