RMIB vs BCC IB

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/data/LAR-charts/IB-Exam-by-Subject.html

You're welcome

You'll see that it is the specific teacher for specific subjects that matter more than the school program itself.

Not being snarky...but I really do not see how the chart shows me that at all.

Most schools have only one teacher for each IB course. The teacher may teach multiple sections, but generally there is one. For IB Biology, the mean IB score at RM is a 5.2. At BCC it's a 4.2. At BCC, the mean physics score is a 5.0; it's a 5.3 at RM. Their english scores are equivalent.

So yeah, RM seems to be generally better in all areas.

Personally, I think this difference is more a function of the fact that to get into RM, you have to take a test. Only the people who do very well on the test are selected to go to RM. Thus, those at RM tend to do better on IB tests. By contrast, at BCC there are kids who are in full IB taking tests, kids who are just taking a 1 or 2 IB classes, etc. for the vast majority of kids who are decent test-takers in the IB program, there is, I would be willing to bet, not a significant difference between their test scores and RM.

RM is good. BCC is good. Puck a place where you want to live and you and your kid can make friends and do fun things outside if school. Both schools are good.

What? That is not true. My kid is in the RMIB right now and there was no test.

I believe that every class before the 2025 graduating class had to take the Cogat as part of the admissions process -- so the IB test results currently reported are all based on kids who took the Cogat. I don't think that the cogat has anything at all in common with an IB assessment, so I don't agree with PP's point, but it is accurate that the kids who have received the diploma to date took a test to get into RMIB. They ditched the test during the pandemic because they didn't want all those kids in a room, and have not brought it back.

So, perfect natural experiment - let’s check back in 4 years and compare IB scores to 4 years earlier and see if stacking the IB program with kids who test well improve IB scores? Of course, if the scores go down a bit everyone will yell that dropping the test allowed MCPS to put “less qualified” kids in the program, which IMO, as long time test prep tutor, is not the right conclusion.

Or whether stacking the IB program with kids whose parents paid for cogoat prep versus smarter kids whose parents can't afford that.

Grades are very subjective. So, what other measure should they use to see who is "qualified" to be admitted into a very rigorous program?

It isn't any more rigorous than the IB program at any of the other MCPS high schools. It is literally the same IB program. What my kid did to be admitted into the IB program at our local high school is live within the service area of our local high school.

1. the comment about not using cogat is not about BCC vs RMIB, but about what other academic measure should be used to admit students into a very academically rigorous magnet program.
2. It certainly draws in higher performing kids since the diploma rate is higher at RM than at BCC.

To repeat: the program is exactly as "very academically rigorous" at every other MCPS high school with IB, as at Richard Montgomery. It is exactly the same IB program.

but the cohort may not be as strong. Some classes grade on a curve.

It is exactly the same IB program. It is exactly the same IB requirements. It is exactly the same IB tests. It is exactly the same IB grading criteria. It is exactly the same IB program.

Does BCC have IB courses, specifically identified as such, for a cohort in 9th and 10th grade?

There are no IB courses for 9th and 10th grade. They do not exist. The IB diploma programme is only for 11th and 12th grade.

So you would agree that if there were a cohort of magnet kids taking classes within that magnet in 9th and 10th grade that are designated as IB formally on a transcript, that would be a way that the IB program overall at RM is different from the IB program at BCC?

9th and 10th grade classes shouldn't be designated as IB formally on a transcript, because they are not IB classes.

Now, is the experience in the RMIB magnet program different from the experience at the other high schools that are not RM and do not have the RMIB magnet program? Of course it is, basically tautologically. But not because the IB program is different at RM than at the other high schools.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/data/LAR-charts/IB-Exam-by-Subject.html

You're welcome

You'll see that it is the specific teacher for specific subjects that matter more than the school program itself.

Not being snarky...but I really do not see how the chart shows me that at all.

Most schools have only one teacher for each IB course. The teacher may teach multiple sections, but generally there is one. For IB Biology, the mean IB score at RM is a 5.2. At BCC it's a 4.2. At BCC, the mean physics score is a 5.0; it's a 5.3 at RM. Their english scores are equivalent.

So yeah, RM seems to be generally better in all areas.

Personally, I think this difference is more a function of the fact that to get into RM, you have to take a test. Only the people who do very well on the test are selected to go to RM. Thus, those at RM tend to do better on IB tests. By contrast, at BCC there are kids who are in full IB taking tests, kids who are just taking a 1 or 2 IB classes, etc. for the vast majority of kids who are decent test-takers in the IB program, there is, I would be willing to bet, not a significant difference between their test scores and RM.

RM is good. BCC is good. Puck a place where you want to live and you and your kid can make friends and do fun things outside if school. Both schools are good.

What? That is not true. My kid is in the RMIB right now and there was no test.

I believe that every class before the 2025 graduating class had to take the Cogat as part of the admissions process -- so the IB test results currently reported are all based on kids who took the Cogat. I don't think that the cogat has anything at all in common with an IB assessment, so I don't agree with PP's point, but it is accurate that the kids who have received the diploma to date took a test to get into RMIB. They ditched the test during the pandemic because they didn't want all those kids in a room, and have not brought it back.

So, perfect natural experiment - let’s check back in 4 years and compare IB scores to 4 years earlier and see if stacking the IB program with kids who test well improve IB scores? Of course, if the scores go down a bit everyone will yell that dropping the test allowed MCPS to put “less qualified” kids in the program, which IMO, as long time test prep tutor, is not the right conclusion.

Or whether stacking the IB program with kids whose parents paid for cogoat prep versus smarter kids whose parents can't afford that.

Grades are very subjective. So, what other measure should they use to see who is "qualified" to be admitted into a very rigorous program?

It isn't any more rigorous than the IB program at any of the other MCPS high schools. It is literally the same IB program. What my kid did to be admitted into the IB program at our local high school is live within the service area of our local high school.

1. the comment about not using cogat is not about BCC vs RMIB, but about what other academic measure should be used to admit students into a very academically rigorous magnet program.
2. It certainly draws in higher performing kids since the diploma rate is higher at RM than at BCC.

To repeat: the program is exactly as "very academically rigorous" at every other MCPS high school with IB, as at Richard Montgomery. It is exactly the same IB program.

but the cohort may not be as strong. Some classes grade on a curve.

It is exactly the same IB program. It is exactly the same IB requirements. It is exactly the same IB tests. It is exactly the same IB grading criteria. It is exactly the same IB program.

So basically the same kid would do about the same in any of these programs. Got it.

Nope. RMIB has courses designed for 9th and 10th for magnet program. BCC does not. It's not the *exact* same. I have mentioned this before, but you keep ignoring it. I really don't care, though. More room at RMIB for other kids.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/data/LAR-charts/IB-Exam-by-Subject.html

You're welcome

You'll see that it is the specific teacher for specific subjects that matter more than the school program itself.

Not being snarky...but I really do not see how the chart shows me that at all.

Most schools have only one teacher for each IB course. The teacher may teach multiple sections, but generally there is one. For IB Biology, the mean IB score at RM is a 5.2. At BCC it's a 4.2. At BCC, the mean physics score is a 5.0; it's a 5.3 at RM. Their english scores are equivalent.

So yeah, RM seems to be generally better in all areas.

Personally, I think this difference is more a function of the fact that to get into RM, you have to take a test. Only the people who do very well on the test are selected to go to RM. Thus, those at RM tend to do better on IB tests. By contrast, at BCC there are kids who are in full IB taking tests, kids who are just taking a 1 or 2 IB classes, etc. for the vast majority of kids who are decent test-takers in the IB program, there is, I would be willing to bet, not a significant difference between their test scores and RM.

RM is good. BCC is good. Puck a place where you want to live and you and your kid can make friends and do fun things outside if school. Both schools are good.

What? That is not true. My kid is in the RMIB right now and there was no test.

I believe that every class before the 2025 graduating class had to take the Cogat as part of the admissions process -- so the IB test results currently reported are all based on kids who took the Cogat. I don't think that the cogat has anything at all in common with an IB assessment, so I don't agree with PP's point, but it is accurate that the kids who have received the diploma to date took a test to get into RMIB. They ditched the test during the pandemic because they didn't want all those kids in a room, and have not brought it back.

So, perfect natural experiment - let’s check back in 4 years and compare IB scores to 4 years earlier and see if stacking the IB program with kids who test well improve IB scores? Of course, if the scores go down a bit everyone will yell that dropping the test allowed MCPS to put “less qualified” kids in the program, which IMO, as long time test prep tutor, is not the right conclusion.

Or whether stacking the IB program with kids whose parents paid for cogoat prep versus smarter kids whose parents can't afford that.

Grades are very subjective. So, what other measure should they use to see who is "qualified" to be admitted into a very rigorous program?

It isn't any more rigorous than the IB program at any of the other MCPS high schools. It is literally the same IB program. What my kid did to be admitted into the IB program at our local high school is live within the service area of our local high school.

1. the comment about not using cogat is not about BCC vs RMIB, but about what other academic measure should be used to admit students into a very academically rigorous magnet program.
2. It certainly draws in higher performing kids since the diploma rate is higher at RM than at BCC.

To repeat: the program is exactly as "very academically rigorous" at every other MCPS high school with IB, as at Richard Montgomery. It is exactly the same IB program.

but the cohort may not be as strong. Some classes grade on a curve.

It is exactly the same IB program. It is exactly the same IB requirements. It is exactly the same IB tests. It is exactly the same IB grading criteria. It is exactly the same IB program.

Does BCC have IB courses, specifically identified as such, for a cohort in 9th and 10th grade?

There are no IB courses for 9th and 10th grade. They do not exist. The IB diploma programme is only for 11th and 12th grade.

So you would agree that if there were a cohort of magnet kids taking classes within that magnet in 9th and 10th grade that are designated as IB formally on a transcript, that would be a way that the IB program overall at RM is different from the IB program at BCC?

9th and 10th grade classes shouldn't be designated as IB formally on a transcript, because they are not IB classes.

Now, is the experience in the RMIB magnet program different from the experience at the other high schools that are not RM and do not have the RMIB magnet program? Of course it is, basically tautologically. But not because the IB program is different at RM than at the other high schools.

RMS English 9 (and 10) is only available for RMIB magnet. It doesn't have IB designation, but the class is designed to help RMIB magnet students enter and be prepared for the diploma program.

It's not a class open to all, and BCC doesn't have it. It's a rigorous class.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/data/LAR-charts/IB-Exam-by-Subject.html

You're welcome

You'll see that it is the specific teacher for specific subjects that matter more than the school program itself.

Not being snarky...but I really do not see how the chart shows me that at all.

Most schools have only one teacher for each IB course. The teacher may teach multiple sections, but generally there is one. For IB Biology, the mean IB score at RM is a 5.2. At BCC it's a 4.2. At BCC, the mean physics score is a 5.0; it's a 5.3 at RM. Their english scores are equivalent.

So yeah, RM seems to be generally better in all areas.

Personally, I think this difference is more a function of the fact that to get into RM, you have to take a test. Only the people who do very well on the test are selected to go to RM. Thus, those at RM tend to do better on IB tests. By contrast, at BCC there are kids who are in full IB taking tests, kids who are just taking a 1 or 2 IB classes, etc. for the vast majority of kids who are decent test-takers in the IB program, there is, I would be willing to bet, not a significant difference between their test scores and RM.

RM is good. BCC is good. Puck a place where you want to live and you and your kid can make friends and do fun things outside if school. Both schools are good.

What? That is not true. My kid is in the RMIB right now and there was no test.

I believe that every class before the 2025 graduating class had to take the Cogat as part of the admissions process -- so the IB test results currently reported are all based on kids who took the Cogat. I don't think that the cogat has anything at all in common with an IB assessment, so I don't agree with PP's point, but it is accurate that the kids who have received the diploma to date took a test to get into RMIB. They ditched the test during the pandemic because they didn't want all those kids in a room, and have not brought it back.

So, perfect natural experiment - let’s check back in 4 years and compare IB scores to 4 years earlier and see if stacking the IB program with kids who test well improve IB scores? Of course, if the scores go down a bit everyone will yell that dropping the test allowed MCPS to put “less qualified” kids in the program, which IMO, as long time test prep tutor, is not the right conclusion.

Or whether stacking the IB program with kids whose parents paid for cogoat prep versus smarter kids whose parents can't afford that.

Grades are very subjective. So, what other measure should they use to see who is "qualified" to be admitted into a very rigorous program?

It isn't any more rigorous than the IB program at any of the other MCPS high schools. It is literally the same IB program. What my kid did to be admitted into the IB program at our local high school is live within the service area of our local high school.

1. the comment about not using cogat is not about BCC vs RMIB, but about what other academic measure should be used to admit students into a very academically rigorous magnet program.
2. It certainly draws in higher performing kids since the diploma rate is higher at RM than at BCC.

To repeat: the program is exactly as "very academically rigorous" at every other MCPS high school with IB, as at Richard Montgomery. It is exactly the same IB program.

but the cohort may not be as strong. Some classes grade on a curve.

It is exactly the same IB program. It is exactly the same IB requirements. It is exactly the same IB tests. It is exactly the same IB grading criteria. It is exactly the same IB program.

Might be the 'same' program on paper, but a much different experience in practice. Our home school has an IB program, and my neighbor has a kid at RMIB. We talk often, and the kids talk often. It is definitely a different experience, for a variety of reasons.

Not sure what your agenda is here, but there's a reason why RMIB gets so many applicants.

+1

Their agenda is to insist that RMIB is not any better than other IB programs because they hate RM maybe, even as RMIB gets 1000 applicants from all over the county, including from private schools. RMIB has courses in 9th and 10th specific for IB magnet students. BCC does not.

I'm sure BCC IB is great. But it's not a magnet program.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/data/LAR-charts/IB-Exam-by-Subject.html

You're welcome

You'll see that it is the specific teacher for specific subjects that matter more than the school program itself.

Not being snarky...but I really do not see how the chart shows me that at all.

Most schools have only one teacher for each IB course. The teacher may teach multiple sections, but generally there is one. For IB Biology, the mean IB score at RM is a 5.2. At BCC it's a 4.2. At BCC, the mean physics score is a 5.0; it's a 5.3 at RM. Their english scores are equivalent.

So yeah, RM seems to be generally better in all areas.

Personally, I think this difference is more a function of the fact that to get into RM, you have to take a test. Only the people who do very well on the test are selected to go to RM. Thus, those at RM tend to do better on IB tests. By contrast, at BCC there are kids who are in full IB taking tests, kids who are just taking a 1 or 2 IB classes, etc. for the vast majority of kids who are decent test-takers in the IB program, there is, I would be willing to bet, not a significant difference between their test scores and RM.

RM is good. BCC is good. Puck a place where you want to live and you and your kid can make friends and do fun things outside if school. Both schools are good.

What? That is not true. My kid is in the RMIB right now and there was no test.

I believe that every class before the 2025 graduating class had to take the Cogat as part of the admissions process -- so the IB test results currently reported are all based on kids who took the Cogat. I don't think that the cogat has anything at all in common with an IB assessment, so I don't agree with PP's point, but it is accurate that the kids who have received the diploma to date took a test to get into RMIB. They ditched the test during the pandemic because they didn't want all those kids in a room, and have not brought it back.

So, perfect natural experiment - let’s check back in 4 years and compare IB scores to 4 years earlier and see if stacking the IB program with kids who test well improve IB scores? Of course, if the scores go down a bit everyone will yell that dropping the test allowed MCPS to put “less qualified” kids in the program, which IMO, as long time test prep tutor, is not the right conclusion.

Or whether stacking the IB program with kids whose parents paid for cogoat prep versus smarter kids whose parents can't afford that.

Grades are very subjective. So, what other measure should they use to see who is "qualified" to be admitted into a very rigorous program?

It isn't any more rigorous than the IB program at any of the other MCPS high schools. It is literally the same IB program. What my kid did to be admitted into the IB program at our local high school is live within the service area of our local high school.

1. the comment about not using cogat is not about BCC vs RMIB, but about what other academic measure should be used to admit students into a very academically rigorous magnet program.
2. It certainly draws in higher performing kids since the diploma rate is higher at RM than at BCC.

To repeat: the program is exactly as "very academically rigorous" at every other MCPS high school with IB, as at Richard Montgomery. It is exactly the same IB program.

but the cohort may not be as strong. Some classes grade on a curve.

It is exactly the same IB program. It is exactly the same IB requirements. It is exactly the same IB tests. It is exactly the same IB grading criteria. It is exactly the same IB program.

Does BCC have IB courses, specifically identified as such, for a cohort in 9th and 10th grade?

There are no IB courses for 9th and 10th grade. They do not exist. The IB diploma programme is only for 11th and 12th grade.

So you would agree that if there were a cohort of magnet kids taking classes within that magnet in 9th and 10th grade that are designated as IB formally on a transcript, that would be a way that the IB program overall at RM is different from the IB program at BCC?

9th and 10th grade classes shouldn't be designated as IB formally on a transcript, because they are not IB classes.

Now, is the experience in the RMIB magnet program different from the experience at the other high schools that are not RM and do not have the RMIB magnet program? Of course it is, basically tautologically. But not because the IB program is different at RM than at the other high schools.

RMS English 9 (and 10) is only available for RMIB magnet. It doesn't have IB designation, but the class is designed to help RMIB magnet students enter and be prepared for the diploma program.

It's not a class open to all, and BCC doesn't have it. It's a rigorous class.

Well, there you go. The RM IB magnet program has magnet classes for 9th and 10th graders in the RM IB magnet program, which students who are not in the RM IB magnet program as 9th and 10th graders do not take. So, what are the difference between the RM IB magnet program and IB at other high schools, such as BCC?

1. The RM IB magnet program has some magnet classes for students in 9th and 10th grade.
2. Students in the RM IB magnet program were admitted after applying.
3. Many (but not all) students in the RM IB magnet program would not be attending RM if there were no magnet program.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/data/LAR-charts/IB-Exam-by-Subject.html

You're welcome

You'll see that it is the specific teacher for specific subjects that matter more than the school program itself.

Not being snarky...but I really do not see how the chart shows me that at all.

Most schools have only one teacher for each IB course. The teacher may teach multiple sections, but generally there is one. For IB Biology, the mean IB score at RM is a 5.2. At BCC it's a 4.2. At BCC, the mean physics score is a 5.0; it's a 5.3 at RM. Their english scores are equivalent.

So yeah, RM seems to be generally better in all areas.

Personally, I think this difference is more a function of the fact that to get into RM, you have to take a test. Only the people who do very well on the test are selected to go to RM. Thus, those at RM tend to do better on IB tests. By contrast, at BCC there are kids who are in full IB taking tests, kids who are just taking a 1 or 2 IB classes, etc. for the vast majority of kids who are decent test-takers in the IB program, there is, I would be willing to bet, not a significant difference between their test scores and RM.

RM is good. BCC is good. Puck a place where you want to live and you and your kid can make friends and do fun things outside if school. Both schools are good.

What? That is not true. My kid is in the RMIB right now and there was no test.

I believe that every class before the 2025 graduating class had to take the Cogat as part of the admissions process -- so the IB test results currently reported are all based on kids who took the Cogat. I don't think that the cogat has anything at all in common with an IB assessment, so I don't agree with PP's point, but it is accurate that the kids who have received the diploma to date took a test to get into RMIB. They ditched the test during the pandemic because they didn't want all those kids in a room, and have not brought it back.

So, perfect natural experiment - let’s check back in 4 years and compare IB scores to 4 years earlier and see if stacking the IB program with kids who test well improve IB scores? Of course, if the scores go down a bit everyone will yell that dropping the test allowed MCPS to put “less qualified” kids in the program, which IMO, as long time test prep tutor, is not the right conclusion.

Or whether stacking the IB program with kids whose parents paid for cogoat prep versus smarter kids whose parents can't afford that.

Grades are very subjective. So, what other measure should they use to see who is "qualified" to be admitted into a very rigorous program?

It isn't any more rigorous than the IB program at any of the other MCPS high schools. It is literally the same IB program. What my kid did to be admitted into the IB program at our local high school is live within the service area of our local high school.

1. the comment about not using cogat is not about BCC vs RMIB, but about what other academic measure should be used to admit students into a very academically rigorous magnet program.
2. It certainly draws in higher performing kids since the diploma rate is higher at RM than at BCC.

To repeat: the program is exactly as "very academically rigorous" at every other MCPS high school with IB, as at Richard Montgomery. It is exactly the same IB program.

but the cohort may not be as strong. Some classes grade on a curve.

It is exactly the same IB program. It is exactly the same IB requirements. It is exactly the same IB tests. It is exactly the same IB grading criteria. It is exactly the same IB program.

Might be the 'same' program on paper, but a much different experience in practice. Our home school has an IB program, and my neighbor has a kid at RMIB. We talk often, and the kids talk often. It is definitely a different experience, for a variety of reasons.

Not sure what your agenda is here, but there's a reason why RMIB gets so many applicants.

+1

Their agenda is to insist that RMIB is not any better than other IB programs because they hate RM maybe, even as RMIB gets 1000 applicants from all over the county, including from private schools. RMIB has courses in 9th and 10th specific for IB magnet students. BCC does not.

I'm sure BCC IB is great. But it's not a magnet program.

I'm the one saying that the IB program at RM is exactly the same as the IB program at BCC, and I'm not saying that because I hate RM. I'm saying it because it's true. The IB program - specifically, the IB Diploma Programme - is exactly the same at all of the schools in MCPS that offer the IB program.

https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/data/LAR-charts/IB-Exam-by-Subject.html

You're welcome

You'll see that it is the specific teacher for specific subjects that matter more than the school program itself.

Not being snarky...but I really do not see how the chart shows me that at all.

Most schools have only one teacher for each IB course. The teacher may teach multiple sections, but generally there is one. For IB Biology, the mean IB score at RM is a 5.2. At BCC it's a 4.2. At BCC, the mean physics score is a 5.0; it's a 5.3 at RM. Their english scores are equivalent.

So yeah, RM seems to be generally better in all areas.

Personally, I think this difference is more a function of the fact that to get into RM, you have to take a test. Only the people who do very well on the test are selected to go to RM. Thus, those at RM tend to do better on IB tests. By contrast, at BCC there are kids who are in full IB taking tests, kids who are just taking a 1 or 2 IB classes, etc. for the vast majority of kids who are decent test-takers in the IB program, there is, I would be willing to bet, not a significant difference between their test scores and RM.

RM is good. BCC is good. Puck a place where you want to live and you and your kid can make friends and do fun things outside if school. Both schools are good.

What? That is not true. My kid is in the RMIB right now and there was no test.

I believe that every class before the 2025 graduating class had to take the Cogat as part of the admissions process -- so the IB test results currently reported are all based on kids who took the Cogat. I don't think that the cogat has anything at all in common with an IB assessment, so I don't agree with PP's point, but it is accurate that the kids who have received the diploma to date took a test to get into RMIB. They ditched the test during the pandemic because they didn't want all those kids in a room, and have not brought it back.

So, perfect natural experiment - let’s check back in 4 years and compare IB scores to 4 years earlier and see if stacking the IB program with kids who test well improve IB scores? Of course, if the scores go down a bit everyone will yell that dropping the test allowed MCPS to put “less qualified” kids in the program, which IMO, as long time test prep tutor, is not the right conclusion.

Or whether stacking the IB program with kids whose parents paid for cogoat prep versus smarter kids whose parents can't afford that.

Grades are very subjective. So, what other measure should they use to see who is "qualified" to be admitted into a very rigorous program?

It isn't any more rigorous than the IB program at any of the other MCPS high schools. It is literally the same IB program. What my kid did to be admitted into the IB program at our local high school is live within the service area of our local high school.

1. the comment about not using cogat is not about BCC vs RMIB, but about what other academic measure should be used to admit students into a very academically rigorous magnet program.
2. It certainly draws in higher performing kids since the diploma rate is higher at RM than at BCC.

To repeat: the program is exactly as "very academically rigorous" at every other MCPS high school with IB, as at Richard Montgomery. It is exactly the same IB program.

but the cohort may not be as strong. Some classes grade on a curve.

It is exactly the same IB program. It is exactly the same IB requirements. It is exactly the same IB tests. It is exactly the same IB grading criteria. It is exactly the same IB program.

Might be the 'same' program on paper, but a much different experience in practice. Our home school has an IB program, and my neighbor has a kid at RMIB. We talk often, and the kids talk often. It is definitely a different experience, for a variety of reasons.

Not sure what your agenda is here, but there's a reason why RMIB gets so many applicants.

+1

Their agenda is to insist that RMIB is not any better than other IB programs because they hate RM maybe, even as RMIB gets 1000 applicants from all over the county, including from private schools. RMIB has courses in 9th and 10th specific for IB magnet students. BCC does not.

I'm sure BCC IB is great. But it's not a magnet program.

I'm the one saying that the IB program at RM is exactly the same as the IB program at BCC, and I'm not saying that because I hate RM. I'm saying it because it's true. The IB program - specifically, the IB Diploma Programme - is exactly the same at all of the schools in MCPS that offer the IB program.

https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/

the 11th / 12 th program is the exact same but the entire program is not. That is the point.

I already mentioned the 9th/10th grade classes only open to RMIB magnet students. Not even RM cluster students can take those classes.

[Anonymous]

Also, RMIB magnet kids do designate RMS 9 and 10 as a "magnet" type class on the their college admissions.

https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/contentassets/791d9e3ecf514dffa7e5f8b8cffd2a27/5451_23_rmhs-profile-insert.pdf?usp=sharing

Richard Montgomery Magnet and IB courses are advanced level classes and are designated “RMS.” on student transcripts.

https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/siteassets/schools/high-schools/r-w/rmhs/uploadedfiles/ib/magnet2018-2019final.pdf

You can see all the RMS designated classes there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/data/LAR-charts/IB-Exam-by-Subject.html

You're welcome

You'll see that it is the specific teacher for specific subjects that matter more than the school program itself.

Not being snarky...but I really do not see how the chart shows me that at all.

Most schools have only one teacher for each IB course. The teacher may teach multiple sections, but generally there is one. For IB Biology, the mean IB score at RM is a 5.2. At BCC it's a 4.2. At BCC, the mean physics score is a 5.0; it's a 5.3 at RM. Their english scores are equivalent.

So yeah, RM seems to be generally better in all areas.

Personally, I think this difference is more a function of the fact that to get into RM, you have to take a test. Only the people who do very well on the test are selected to go to RM. Thus, those at RM tend to do better on IB tests. By contrast, at BCC there are kids who are in full IB taking tests, kids who are just taking a 1 or 2 IB classes, etc. for the vast majority of kids who are decent test-takers in the IB program, there is, I would be willing to bet, not a significant difference between their test scores and RM.

RM is good. BCC is good. Puck a place where you want to live and you and your kid can make friends and do fun things outside if school. Both schools are good.

What? That is not true. My kid is in the RMIB right now and there was no test.

I believe that every class before the 2025 graduating class had to take the Cogat as part of the admissions process -- so the IB test results currently reported are all based on kids who took the Cogat. I don't think that the cogat has anything at all in common with an IB assessment, so I don't agree with PP's point, but it is accurate that the kids who have received the diploma to date took a test to get into RMIB. They ditched the test during the pandemic because they didn't want all those kids in a room, and have not brought it back.

So, perfect natural experiment - let’s check back in 4 years and compare IB scores to 4 years earlier and see if stacking the IB program with kids who test well improve IB scores? Of course, if the scores go down a bit everyone will yell that dropping the test allowed MCPS to put “less qualified” kids in the program, which IMO, as long time test prep tutor, is not the right conclusion.

Or whether stacking the IB program with kids whose parents paid for cogoat prep versus smarter kids whose parents can't afford that.

Grades are very subjective. So, what other measure should they use to see who is "qualified" to be admitted into a very rigorous program?

It isn't any more rigorous than the IB program at any of the other MCPS high schools. It is literally the same IB program. What my kid did to be admitted into the IB program at our local high school is live within the service area of our local high school.

1. the comment about not using cogat is not about BCC vs RMIB, but about what other academic measure should be used to admit students into a very academically rigorous magnet program.
2. It certainly draws in higher performing kids since the diploma rate is higher at RM than at BCC.

To repeat: the program is exactly as "very academically rigorous" at every other MCPS high school with IB, as at Richard Montgomery. It is exactly the same IB program.

but the cohort may not be as strong. Some classes grade on a curve.

It is exactly the same IB program. It is exactly the same IB requirements. It is exactly the same IB tests. It is exactly the same IB grading criteria. It is exactly the same IB program.

Might be the 'same' program on paper, but a much different experience in practice. Our home school has an IB program, and my neighbor has a kid at RMIB. We talk often, and the kids talk often. It is definitely a different experience, for a variety of reasons.

Not sure what your agenda is here, but there's a reason why RMIB gets so many applicants.

+1

Their agenda is to insist that RMIB is not any better than other IB programs because they hate RM maybe, even as RMIB gets 1000 applicants from all over the county, including from private schools. RMIB has courses in 9th and 10th specific for IB magnet students. BCC does not.

I'm sure BCC IB is great. But it's not a magnet program.

I'm the one saying that the IB program at RM is exactly the same as the IB program at BCC, and I'm not saying that because I hate RM. I'm saying it because it's true. The IB program - specifically, the IB Diploma Programme - is exactly the same at all of the schools in MCPS that offer the IB program.

https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/

the 11th / 12 th program is the exact same but the entire program is not. That is the point.

I already mentioned the 9th/10th grade classes only open to RMIB magnet students. Not even RM cluster students can take those classes.

The IB program is same. The magnet program is different.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/data/LAR-charts/IB-Exam-by-Subject.html

You're welcome

You'll see that it is the specific teacher for specific subjects that matter more than the school program itself.

Not being snarky...but I really do not see how the chart shows me that at all.

Most schools have only one teacher for each IB course. The teacher may teach multiple sections, but generally there is one. For IB Biology, the mean IB score at RM is a 5.2. At BCC it's a 4.2. At BCC, the mean physics score is a 5.0; it's a 5.3 at RM. Their english scores are equivalent.

So yeah, RM seems to be generally better in all areas.

Personally, I think this difference is more a function of the fact that to get into RM, you have to take a test. Only the people who do very well on the test are selected to go to RM. Thus, those at RM tend to do better on IB tests. By contrast, at BCC there are kids who are in full IB taking tests, kids who are just taking a 1 or 2 IB classes, etc. for the vast majority of kids who are decent test-takers in the IB program, there is, I would be willing to bet, not a significant difference between their test scores and RM.

RM is good. BCC is good. Puck a place where you want to live and you and your kid can make friends and do fun things outside if school. Both schools are good.

What? That is not true. My kid is in the RMIB right now and there was no test.

I believe that every class before the 2025 graduating class had to take the Cogat as part of the admissions process -- so the IB test results currently reported are all based on kids who took the Cogat. I don't think that the cogat has anything at all in common with an IB assessment, so I don't agree with PP's point, but it is accurate that the kids who have received the diploma to date took a test to get into RMIB. They ditched the test during the pandemic because they didn't want all those kids in a room, and have not brought it back.

So, perfect natural experiment - let’s check back in 4 years and compare IB scores to 4 years earlier and see if stacking the IB program with kids who test well improve IB scores? Of course, if the scores go down a bit everyone will yell that dropping the test allowed MCPS to put “less qualified” kids in the program, which IMO, as long time test prep tutor, is not the right conclusion.

Or whether stacking the IB program with kids whose parents paid for cogoat prep versus smarter kids whose parents can't afford that.

Grades are very subjective. So, what other measure should they use to see who is "qualified" to be admitted into a very rigorous program?

It isn't any more rigorous than the IB program at any of the other MCPS high schools. It is literally the same IB program. What my kid did to be admitted into the IB program at our local high school is live within the service area of our local high school.

1. the comment about not using cogat is not about BCC vs RMIB, but about what other academic measure should be used to admit students into a very academically rigorous magnet program.
2. It certainly draws in higher performing kids since the diploma rate is higher at RM than at BCC.

To repeat: the program is exactly as "very academically rigorous" at every other MCPS high school with IB, as at Richard Montgomery. It is exactly the same IB program.

but the cohort may not be as strong. Some classes grade on a curve.

It is exactly the same IB program. It is exactly the same IB requirements. It is exactly the same IB tests. It is exactly the same IB grading criteria. It is exactly the same IB program.

Might be the 'same' program on paper, but a much different experience in practice. Our home school has an IB program, and my neighbor has a kid at RMIB. We talk often, and the kids talk often. It is definitely a different experience, for a variety of reasons.

Not sure what your agenda is here, but there's a reason why RMIB gets so many applicants.

+1

Their agenda is to insist that RMIB is not any better than other IB programs because they hate RM maybe, even as RMIB gets 1000 applicants from all over the county, including from private schools. RMIB has courses in 9th and 10th specific for IB magnet students. BCC does not.

I'm sure BCC IB is great. But it's not a magnet program.

I'm the one saying that the IB program at RM is exactly the same as the IB program at BCC, and I'm not saying that because I hate RM. I'm saying it because it's true. The IB program - specifically, the IB Diploma Programme - is exactly the same at all of the schools in MCPS that offer the IB program.

https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/

the 11th / 12 th program is the exact same but the entire program is not. That is the point.

I already mentioned the 9th/10th grade classes only open to RMIB magnet students. Not even RM cluster students can take those classes.

The IB program is same. The magnet program is different.

A PP, not sure if it was you, said this, "To repeat: the program is exactly as "very academically rigorous" at every other MCPS high school with IB, as at Richard Montgomery. It is exactly the same IB program."

Can we agree that is false? The IB program at RMHS is indeed different and not "exactly the same."

[Anonymous]

MCPS High school have IB Magnet Programs at below schools

1. Richard Montgomery HS (County wide students can apply)
2. Watkins Mill HS (Regional program, that is students of few high school can apply)
3. Springbrook HS (Regional program, that is students of few high school can apply)
4. Kennedy HS (Regional program, that is students of few high school can apply)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-a2AyU4kX9rYWOoI3ZCO5njLPPuxBvPKjTAp8qgwa14/edit

These schools have IB magnet programs and students are selected by county. Other schools might have IB programs but they have different path ways to get diploma.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/data/LAR-charts/IB-Exam-by-Subject.html

You're welcome

You'll see that it is the specific teacher for specific subjects that matter more than the school program itself.

Not being snarky...but I really do not see how the chart shows me that at all.

Most schools have only one teacher for each IB course. The teacher may teach multiple sections, but generally there is one. For IB Biology, the mean IB score at RM is a 5.2. At BCC it's a 4.2. At BCC, the mean physics score is a 5.0; it's a 5.3 at RM. Their english scores are equivalent.

So yeah, RM seems to be generally better in all areas.

Personally, I think this difference is more a function of the fact that to get into RM, you have to take a test. Only the people who do very well on the test are selected to go to RM. Thus, those at RM tend to do better on IB tests. By contrast, at BCC there are kids who are in full IB taking tests, kids who are just taking a 1 or 2 IB classes, etc. for the vast majority of kids who are decent test-takers in the IB program, there is, I would be willing to bet, not a significant difference between their test scores and RM.

RM is good. BCC is good. Puck a place where you want to live and you and your kid can make friends and do fun things outside if school. Both schools are good.

What? That is not true. My kid is in the RMIB right now and there was no test.

I believe that every class before the 2025 graduating class had to take the Cogat as part of the admissions process -- so the IB test results currently reported are all based on kids who took the Cogat. I don't think that the cogat has anything at all in common with an IB assessment, so I don't agree with PP's point, but it is accurate that the kids who have received the diploma to date took a test to get into RMIB. They ditched the test during the pandemic because they didn't want all those kids in a room, and have not brought it back.

So, perfect natural experiment - let’s check back in 4 years and compare IB scores to 4 years earlier and see if stacking the IB program with kids who test well improve IB scores? Of course, if the scores go down a bit everyone will yell that dropping the test allowed MCPS to put “less qualified” kids in the program, which IMO, as long time test prep tutor, is not the right conclusion.

Or whether stacking the IB program with kids whose parents paid for cogoat prep versus smarter kids whose parents can't afford that.

Grades are very subjective. So, what other measure should they use to see who is "qualified" to be admitted into a very rigorous program?

It isn't any more rigorous than the IB program at any of the other MCPS high schools. It is literally the same IB program. What my kid did to be admitted into the IB program at our local high school is live within the service area of our local high school.

1. the comment about not using cogat is not about BCC vs RMIB, but about what other academic measure should be used to admit students into a very academically rigorous magnet program.
2. It certainly draws in higher performing kids since the diploma rate is higher at RM than at BCC.

To repeat: the program is exactly as "very academically rigorous" at every other MCPS high school with IB, as at Richard Montgomery. It is exactly the same IB program.

but the cohort may not be as strong. Some classes grade on a curve.

It is exactly the same IB program. It is exactly the same IB requirements. It is exactly the same IB tests. It is exactly the same IB grading criteria. It is exactly the same IB program.

So basically the same kid would do about the same in any of these programs. Got it.

Yes, they both use the same IB curriculum.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/data/LAR-charts/IB-Exam-by-Subject.html

You're welcome

You'll see that it is the specific teacher for specific subjects that matter more than the school program itself.

Not being snarky...but I really do not see how the chart shows me that at all.

Most schools have only one teacher for each IB course. The teacher may teach multiple sections, but generally there is one. For IB Biology, the mean IB score at RM is a 5.2. At BCC it's a 4.2. At BCC, the mean physics score is a 5.0; it's a 5.3 at RM. Their english scores are equivalent.

So yeah, RM seems to be generally better in all areas.

Personally, I think this difference is more a function of the fact that to get into RM, you have to take a test. Only the people who do very well on the test are selected to go to RM. Thus, those at RM tend to do better on IB tests. By contrast, at BCC there are kids who are in full IB taking tests, kids who are just taking a 1 or 2 IB classes, etc. for the vast majority of kids who are decent test-takers in the IB program, there is, I would be willing to bet, not a significant difference between their test scores and RM.

RM is good. BCC is good. Puck a place where you want to live and you and your kid can make friends and do fun things outside if school. Both schools are good.

What? That is not true. My kid is in the RMIB right now and there was no test.

I believe that every class before the 2025 graduating class had to take the Cogat as part of the admissions process -- so the IB test results currently reported are all based on kids who took the Cogat. I don't think that the cogat has anything at all in common with an IB assessment, so I don't agree with PP's point, but it is accurate that the kids who have received the diploma to date took a test to get into RMIB. They ditched the test during the pandemic because they didn't want all those kids in a room, and have not brought it back.

So, perfect natural experiment - let’s check back in 4 years and compare IB scores to 4 years earlier and see if stacking the IB program with kids who test well improve IB scores? Of course, if the scores go down a bit everyone will yell that dropping the test allowed MCPS to put “less qualified” kids in the program, which IMO, as long time test prep tutor, is not the right conclusion.

Or whether stacking the IB program with kids whose parents paid for cogoat prep versus smarter kids whose parents can't afford that.

Grades are very subjective. So, what other measure should they use to see who is "qualified" to be admitted into a very rigorous program?

It isn't any more rigorous than the IB program at any of the other MCPS high schools. It is literally the same IB program. What my kid did to be admitted into the IB program at our local high school is live within the service area of our local high school.

1. the comment about not using cogat is not about BCC vs RMIB, but about what other academic measure should be used to admit students into a very academically rigorous magnet program.
2. It certainly draws in higher performing kids since the diploma rate is higher at RM than at BCC.

To repeat: the program is exactly as "very academically rigorous" at every other MCPS high school with IB, as at Richard Montgomery. It is exactly the same IB program.

but the cohort may not be as strong. Some classes grade on a curve.

It is exactly the same IB program. It is exactly the same IB requirements. It is exactly the same IB tests. It is exactly the same IB grading criteria. It is exactly the same IB program.

So basically the same kid would do about the same in any of these programs. Got it.

Yes, they both use the same IB curriculum.

No. RMIB has a curriculum specifically for 9th and 10th graders that is not available at the other schools.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/data/LAR-charts/IB-Exam-by-Subject.html

You're welcome

You'll see that it is the specific teacher for specific subjects that matter more than the school program itself.

Not being snarky...but I really do not see how the chart shows me that at all.

Most schools have only one teacher for each IB course. The teacher may teach multiple sections, but generally there is one. For IB Biology, the mean IB score at RM is a 5.2. At BCC it's a 4.2. At BCC, the mean physics score is a 5.0; it's a 5.3 at RM. Their english scores are equivalent.

So yeah, RM seems to be generally better in all areas.

Personally, I think this difference is more a function of the fact that to get into RM, you have to take a test. Only the people who do very well on the test are selected to go to RM. Thus, those at RM tend to do better on IB tests. By contrast, at BCC there are kids who are in full IB taking tests, kids who are just taking a 1 or 2 IB classes, etc. for the vast majority of kids who are decent test-takers in the IB program, there is, I would be willing to bet, not a significant difference between their test scores and RM.

RM is good. BCC is good. Puck a place where you want to live and you and your kid can make friends and do fun things outside if school. Both



schools are good.

What? That is not true. My kid is in the RMIB right now and there was no test.

I believe that every class before the 2025 graduating class had to take the Cogat as part of the admissions process -- so the IB test results currently reported are all based on kids who took the Cogat. I don't think that the cogat has anything at all in common with an IB assessment, so I don't agree with PP's point, but it is accurate that the kids who have received the diploma to date took a test to get into RMIB. They ditched the test during the pandemic because they didn't want all those kids in a room, and have not brought it back.

So, perfect natural experiment - let’s check back in 4 years and compare IB scores to 4 years earlier and see if stacking the IB program with kids who test well improve IB scores? Of course, if the scores go down a bit everyone will yell that dropping the test allowed MCPS to put “less qualified” kids in the program, which IMO, as long time test prep tutor, is not the right conclusion.

Or whether stacking the IB program with kids whose parents paid for cogoat prep versus smarter kids whose parents can't afford that.

Grades are very subjective. So, what other measure should they use to see who is "qualified" to be admitted into a very rigorous program?

It isn't any more rigorous than the IB program at any of the other MCPS high schools. It is literally the same IB program. What my kid did to be admitted into the IB program at our local high school is live within the service area of our local high school.

1. the comment about not using cogat is not about BCC vs RMIB, but about what other academic measure should be used to admit students into a very academically rigorous magnet program.
2. It certainly draws in higher performing kids since the diploma rate is higher at RM than at BCC.

To repeat: the program is exactly as "very academically rigorous" at every other MCPS high school with IB, as at Richard Montgomery. It is exactly the same IB program.

but the cohort may not be as strong. Some classes grade on a curve.

It is exactly the same IB program. It is exactly the same IB requirements. It is exactly the same IB tests. It is exactly the same IB grading criteria. It is exactly the same IB program.

So basically the same kid would do about the same in any of these programs. Got it.

Yes, they both use the same IB curriculum.

No. RMIB has a curriculum specifically for 9th and 10th graders that is not available at the other schools.

Yes, BCC also has options for those grades but regardless, they both offer the same IB curriculum.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/data/LAR-charts/IB-Exam-by-Subject.html

You're welcome

You'll see that it is the specific teacher for specific subjects that matter more than the school program itself.

Not being snarky...but I really do not see how the chart shows me that at all.

Most schools have only one teacher for each IB course. The teacher may teach multiple sections, but generally there is one. For IB Biology, the mean IB score at RM is a 5.2. At BCC it's a 4.2. At BCC, the mean physics score is a 5.0; it's a 5.3 at RM. Their english scores are equivalent.

So yeah, RM seems to be generally better in all areas.

Personally, I think this difference is more a function of the fact that to get into RM, you have to take a test. Only the people who do very well on the test are selected to go to RM. Thus, those at RM tend to do better on IB tests. By contrast, at BCC there are kids who are in full IB taking tests, kids who are just taking a 1 or 2 IB classes, etc. for the vast majority of kids who are decent test-takers in the IB program, there is, I would be willing to bet, not a significant difference between their test scores and RM.

RM is good. BCC is good. Puck a place where you want to live and you and your kid can make friends and do fun things outside if school. Both



schools are good.

What? That is not true. My kid is in the RMIB right now and there was no test.

I believe that every class before the 2025 graduating class had to take the Cogat as part of the admissions process -- so the IB test results currently reported are all based on kids who took the Cogat. I don't think that the cogat has anything at all in common with an IB assessment, so I don't agree with PP's point, but it is accurate that the kids who have received the diploma to date took a test to get into RMIB. They ditched the test during the pandemic because they didn't want all those kids in a room, and have not brought it back.

So, perfect natural experiment - let’s check back in 4 years and compare IB scores to 4 years earlier and see if stacking the IB program with kids who test well improve IB scores? Of course, if the scores go down a bit everyone will yell that dropping the test allowed MCPS to put “less qualified” kids in the program, which IMO, as long time test prep tutor, is not the right conclusion.

Or whether stacking the IB program with kids whose parents paid for cogoat prep versus smarter kids whose parents can't afford that.

Grades are very subjective. So, what other measure should they use to see who is "qualified" to be admitted into a very rigorous program?

It isn't any more rigorous than the IB program at any of the other MCPS high schools. It is literally the same IB program. What my kid did to be admitted into the IB program at our local high school is live within the service area of our local high school.

1. the comment about not using cogat is not about BCC vs RMIB, but about what other academic measure should be used to admit students into a very academically rigorous magnet program.
2. It certainly draws in higher performing kids since the diploma rate is higher at RM than at BCC.

To repeat: the program is exactly as "very academically rigorous" at every other MCPS high school with IB, as at Richard Montgomery. It is exactly the same IB program.

but the cohort may not be as strong. Some classes grade on a curve.

It is exactly the same IB program. It is exactly the same IB requirements. It is exactly the same IB tests. It is exactly the same IB grading criteria. It is exactly the same IB program.

So basically the same kid would do about the same in any of these programs. Got it.

Yes, they both use the same IB curriculum.

No. RMIB has a curriculum specifically for 9th and 10th graders that is not available at the other schools.

Yes, BCC also has options for those grades but regardless, they both offer the same IB curriculum.

BCC has magnet level classes for 9th and 10th grade?

like these..
https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/siteassets/schools/high-schools/r-w/rmhs/uploadedfiles/ib/magnet2018-2019final.pdf