Dear MCPS et al.

[Anonymous]

Why don't schools work out some kind of deal with existing online school programs, like K-12? That way they don't have to reinvent the freakin' wheel. These programs already have systems in place and students could just get started. It would probably be cheap enough to piggy back on their systems, if they don't cut school systems a huge deal. Seems like that would be a lot easier than what we're dealing with.

Something to think about for next year, anyway -- or to resume online school soon enough to salvage this year.

[Anonymous]

I have wondered that too.

[Anonymous]

Because MCPS thinks they know better. Remember Curriculum 2.0? They were going to create the best thing out there, sell it and make a mint. Oh wait, an audit showed it was a complete disaster, generations of kids grew up with their crap, and they haven't learned their lesson: Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.

[Anonymous]

They want the children physically in the classroom. This is why they dislike homeschoolers. If they offered free online public school, many families would choose it and not just homeschoolers.

[Anonymous]

They want that $$$ per pupil.

[Anonymous]

That would not address the technology issues, the internet problems and the issues that kids with special needs face.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That would not address the technology issues, the internet problems and the issues that kids with special needs face.

44 states and DC offer online public school. It is a mixture of online/offline work. They provide computers, books and supplies. If you want this option in Maryland, you have to pay thousands of dollars a year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They want the children physically in the classroom. This is why they dislike homeschoolers. If they offered free online public school, many families would choose it and not just homeschoolers.

Agreed. Many decisions are based on "full employment." Have known a number of homeschoolers who have decided to enroll their kids in public high school, and registrars who try not to award credit for courses, despite AP scores of 5 or placement test results showing kids well past a certain math class. Kids in the seats is the bottom line.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That would not address the technology issues, the internet problems and the issues that kids with special needs face.

44 states and DC offer online public school. It is a mixture of online/offline work. They provide computers, books and supplies. If you want this option in Maryland, you have to pay thousands of dollars a year.

I don't think it is that simple. MCPS has provided chromebooks and internet access to everyone (as well as meals). But, the kinks have still not been worked out when it comes to problems.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That would not address the technology issues, the internet problems and the issues that kids with special needs face.

44 states and DC offer online public school. It is a mixture of online/offline work. They provide computers, books and supplies. If you want this option in Maryland, you have to pay thousands of dollars a year.

I don't think it is that simple. MCPS has provided chromebooks and internet access to everyone (as well as meals). But, the kinks have still not been worked out when it comes to problems.

They did not have enough Chromebook for everyone. They are still in the process of obtaining more and distributing. That is why all classes are optional. Teachers can not assume kids will be available.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why don't schools work out some kind of deal with existing online school programs, like K-12? That way they don't have to reinvent the freakin' wheel. These programs already have systems in place and students could just get started. It would probably be cheap enough to piggy back on their systems, if they don't cut school systems a huge deal. Seems like that would be a lot easier than what we're dealing with.

Something to think about for next year, anyway -- or to resume online school soon enough to salvage this year.

ok op I don't know why I should have to point this out to you but this is DCUM its not a MoCo educational website so starting anything with "Dear MCPS" is plain stupid. No one at MCPS is going to read or respond.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Because MCPS thinks they know better. Remember Curriculum 2.0? They were going to create the best thing out there, sell it and make a mint. Oh wait, an audit showed it was a complete disaster, generations of kids grew up with their crap, and they haven't learned their lesson: Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.

How long were they using 2.0 that “generations” of kids grew up with it?

Also, agree with the PP that admins aren’t checking here for your feedback. But I’m sure their email addresses are posted on the website.

[Anonymous]

No, it’s not cheap, OP.

Educational programs sold to institutions are very expensive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why don't schools work out some kind of deal with existing online school programs, like K-12? That way they don't have to reinvent the freakin' wheel. These programs already have systems in place and students could just get started. It would probably be cheap enough to piggy back on their systems, if they don't cut school systems a huge deal. Seems like that would be a lot easier than what we're dealing with.

Something to think about for next year, anyway -- or to resume online school soon enough to salvage this year.

Because K-12 is awful. I have some friends who pulled their kids from traditional schools (public and private) due to bullying or mental illness. They have been appalled at how bad the online schools are. One friend now has a tutor for her son!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why don't schools work out some kind of deal with existing online school programs, like K-12? That way they don't have to reinvent the freakin' wheel. These programs already have systems in place and students could just get started. It would probably be cheap enough to piggy back on their systems, if they don't cut school systems a huge deal. Seems like that would be a lot easier than what we're dealing with.

Something to think about for next year, anyway -- or to resume online school soon enough to salvage this year.

ok op I don't know why I should have to point this out to you but this is DCUM its not a MoCo educational website so starting anything with "Dear MCPS" is plain stupid. No one at MCPS is going to read or respond.

You're kidding, right? Of course MCPS is all over this site.