Dr Starr puts his spin on falling test scores

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone check to make sure the grades are valid?

Well, if you wanted an answer to this question, you could start by asking your principal. However, I advise not phrasing it as, "How do you know your teachers aren't cooking the grade books?" You might instead try something like, "What documentation does your school require from teachers for the report card?"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Huh? It is repetition, while the teacher focuses on the poorly performing.

This may be true at your school. It is not true at my school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Usually education is not developed in this fashion. MCPS methods are not considered best teaching practices.

Citations needed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Usually education is not developed in this fashion. MCPS methods are not considered best teaching practices.

Citations needed.

I know you think you are being really scientific by asking for citations. But pp here just used logic to draw her own conclusions. As one of the pp said, use your brain a little.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I am sorry. The goal of math education really should not be explaining basic math operation in English. And I surely hope they don't teacher the alternative algorithm nonsense.

Are you the poster who is convinced that math in C2.0 is constructivist math in disguise?

It is constructivist in some sense, as it integrates Common Core which is big on discourse. nothing wrong with that, however

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Usually education is not developed in this fashion. MCPS methods are not considered best teaching practices.

Citations needed.

I know you think you are being really scientific by asking for citations. But pp here just used logic to draw her own conclusions. As one of the pp said, use your brain a little.

No, I don't think I'm being scientific. I think that I'm asking for evidence to support PP's statements. If education is not usually developed in this fashion, how is it usually developed? MCPS methods are not considered best teaching practices by whom? What methods are considered best teaching practices?

[Anonymous]

As a consultant, I've been outside the system quite a bit and fully admit that while MCPS has its flaws (what system doesn't?), it is superior to many other systems - comparable in size and make up - I've worked with.

Teachers in this system have quite a bit of internal training - with Skillful Teaching, OAT, facilitative leadership, data analysis, reading methods, Spanish for staff, multiculturalism, and many classes for support staff, too. And I could go on and on.

MCPS worked with RBT years ago to develop its evaluation system, which is very complex in how it approaches observations, as scripting is necessary.

So until you go outside of the system, you really can't convince me that you know of what you speak! b/c you don't

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MSAs fell this year because of the overacceleration. MSAs fell for Grade 3 students in curriculum 2.0 because MSA does not measure grade 3 curriculum 2.0. How about some newly immigrant kids who school outside of America and come here and hit every local test out of the park even though MSA did not measure their "cheap and backwards" curriculum.

Holy cow! Holy feces! Enough with all the excuses. Simply admit the system sucks.

What comparable large school system do you think is better overall than MCPS, and what information do you base this on?

[Anonymous]

If you think, simultaneously eliminating math pathways (with the stroke of the pen) and leaving advanced 2nd and 3rd graders in a lurch while rolling out a 2.0 curriculum (not even fully developed yet, not paid for yet, and not even validated in any independent student cohort, while the first draft script is still rolling off the press) for teachers unprepared to teach, execute and then evaluate and assess their students, while in the same breath completely changing the MCPS grading policy, scale and nomenclature is a superior school system led by capable, intelligent educators who know what they are doing after spending millions on money sucking educational consultant types I have a bridge to sell you over the Potomac. This is how a "PhD" "educational expert" executes a project? Good Lord, please safe us.

No, I don't think I'm being scientific. I think that I'm asking for evidence to support PP's statements. If education is not usually developed in this fashion, how is it usually developed? MCPS methods are not considered best teaching practices by whom? What methods are considered best teaching practices?

[Anonymous]

I recall a poster, over a year ago, referring to Starr as a deer in the highlights, out of his element and in over his head. In hindsight, this astute assessment was spot on. Nothing has changed.

[Anonymous]

Yes, Mr Starr is stupid.

[Anonymous]

Btw the kids this will hurt the most are the bright ones whose parents don't have the resources to help them at home. My kids are going to an academic camp this summer and am floored by what they are teaching. 80% Far East 15 % Indian 5% White. If MCPS doesn't teach these kids, parents will figure out other ways.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you think, simultaneously eliminating math pathways (with the stroke of the pen) and leaving advanced 2nd and 3rd graders in a lurch while rolling out a 2.0 curriculum (not even fully developed yet, not paid for yet, and not even validated in any independent student cohort, while the first draft script is still rolling off the press) for teachers unprepared to teach, execute and then evaluate and assess their students, while in the same breath completely changing the MCPS grading policy, scale and nomenclature is a superior school system led by capable, intelligent educators who know what they are doing after spending millions on money sucking educational consultant types I have a bridge to sell you over the Potomac. This is how a "PhD" "educational expert" executes a project? Good Lord, please safe us.

I don't suppose you've been spending time at the Montgomery Parents' Coalition?

[Anonymous]

Whatever, 4:29 - "hurt the most???" All kids are affected by the poor curriculum, not just your bright kid. It's a disservice to ALL students.

And to folks defending mcps:

Yes, mcps is a perfectly adequate public school system, but it is not a model or even "proficient.". The vast majority of area private schools (not just the tippy top ones) are far superior.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

The vast majority of area private schools (not just the tippy top ones) are far superior.

And you know this how?

[Anonymous]

If you think, simultaneously eliminating math pathways (with the stroke of the pen) and leaving advanced 2nd and 3rd graders in a lurch while rolling out a 2.0 curriculum (not even fully developed yet, not paid for yet, and not even validated in any independent student cohort, while the first draft script is still rolling off the press) for teachers unprepared to teach, execute and then evaluate and assess their students, while in the same breath completely changing the MCPS grading policy, scale and nomenclature is a superior school system led by capable, intelligent educators who know what they are doing after spending millions on money sucking educational consultant types I have a bridge to sell you over the Potomac. This is how a "PhD" "educational expert" executes a project? Good Lord, please safe us.

I don't suppose you've been spending time at the Montgomery Parents' Coalition?

No. I am not sure who they are. I would advise them to spend some time with me (and you) if they need help with their drive. This is not rocket science or "Education" science. In my day we simply called this common sense.