Reston? Need quick advice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, you said you needed quick advice. Make any decisions?

We put in an offer today. Wish us luck!

That's great. We may be neighbors. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Oakton HS has adopted Project Based Learning (PBL) across the entire curriculum It's not publicized, but it is present in every class. Oakton HS teachers are no longer teaching their students in any traditional sense of the word.

Students are given assignments and test due dates, placed in groups and that's essentially the limit of teacher instruction. The logic being if students know they have a due date they will work harder either alone or in groups to learn the material themselves without any meaningful teacher involvement.

If you research the origin of PBL you'll find it was first used decades ago to teach highly motivated medical students vast quantities medical jargon; more than what could be learned in traditional lecture based classrooms.

Contemporary data has proved high school students who are taught using PBL methodology have measurably lower levels of content mastery than students taught using traditional pedagogy.

If your high school aged children have the intelligence and self-discipline of medical school students, Oakton High School maybe a good fit for them.

However, if your child needs genuine curriculum instruction rather than just occasional curriculum supervision, you should consider other options instead of Oakton High School.

You didn't quote your source, but, here, it says exactly opposite to what you are saying..

Studies comparing learning outcomes for students taught via project-based learning versus traditional instruction show that when implemented well, PBL increases long-term retention of content, helps students perform as well as or better than traditional learners in high-stakes tests, improves problem-solving and collaboration skills, and improves students' attitudes towards learning (Strobel & van Barneveld, 2009; Walker & Leary, 2009).

http://www.edutopia.org/pbl-research-learning-outcomes

[Anonymous]

Studies comparing learning outcomes for students taught via project-based learning versus traditional instruction show that when implemented well, PBL increases long-term retention of content, helps students perform as well as or better than traditional learners in high-stakes tests, improves problem-solving and collaboration skills, and improves students' attitudes towards learning (Strobel & van Barneveld, 2009; Walker & Leary, 2009).

That, people, is known as "spin".

[Anonymous]

Hi, this reply is probably too late for the OP, but I just wanted to chime in that we've been living in Reston for about 4 years and are really happy here. We've lived in several parts of the country (NC, CA, TX) so have a lot to compare it to, and we just can't say enough good things about living here. We've met the warmest, most interesting and positive people here, the community itself is really beautiful and has a smart layout, there are so many conveniences, and we've been very happy with the schools. We're a physically active family and Reston has a very large and active health-oriented community. It has an amazing swim team network, as well as running network. It's very small-town-like even though it's pretty huge. We love it here!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You don't want too many high-achieving Asian kids. There is a tipping point, trust me. The tiger parents are really annoying and pushy and contribute very little volunteering or PTA work.

I see this also. Langley has a huge asian crowd. Taken over a lot of Orchestra and AP science classes. Parents are difficult to deal with. At one of the teacher parent sessions, I had a korean mom started small talk, and then asked me why americans are "no good at math"? I responded with stunned silence.

Some Asians have taken over 15 AP classes by the time high school is over.

Much much better to have a diverse student body.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi, this reply is probably too late for the OP, but I just wanted to chime in that we've been living in Reston for about 4 years and are really happy here. We've lived in several parts of the country (NC, CA, TX) so have a lot to compare it to, and we just can't say enough good things about living here. We've met the warmest, most interesting and positive people here, the community itself is really beautiful and has a smart layout, there are so many conveniences, and we've been very happy with the schools. We're a physically active family and Reston has a very large and active health-oriented community. It has an amazing swim team network, as well as running network. It's very small-town-like even though it's pretty huge. We love it here!

What is the swim team network like in Reston? They don't participate in NVSL like the rest of the county in the summer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You don't want too many high-achieving Asian kids. There is a tipping point, trust me. The tiger parents are really annoying and pushy and contribute very little volunteering or PTA work.

I see this also. Langley has a huge asian crowd. Taken over a lot of Orchestra and AP science classes. Parents are difficult to deal with. At one of the teacher parent sessions, I had a korean mom started small talk, and then asked me why americans are "no good at math"? I responded with stunned silence.

Some Asians have taken over 15 AP classes by the time high school is over.

Much much better to have a diverse student body.

I agree. I'm Chinese American and we chose to to live in Reston (Herndon Middle/High) to get far away from the craziness of some of the Asian magnets like Carson/Rocky Run/Longfellow. Of course, not all Asians are the same, but there's a substantial contingent in these schools whose main focus it is to get into TJ from a very young age. This includes going to "Chinese school", which is really just code for prep, prep, prep... I'm not being judgmental, though, because I understand the rationale of achieving success (i.e. we live in a racist society, and money/status talks). I'm just saying that I didn't want that extreme lifestyle for my kids' childhoods, and I knew that most Chinese wouldn't touch Reston schools with a ten foot pole because of the "ratings", whatever that's supposed to mean. I believe it has to do with how many kids Hughes and Herndon Middle send to TJ each year, which is much less than Carson/Rocky Run/Longfellow, but I think it's flawed reasoning because I don't think it's the schools that are producing less TJ material, I think it's that certain families who have a strong goal to go to TJ flock to certain schools, so those schools will obviously churn out more TJ'ers. If a child is smart and has family support, they will succeed almost anywhere. We have been thrilled with our Reston elementary school and Herndon Middle/High. In fact, my oldest goes to Stanford, and he didn't have to sacrifice a balanced, happy childhood for it. I'm not necessarily saying that kids who prep for TJ don't have happy childhoods, but there's just a certain frenetic energy associated with all of that that we just didn't want to be a part of. Anyhow, I'm just rambling now.... It's late....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oakton HS has adopted Project Based Learning (PBL) across the entire curriculum It's not publicized, but it is present in every class. Oakton HS teachers are no longer teaching their students in any traditional sense of the word.

Students are given assignments and test due dates, placed in groups and that's essentially the limit of teacher instruction. The logic being if students know they have a due date they will work harder either alone or in groups to learn the material themselves without any meaningful teacher involvement.

If you research the origin of PBL you'll find it was first used decades ago to teach highly motivated medical students vast quantities medical jargon; more than what could be learned in traditional lecture based classrooms.

Contemporary data has proved high school students who are taught using PBL methodology have measurably lower levels of content mastery than students taught using traditional pedagogy.

If your high school aged children have the intelligence and self-discipline of medical school students, Oakton High School maybe a good fit for them.

However, if your child needs genuine curriculum instruction rather than just occasional curriculum supervision, you should consider other options instead of Oakton High School.

You didn't quote your source, but, here, it says exactly opposite to what you are saying..

Studies comparing learning outcomes for students taught via project-based learning versus traditional instruction show that when implemented well, PBL increases long-term retention of content, helps students perform as well as or better than traditional learners in high-stakes tests, improves problem-solving and collaboration skills, and improves students' attitudes towards learning (Strobel & van Barneveld, 2009; Walker & Leary, 2009).

http://www.edutopia.org/pbl-research-learning-outcomes

Spin it anyway you like, but the reality remains the same. Oakton High School has gradually become a laboratory for experimental and highly suspect teaching methodologies like the Flipped Classroom and Project Based Learning. This is unfortunate and unnecessary because OHS had a long history graduating high achieving students. Common sense dictates, if it ain't broke don't fix it. Oakton High School used to be great until about three years ago when they began phasing in Flipped Classrooms and Project Based Learning teaching methodologies and now it's just kind of a mess.

If your children are highly motivated productive self-starters who are fortunate enough to be grouped with other brilliant children also able to learn without any credible teacher instruction then Oakton High School will be a perfect. However, for children who need and want real communication between themselves and their teachers as well as varied instruction, there are better choices available rather than the cold factory, self-instructed learning environment presently offered at Oakton High School.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oakton HS has adopted Project Based Learning (PBL) across the entire curriculum It's not publicized, but it is present in every class. Oakton HS teachers are no longer teaching their students in any traditional sense of the word.

Students are given assignments and test due dates, placed in groups and that's essentially the limit of teacher instruction. The logic being if students know they have a due date they will work harder either alone or in groups to learn the material themselves without any meaningful teacher involvement.

If you research the origin of PBL you'll find it was first used decades ago to teach highly motivated medical students vast quantities medical jargon; more than what could be learned in traditional lecture based classrooms.

Contemporary data has proved high school students who are taught using PBL methodology have measurably lower levels of content mastery than students taught using traditional pedagogy.

If your high school aged children have the intelligence and self-discipline of medical school students, Oakton High School maybe a good fit for them.

However, if your child needs genuine curriculum instruction rather than just occasional curriculum supervision, you should consider other options instead of Oakton High School.

You didn't quote your source, but, here, it says exactly opposite to what you are saying..

Studies comparing learning outcomes for students taught via project-based learning versus traditional instruction show that when implemented well, PBL increases long-term retention of content, helps students perform as well as or better than traditional learners in high-stakes tests, improves problem-solving and collaboration skills, and improves students' attitudes towards learning (Strobel & van Barneveld, 2009; Walker & Leary, 2009).

http://www.edutopia.org/pbl-research-learning-outcomes

Spin it anyway you like, but the reality remains the same. Oakton High School has gradually become a laboratory for experimental and highly suspect teaching methodologies like the Flipped Classroom and Project Based Learning. This is unfortunate and unnecessary because OHS had a long history graduating high achieving students. Common sense dictates, if it ain't broke don't fix it. Oakton High School used to be great until about three years ago when they began phasing in Flipped Classrooms and Project Based Learning teaching methodologies and now it's just kind of a mess.

If your children are highly motivated productive self-starters who are fortunate enough to be grouped with other brilliant children also able to learn without any credible teacher instruction then Oakton High School will be a perfect. However, for children who need and want real communication between themselves and their teachers as well as varied instruction, there are better choices available rather than the cold factory, self-instructed learning environment presently offered at Oakton High School.

I'm confused. How did this thread become about Oakton High School?

[Anonymous]

Everything is about Langley, McLean or Oakton eventually. They are the only schools that matter on DCUM. ;0

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You don't want too many high-achieving Asian kids. There is a tipping point, trust me. The tiger parents are really annoying and pushy and contribute very little volunteering or PTA work.

I see this also. Langley has a huge asian crowd. Taken over a lot of Orchestra and AP science classes. Parents are difficult to deal with. At one of the teacher parent sessions, I had a korean mom started small talk, and then asked me why americans are "no good at math"? I responded with stunned silence.

Some Asians have taken over 15 AP classes by the time high school is over.

Much much better to have a diverse student body.

I agree. I'm Chinese American and we chose to to live in Reston (Herndon Middle/High) to get far away from the craziness of some of the Asian magnets like Carson/Rocky Run/Longfellow. Of course, not all Asians are the same, but there's a substantial contingent in these schools whose main focus it is to get into TJ from a very young age. This includes going to "Chinese school", which is really just code for prep, prep, prep... I'm not being judgmental, though, because I understand the rationale of achieving success (i.e. we live in a racist society, and money/status talks). I'm just saying that I didn't want that extreme lifestyle for my kids' childhoods, and I knew that most Chinese wouldn't touch Reston schools with a ten foot pole because of the "ratings", whatever that's supposed to mean. I believe it has to do with how many kids Hughes and Herndon Middle send to TJ each year, which is much less than Carson/Rocky Run/Longfellow, but I think it's flawed reasoning because I don't think it's the schools that are producing less TJ material, I think it's that certain families who have a strong goal to go to TJ flock to certain schools, so those schools will obviously churn out more TJ'ers. If a child is smart and has family support, they will succeed almost anywhere. We have been thrilled with our Reston elementary school and Herndon Middle/High. In fact, my oldest goes to Stanford, and he didn't have to sacrifice a balanced, happy childhood for it. I'm not necessarily saying that kids who prep for TJ don't have happy childhoods, but there's just a certain frenetic energy associated with all of that that we just didn't want to be a part of. Anyhow, I'm just rambling now.... It's late....

Humblebrag deluxe. I'm so low-key and, by the way, my kid goes to Stanford.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Humblebrag deluxe. I'm so low-key and, by the way, my kid goes to Stanford.

Not trying to be humble. I'm ridiculously proud of my kids and will shout it out to the world. Not sure what you mean by low key. He worked his ass off, but not to the extreme that some take it. What I was trying to illustrate is that there is not only one formula for success.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Humblebrag deluxe. I'm so low-key and, by the way, my kid goes to Stanford.

Not trying to be humble. I'm ridiculously proud of my kids and will shout it out to the world. Not sure what you mean by low key. He worked his ass off, but not to the extreme that some take it. What I was trying to illustrate is that there is not only one formula for success.

+1000
I would apply that to the AAP craze as well. Some parents actually think their child won't "make it" if s/he is not in AAP during elementary school. I wish they could see themselves/their kids ten years down the road and realize what a tiny blip AAP was in the whole scheme of things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Humblebrag deluxe. I'm so low-key and, by the way, my kid goes to Stanford.

Not trying to be humble. I'm ridiculously proud of my kids and will shout it out to the world. Not sure what you mean by low key. He worked his ass off, but not to the extreme that some take it. What I was trying to illustrate is that there is not only one formula for success.

It's silly. If success means going to Stanford or an equivalent, it is better to try and send your kid to Carson/Rocky Run/Longfellow and then TJ.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Humblebrag deluxe. I'm so low-key and, by the way, my kid goes to Stanford.

Not trying to be humble. I'm ridiculously proud of my kids and will shout it out to the world. Not sure what you mean by low key. He worked his ass off, but not to the extreme that some take it. What I was trying to illustrate is that there is not only one formula for success.

It's silly. If success means going to Stanford or an equivalent, it is better to try and send your kid to Carson/Rocky Run/Longfellow and then TJ.

Says who? A smart, motivated hardworking kids can and do go to Stanford from high schools all over NOVA. It's not the school, it's the kid.