Because no one here has provided any information to suggest that more kids are handling it vs the class being intentionally slowed. Which is the opposite of handling it. Further the Benchmark curriculum has tons of extras and supplemental materials that could be used for on grade level students. I’m all for expecting high quality from all students but it’s unfair to make those students who truly are ready to do work 1,2, 3 grades levels above for who the program was created, not be allowed to actually reach for their capability because we want to provide the same thing to everyone just because it’s easier. Just like it would be unfair to expect all the students in level or behind to perform 2 grades above. |
| EC is 1-2 grades above level. It is not appropriate for everyone. |
Oops typo - ELC |
It's why they call it honors for all which raises the bar for everyone not just the kids with pushy parents. |
It’s also silly because if ELC is 1-2 grades above level, and Advanced English in middle school is on-level for all, you are essentially teaching at 6th-7th grade level for 4 years in a row. |
It's ridiculous that MCPS does not have differentiated English classes for MS and the beginning of HS when they do in ES. |
They want everyone to have the same outcome. That means dumbing it down to the lowest common denominator. |
Yes, but the parents in elementary school feel like their DC is getting enriching, accelerated content so it's all good. |
Unless they increase their expectations and raise everyone up like in that movie Stand & Deliver! |
The policy of not differentiating English in early HS is only a year old! There is still time for a coordinated and vocal group of current MS-aged kids to ask questions and demand answers. |
What’s weird is that many of the texts used in Marking Period One ELC for fourth grade are not above grade level at all. For example, the students are reading Junior Great Books from the grade four workbook. But I suppose it makes sense when you think about the fact that the curriculum is supposed to be enrichment not acceleration. |
The way I read this is that after my kid is done with CES, they can expect to be bored for the next 4+ years. |
At least five years of boredom unless he has luck in the middle school Magnet lottery |
So why bother in ES then? It doesn't make any sense. |
Is Grade 4 JGB above grade level? If it is only meant to be offered to kids who are above grade level, that might be the case. (I don't know - just wondering.) I do know that for William & Mary, the grade-level work is 2 grades above grade level. So the grade 4 book has 6th grade texts. |