HS Choice Programs

[Anonymous]

Emailed out today:

A few years ago, MCPS conducted a review of the special programs offered to students (magnet, G/T, language immersion, etc.). This study, commonly known as the “Choice Study” revealed some inequities in access to programs and opportunities for all children. In response, MCPS has made some systematic changes in the application process for elementary and middle school programs. On Thursday, May 30, evening, there will be a presentation to the Board on recommended changes at the high school level at the Board meeting. If you are interested in this topic, watch first-hand, so that you have accurate information when the discussions come up with your friends and neighbors. The public may attend or watch the Board meetings online; the agenda is available online, as well - https://montgomeryschoolsmd.org/boe/

[Anonymous]

I saw this too. Curious as to what it will mean and how soon.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Emailed out today:

A few years ago, MCPS conducted a review of the special programs offered to students (magnet, G/T, language immersion, etc.). This study, commonly known as the “Choice Study” revealed some inequities in access to programs and opportunities for all children. In response, MCPS has made some systematic changes in the application process for elementary and middle school programs. On Thursday, May 30, evening, there will be a presentation to the Board on recommended changes at the high school level at the Board meeting. If you are interested in this topic, watch first-hand, so that you have accurate information when the discussions come up with your friends and neighbors. The public may attend or watch the Board meetings online; the agenda is available online, as well - https://montgomeryschoolsmd.org/boe/

What type of HS magnets are going to be added?

[Anonymous]

There is a memo posted on the MCPS board docs website that explains the phased roll-out of the upcoming changes. Next year the following will happen:

? Universal review in Grade 8;
? Strong local school programs;
? Expansion of countywide IB program to additional schools;
? Two regional comprehensive college and career schools, Upcounty and Downcounty; and
? Streamlined marketing, application, selection, and notification processes.

From the memo, it seems like they plan to keep existing programs (e.g., RM, Blair, Poolesville) and expand seats or duplicate some of those programs on a regional basis within the next 5 years. Kids would be bused to regional centers. Biggest changes next year are universal screening, expansion of the RMIB program to 3 other schools and streamlining the application/notification process.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There is a memo posted on the MCPS board docs website that explains the phased roll-out of the upcoming changes. Next year the following will happen:

? Universal review in Grade 8;
? Strong local school programs;
? Expansion of countywide IB program to additional schools;
? Two regional comprehensive college and career schools, Upcounty and Downcounty; and
? Streamlined marketing, application, selection, and notification processes.

From the memo, it seems like they plan to keep existing programs (e.g., RM, Blair, Poolesville) and expand seats or duplicate some of those programs on a regional basis within the next 5 years. Kids would be bused to regional centers. Biggest changes next year are universal screening, expansion of the RMIB program to 3 other schools and streamlining the application/notification process.

Are all the HS magnet programs going to be expanded?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There is a memo posted on the MCPS board docs website that explains the phased roll-out of the upcoming changes. Next year the following will happen:

? Universal review in Grade 8;
? Strong local school programs;
? Expansion of countywide IB program to additional schools;
? Two regional comprehensive college and career schools, Upcounty and Downcounty; and
? Streamlined marketing, application, selection, and notification processes.

From the memo, it seems like they plan to keep existing programs (e.g., RM, Blair, Poolesville) and expand seats or duplicate some of those programs on a regional basis within the next 5 years. Kids would be bused to regional centers. Biggest changes next year are universal screening, expansion of the RMIB program to 3 other schools and streamlining the application/notification process.

I forgot to add this quote from the memo:

In fall 2019, MCPS will introduce specified regions for programs offered outside local high schools. In collaboration with staff in the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO), Department of Transportation, and Department of Facilities Management, the regions will be defined to create a potential for reduced bus rides where transportation is provided, and increased proximity to programs. The areas will be balanced demographically and in number of high school students within each region.

I think this means that the existing programs may become regional programs and additional programs will open in different areas. Thoughts?

[Anonymous]

Here's the link

https://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/mcpsmd/Board.nsf/files/BCDLPL55BB9C/$file/Choice%20Update%20HS%20Prog%20Options%20190530.pdf

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is a memo posted on the MCPS board docs website that explains the phased roll-out of the upcoming changes. Next year the following will happen:

? Universal review in Grade 8;
? Strong local school programs;
? Expansion of countywide IB program to additional schools;
? Two regional comprehensive college and career schools, Upcounty and Downcounty; and
? Streamlined marketing, application, selection, and notification processes.

From the memo, it seems like they plan to keep existing programs (e.g., RM, Blair, Poolesville) and expand seats or duplicate some of those programs on a regional basis within the next 5 years. Kids would be bused to regional centers. Biggest changes next year are universal screening, expansion of the RMIB program to 3 other schools and streamlining the application/notification process.

I forgot to add this quote from the memo:

In fall 2019, MCPS will introduce specified regions for programs offered outside local high schools. In collaboration with staff in the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO), Department of Transportation, and Department of Facilities Management, the regions will be defined to create a potential for reduced bus rides where transportation is provided, and increased proximity to programs. The areas will be balanced demographically and in number of high school students within each region.

I think this means that the existing programs may become regional programs and additional programs will open in different areas. Thoughts?

This is exciting. More STEM programs never hurt but what about programs like CAP and VAC?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is a memo posted on the MCPS board docs website that explains the phased roll-out of the upcoming changes. Next year the following will happen:

? Universal review in Grade 8;
? Strong local school programs;
? Expansion of countywide IB program to additional schools;
? Two regional comprehensive college and career schools, Upcounty and Downcounty; and
? Streamlined marketing, application, selection, and notification processes.

From the memo, it seems like they plan to keep existing programs (e.g., RM, Blair, Poolesville) and expand seats or duplicate some of those programs on a regional basis within the next 5 years. Kids would be bused to regional centers. Biggest changes next year are universal screening, expansion of the RMIB program to 3 other schools and streamlining the application/notification process.

I forgot to add this quote from the memo:

In fall 2019, MCPS will introduce specified regions for programs offered outside local high schools. In collaboration with staff in the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO), Department of Transportation, and Department of Facilities Management, the regions will be defined to create a potential for reduced bus rides where transportation is provided, and increased proximity to programs. The areas will be balanced demographically and in number of high school students within each region.

I think this means that the existing programs may become regional programs and additional programs will open in different areas. Thoughts?

This is exciting. More STEM programs never hurt but what about programs like CAP and VAC?

They are on the list of programs that could be replicated based on the memo.

[Anonymous]

Very excited about universal screening, although my rising 8th grader is only interested in one option and it will likely still require an application. I have a lot of students that I think will end up in great programs if this rolls out next year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Very excited about universal screening, although my rising 8th grader is only interested in one option and it will likely still require an application. I have a lot of students that I think will end up in great programs if this rolls out next year.

I'm excited about more on ramps/entry points for programs. New students moving into the county and late bloomers will benefit.

[Anonymous]

Its one thing to water down CES programs or middle school magnets to increase the range of abilities in the program but this will not work with high school magnet programs. RM's IB program is prestigious because it accepts the best students. If the top students in other areas of the county can't apply then the program will be no better than any of the other home school or regional IB programs which are not as good. Blair SMAC is another example where blocking out the best students and accepting students who can't work at that level is not going to serve the program well. Teachers will be forced to lower the expectations or pass kids along but that doesn't work in STEM.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Its one thing to water down CES programs or middle school magnets to increase the range of abilities in the program but this will not work with high school magnet programs. RM's IB program is prestigious because it accepts the best students. If the top students in other areas of the county can't apply then the program will be no better than any of the other home school or regional IB programs which are not as good. Blair SMAC is another example where blocking out the best students and accepting students who can't work at that level is not going to serve the program well. Teachers will be forced to lower the expectations or pass kids along but that doesn't work in STEM.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Its one thing to water down CES programs or middle school magnets to increase the range of abilities in the program but this will not work with high school magnet programs. RM's IB program is prestigious because it accepts the best students. If the top students in other areas of the county can't apply then the program will be no better than any of the other home school or regional IB programs which are not as good. Blair SMAC is another example where blocking out the best students and accepting students who can't work at that level is not going to serve the program well. Teachers will be forced to lower the expectations or pass kids along but that doesn't work in STEM.

Here you go again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Its one thing to water down CES programs or middle school magnets to increase the range of abilities in the program but this will not work with high school magnet programs. RM's IB program is prestigious because it accepts the best students. If the top students in other areas of the county can't apply then the program will be no better than any of the other home school or regional IB programs which are not as good. Blair SMAC is another example where blocking out the best students and accepting students who can't work at that level is not going to serve the program well. Teachers will be forced to lower the expectations or pass kids along but that doesn't work in STEM.

Are you really arguing that there are only 300ish qualified top students in the entire county that deserve a seat at Blair SMAC, Poolesville or RMIB?