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

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0bUaE2WCFHiF4t1u873Ykf5ZnjAunTYFY67Vv4jwvF82nMX86xrXqkh5VrHrHeEn4l&id=100063712594468
State reps wrote to Dr.F requesting she reconsider, closing The program.

Sad that these politicians are playing a game of CYA by sending letters about things they know can't change. What's Felder going to do? Have the BOE re-vote on the budget? It's done, and a letter like this only serves to try to satisfy constituents that "well, I did my best for you, but it was that guy's fault and not mine"

Here is what I would like my state reps to do: Either fully fund Maryland's Blueprint for Education, or repeal it. If we thought the budget cuts were painful this year, wait until free pre-k kicks in for our school district. We don't have the physical school capacity or money for the personnel for the Blueprint. The planning for the Blueprint that was cancelled by the BOE this year? $8 million, just for planning. We're going to have to throw money at this next year to ramp up. So that conundrum is what I would like my state reps to consider, not the MVA.

+1. Also, if the state reps are in fact invested in virtual education, why aren’t they lobbying the state of MD itself to establish a virtual program??

Ok, we have told you many times before. State is not responsible MCPS is.

Oh no, MVA parents pulled their state reps into this, making this a state discussion. MVA parents - please ask for more state Blueprint money for MCPS and state money for the virtual academy. I am sure that the BOE would reassemble the MVA if the money was available. As it is, the county is forecasting a 4.7 percent increase in property taxes next year. That tax increase is with no MVA in the budget.

No, they should be asking their state reps to establish a state-wide virtual program through MSDE. Eastern shore counties aren't going to want to pay for a special program just for MoCo kids.

Only you want a state option. MVA parents want the MVA, a county program.

That's a strange hill to die on when you claim your kids can never go to an MCPS school anyway.

I never claimed that. You did.

That's what the MVA supporters are saying on Twitter, partly as justification for why they don't like IIS.

IIS is tutoring a few hours a week. Its not an education.

It's intended to be temporary, with kids expected to return to school.

[Anonymous]

If you are dead set that your kid needs virtual education and you refuse to consider other options, perhaps move to Florida. Apparently they have a Va run by the state that fits what you are looking for

[Anonymous]

What are the VA teachers and administrators doing? Are they looking for new positions within MCPS?

[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?

I teach at a regular high school. Must be nice not to have to deal with classroom behaviour issues and have tiny classes. All kids deserve smaller classes and more attention. The overcrowded high schools that you disparagingly refer to need more money so we can have smaller class sizes. I have 30-33 students per class.
The money saved by eliminating VA can be better spent. That is all there is to say. And easy for you to say that the VA is all unicorns and rainbows but the data
supports in-person learning.

I hope you aren’t a math or science teacher. Bold claim to make there. I don’t think you are a real mcps teacher. You obviously haven’t paid attention to any professional development in the field.

You don’t have any data because you never taught these students. And I teach in person. Innate taught both. You haven’t. And if you were one of the “lazy” high school teachers that brought all of us to shame during the pandemic ……

The pittance the VA would bring back to the schools will NEVER be used for your unicorn that in-person learning is one size -fits all approach. They would find another way to use it.

[Anonymous]

There are tons of very affordable private options for virtual.

You file homeschool paperwork then enroll them in online program. Online program “generates” the proof you need to provide to mcps or umbrella to certify they are being educated.

It’s not as hard as it seems. The issue is $$ of as your tax dollars for a “free” education aren’t going to be redeemed as getting $$$ out of mcps for reimbursement isn’t likely.

[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.

Anyone can attend. Equity is having the school. It’s not a private school and cheaper.

Oh boy. So your argument is that an option that requires a stay-at-home parent, but then delivers a 1:8 teacher to student ratio, is somehow equitable? That's absolutely wild. Just a shockingly galaxy brained definition of equity.

Sad. Why do you hate your kids so much that you choose to work? Just say you have long covid and stay home.

And when did you stop beating your kids?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you are dead set that your kid needs virtual education and you refuse to consider other options, perhaps move to Florida. Apparently they have a Va run by the state that fits what you are looking for

Apparently they'd rather have no virtual program than a virtual program run by the state.

[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.

Anyone can attend. Equity is having the school. It’s not a private school and cheaper.

Oh boy. So your argument is that an option that requires a stay-at-home parent, but then delivers a 1:8 teacher to student ratio, is somehow equitable? That's absolutely wild. Just a shockingly galaxy brained definition of equity.

Sad. Why do you hate your kids so much that you choose to work? Just say you have long covid and stay home.

And when did you stop beating your kids?

That was best part of MVA: it's easy to hide the bruises when your kids never have face-to-face interactions with other adults or peers.

[Anonymous]

This thread should be closed. MVA is over.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This thread should be closed. MVA is over.

Honestly keep it open to give the MVA parent who can't stop posting a place to do it without ruining other threads.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0bUaE2WCFHiF4t1u873Ykf5ZnjAunTYFY67Vv4jwvF82nMX86xrXqkh5VrHrHeEn4l&id=100063712594468
State reps wrote to Dr.F requesting she reconsider, closing The program.

Sad that these politicians are playing a game of CYA by sending letters about things they know can't change. What's Felder going to do? Have the BOE re-vote on the budget? It's done, and a letter like this only serves to try to satisfy constituents that "well, I did my best for you, but it was that guy's fault and not mine"

Here is what I would like my state reps to do: Either fully fund Maryland's Blueprint for Education, or repeal it. If we thought the budget cuts were painful this year, wait until free pre-k kicks in for our school district. We don't have the physical school capacity or money for the personnel for the Blueprint. The planning for the Blueprint that was cancelled by the BOE this year? $8 million, just for planning. We're going to have to throw money at this next year to ramp up. So that conundrum is what I would like my state reps to consider, not the MVA.

Amen. Free pre-K for all is nuts. We already provide free pre-k to income eligible students (and MCPS's definition of income eligible is more generous than the federal govt--which is good). Some of the richest people in America live in MCPS. We do not all need free pre-k.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0bUaE2WCFHiF4t1u873Ykf5ZnjAunTYFY67Vv4jwvF82nMX86xrXqkh5VrHrHeEn4l&id=100063712594468
State reps wrote to Dr.F requesting she reconsider, closing The program.

Sad that these politicians are playing a game of CYA by sending letters about things they know can't change. What's Felder going to do? Have the BOE re-vote on the budget? It's done, and a letter like this only serves to try to satisfy constituents that "well, I did my best for you, but it was that guy's fault and not mine"

Here is what I would like my state reps to do: Either fully fund Maryland's Blueprint for Education, or repeal it. If we thought the budget cuts were painful this year, wait until free pre-k kicks in for our school district. We don't have the physical school capacity or money for the personnel for the Blueprint. The planning for the Blueprint that was cancelled by the BOE this year? $8 million, just for planning. We're going to have to throw money at this next year to ramp up. So that conundrum is what I would like my state reps to consider, not the MVA.

Amen. Free pre-K for all is nuts. We already provide free pre-k to income eligible students (and MCPS's definition of income eligible is more generous than the federal govt--which is good). Some of the richest people in America live in MCPS. We do not all need free pre-k.

You boomers can afford the taxes necessary to fund prek. Kindergarten expectations have increased to a point where every child is expected to have preschool. It should be part of the public school offering.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you are dead set that your kid needs virtual education and you refuse to consider other options, perhaps move to Florida. Apparently they have a Va run by the state that fits what you are looking for

Apparently they'd rather have no virtual program than a virtual program run by the state.

There is no need, really, because of in-person school, which has been shown to be vastly better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0bUaE2WCFHiF4t1u873Ykf5ZnjAunTYFY67Vv4jwvF82nMX86xrXqkh5VrHrHeEn4l&id=100063712594468
State reps wrote to Dr.F requesting she reconsider, closing The program.

Sad that these politicians are playing a game of CYA by sending letters about things they know can't change. What's Felder going to do? Have the BOE re-vote on the budget? It's done, and a letter like this only serves to try to satisfy constituents that "well, I did my best for you, but it was that guy's fault and not mine"

Here is what I would like my state reps to do: Either fully fund Maryland's Blueprint for Education, or repeal it. If we thought the budget cuts were painful this year, wait until free pre-k kicks in for our school district. We don't have the physical school capacity or money for the personnel for the Blueprint. The planning for the Blueprint that was cancelled by the BOE this year? $8 million, just for planning. We're going to have to throw money at this next year to ramp up. So that conundrum is what I would like my state reps to consider, not the MVA.

Amen. Free pre-K for all is nuts. We already provide free pre-k to income eligible students (and MCPS's definition of income eligible is more generous than the federal govt--which is good). Some of the richest people in America live in MCPS. We do not all need free pre-k.

You boomers can afford the taxes necessary to fund prek. Kindergarten expectations have increased to a point where every child is expected to have preschool. It should be part of the public school offering.

WTF are you even talking about. I'm a genx mom who has had 4 kids go through MCPS (my youngest is a senior this year, my oldest started K in 2004). I have watched MCPS decline during this period as they spend money on useless curricula, consultants, central office administrators. If you think MCPS has budget problems this year, just wait for next year. Taxes will only be going up, and the middle and UMC boomers are getting the hell out, just raising the county poverty rate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0bUaE2WCFHiF4t1u873Ykf5ZnjAunTYFY67Vv4jwvF82nMX86xrXqkh5VrHrHeEn4l&id=100063712594468
State reps wrote to Dr.F requesting she reconsider, closing The program.

Sad that these politicians are playing a game of CYA by sending letters about things they know can't change. What's Felder going to do? Have the BOE re-vote on the budget? It's done, and a letter like this only serves to try to satisfy constituents that "well, I did my best for you, but it was that guy's fault and not mine"

Here is what I would like my state reps to do: Either fully fund Maryland's Blueprint for Education, or repeal it. If we thought the budget cuts were painful this year, wait until free pre-k kicks in for our school district. We don't have the physical school capacity or money for the personnel for the Blueprint. The planning for the Blueprint that was cancelled by the BOE this year? $8 million, just for planning. We're going to have to throw money at this next year to ramp up. So that conundrum is what I would like my state reps to consider, not the MVA.

+1. Also, if the state reps are in fact invested in virtual education, why aren’t they lobbying the state of MD itself to establish a virtual program??

Ok, we have told you many times before. State is not responsible MCPS is.

Oh no, MVA parents pulled their state reps into this, making this a state discussion. MVA parents - please ask for more state Blueprint money for MCPS and state money for the virtual academy. I am sure that the BOE would reassemble the MVA if the money was available. As it is, the county is forecasting a 4.7 percent increase in property taxes next year. That tax increase is with no MVA in the budget.

No, they should be asking their state reps to establish a state-wide virtual program through MSDE. Eastern shore counties aren't going to want to pay for a special program just for MoCo kids.

Only you want a state option. MVA parents want the MVA, a county program.

Since MVA parents have turned to their state reps for support, they are clearly looking for a state solution and the PP suggested such a solution.

No, they turned to the state reps because MoCo and MCPS failed them. That's not the case at all. They want the MVA funded and date and waitlist numbers released.

The ship sailed on that. Your only paths left are a state option or paying for private.

Nope, it hasn't sailed yet. We're continuing on the voyage.

Well you’ve made your choice then, best of luck to you on your voyage.