MAP-M 6+ in 5th grade

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is it common for 5th graders in 5/6 math to take the 6+ MAP-M in spring instead of waiting until 6th grade to switch to the new test?

I don’t recall this being the case for my older children, but my younger one recently took the 6th grade and above test.

To my knowledge, they don't do this in MCPS.

They do. That’s why I’m asking.

Which school does this?

Wealthy Potomac Schools, I'm sure.

Yes, they're doing this to address the equity concerns raised by the math acceleration available at the WPES but not elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is it common for 5th graders in 5/6 math to take the 6+ MAP-M in spring instead of waiting until 6th grade to switch to the new test?

I don’t recall this being the case for my older children, but my younger one recently took the 6th grade and above test.

To my knowledge, they don't do this in MCPS.

They do. That’s why I’m asking.

Which school does this?

Wealthy Potomac Schools, I'm sure.

Yes, they're doing this to address the equity concerns raised by the math acceleration available at the WPES but not elsewhere.

I don’t follow. How does MAP m 6+ address the equity concerns?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is it common for 5th graders in 5/6 math to take the 6+ MAP-M in spring instead of waiting until 6th grade to switch to the new test?

I don’t recall this being the case for my older children, but my younger one recently took the 6th grade and above test.

To my knowledge, they don't do this in MCPS.

They do. That’s why I’m asking.

Which school does this?

Wealthy Potomac Schools, I'm sure.

Yes, they're doing this to address the equity concerns raised by the math acceleration available at the WPES but not elsewhere.

Agree, the first step in providing consistency is getting the information needed to support this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MCPS is run by ineffective and unsupportive leaders who don’t actual care about the schools or kids. Our school fought back when the memo arrived and yet no one at the top cared or listened. We are told to follow orders even though the decision is not good for kids. It’s awful and parents should be reaching out to the math dept and directors. They don’t listen to teachers.

Why would the people at the top even think this was helpful? Could this provide a better indication of who is ready for Algebra in 6th than the current methods which seem to be up to each school are inconsistent?

You didn't hear this from me but all the noise about the WPS offering Algebra in 6th to students has raised equity concerns among the top brass. Apparently, the first step in addressing it is to collect accurate metrics by using the 6th-grade MAP-M at the end of 5th.

It all makes sense now.

Except that the test, or nearly any single-point litmus, presents high statistical variability versus a student's achievement/capability, and the associated metrics collected are unsuitable for MCPS's use for individual placement. At least unsuitable in the way MCPS employs them.

In what unsuitable way does MCPS use them?

It isn't. They're just spouting gibberish. The MAP-M results are on point for placement but are one of several factors to consider.

Yep it's nonsense. They just want to support a false narrative.

Yes, it's not surprising that misuse/ misunderstanding of data and nonsensical non-responses go hand in hand.

That’s a perfect example of nonsensical non-response.

[Anonymous]

Did math 5 students take it too, or just 5/6?

[Anonymous]

So MCPS will provide guidance like 5th graders score 250+ (just as example) in Spring MAP Math 6+ test can choose algebra 1 at 6th grade? Or how should it work? I am sure just depending on individual school is not a good solution. MCPS should provide the guidance for all middle school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MCPS is run by ineffective and unsupportive leaders who don’t actual care about the schools or kids. Our school fought back when the memo arrived and yet no one at the top cared or listened. We are told to follow orders even though the decision is not good for kids. It’s awful and parents should be reaching out to the math dept and directors. They don’t listen to teachers.

Why would the people at the top even think this was helpful? Could this provide a better indication of who is ready for Algebra in 6th than the current methods which seem to be up to each school are inconsistent?

You didn't hear this from me but all the noise about the WPS offering Algebra in 6th to students has raised equity concerns among the top brass. Apparently, the first step in addressing it is to collect accurate metrics by using the 6th-grade MAP-M at the end of 5th.

It all makes sense now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So MCPS will provide guidance like 5th graders score 250+ (just as example) in Spring MAP Math 6+ test can choose algebra 1 at 6th grade? Or how should it work? I am sure just depending on individual school is not a good solution. MCPS should provide the guidance for all middle school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MCPS is run by ineffective and unsupportive leaders who don’t actual care about the schools or kids. Our school fought back when the memo arrived and yet no one at the top cared or listened. We are told to follow orders even though the decision is not good for kids. It’s awful and parents should be reaching out to the math dept and directors. They don’t listen to teachers.

Why would the people at the top even think this was helpful? Could this provide a better indication of who is ready for Algebra in 6th than the current methods which seem to be up to each school are inconsistent?

You didn't hear this from me but all the noise about the WPS offering Algebra in 6th to students has raised equity concerns among the top brass. Apparently, the first step in addressing it is to collect accurate metrics by using the 6th-grade MAP-M at the end of 5th.

It all makes sense now.

Should. Won't. Limits their options.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So MCPS will provide guidance like 5th graders score 250+ (just as example) in Spring MAP Math 6+ test can choose algebra 1 at 6th grade? Or how should it work? I am sure just depending on individual school is not a good solution. MCPS should provide the guidance for all middle school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MCPS is run by ineffective and unsupportive leaders who don’t actual care about the schools or kids. Our school fought back when the memo arrived and yet no one at the top cared or listened. We are told to follow orders even though the decision is not good for kids. It’s awful and parents should be reaching out to the math dept and directors. They don’t listen to teachers.

Why would the people at the top even think this was helpful? Could this provide a better indication of who is ready for Algebra in 6th than the current methods which seem to be up to each school are inconsistent?

You didn't hear this from me but all the noise about the WPS offering Algebra in 6th to students has raised equity concerns among the top brass. Apparently, the first step in addressing it is to collect accurate metrics by using the 6th-grade MAP-M at the end of 5th.

It all makes sense now.

Should. Won't. Limits their options.

As the parent of an older kid and looking back, I am not convinced that anyone needs to be taking Algebra in 6th grade. For reference, my kid had a 260 at the end of 3rd grade and took Algebra in 7th. Finishing HS having taken Calc BC in 10th, Linear Alg, AP stats, and Vector Calculus. That's plenty of math!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So MCPS will provide guidance like 5th graders score 250+ (just as example) in Spring MAP Math 6+ test can choose algebra 1 at 6th grade? Or how should it work? I am sure just depending on individual school is not a good solution. MCPS should provide the guidance for all middle school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MCPS is run by ineffective and unsupportive leaders who don’t actual care about the schools or kids. Our school fought back when the memo arrived and yet no one at the top cared or listened. We are told to follow orders even though the decision is not good for kids. It’s awful and parents should be reaching out to the math dept and directors. They don’t listen to teachers.

Why would the people at the top even think this was helpful? Could this provide a better indication of who is ready for Algebra in 6th than the current methods which seem to be up to each school are inconsistent?

You didn't hear this from me but all the noise about the WPS offering Algebra in 6th to students has raised equity concerns among the top brass. Apparently, the first step in addressing it is to collect accurate metrics by using the 6th-grade MAP-M at the end of 5th.

It all makes sense now.

Should. Won't. Limits their options.

As the parent of an older kid and looking back, I am not convinced that anyone needs to be taking Algebra in 6th grade. For reference, my kid had a 260 at the end of 3rd grade and took Algebra in 7th. Finishing HS having taken Calc BC in 10th, Linear Alg, AP stats, and Vector Calculus. That's plenty of math!

Sure. Options. Best utilized with broadly available clarity; otherwise, it is only the few/in the know/communities with weight that benefit.

MCPS provides some clarity about available courses, but only within the standard regime. They reserve detail about differential curricula for special programs, full placement criteria and pathways made available at some schools but not others. That leaves options...for them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So MCPS will provide guidance like 5th graders score 250+ (just as example) in Spring MAP Math 6+ test can choose algebra 1 at 6th grade? Or how should it work? I am sure just depending on individual school is not a good solution. MCPS should provide the guidance for all middle school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MCPS is run by ineffective and unsupportive leaders who don’t actual care about the schools or kids. Our school fought back when the memo arrived and yet no one at the top cared or listened. We are told to follow orders even though the decision is not good for kids. It’s awful and parents should be reaching out to the math dept and directors. They don’t listen to teachers.

Why would the people at the top even think this was helpful? Could this provide a better indication of who is ready for Algebra in 6th than the current methods which seem to be up to each school are inconsistent?

You didn't hear this from me but all the noise about the WPS offering Algebra in 6th to students has raised equity concerns among the top brass. Apparently, the first step in addressing it is to collect accurate metrics by using the 6th-grade MAP-M at the end of 5th.

It all makes sense now.

Should. Won't. Limits their options.

As the parent of an older kid and looking back, I am not convinced that anyone needs to be taking Algebra in 6th grade. For reference, my kid had a 260 at the end of 3rd grade and took Algebra in 7th. Finishing HS having taken Calc BC in 10th, Linear Alg, AP stats, and Vector Calculus. That's plenty of math!

Did he take a course over the summer? How does he get to calc bc in 10th ? Mine was on algebra 1 in 6th track when he took calc bc in 10th.
Algebra 1 in 6th
Geometry in 7th
Algebra 2 in 8th
Precalc In 9th
Calc bc in 10th
MV calc in 11th
AP stat and linear algebra in 12th

How can you get to calc bc in 10th if you dont take algebra 1 in 6th? U will have to take some other course over the summer then

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So MCPS will provide guidance like 5th graders score 250+ (just as example) in Spring MAP Math 6+ test can choose algebra 1 at 6th grade? Or how should it work? I am sure just depending on individual school is not a good solution. MCPS should provide the guidance for all middle school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MCPS is run by ineffective and unsupportive leaders who don’t actual care about the schools or kids. Our school fought back when the memo arrived and yet no one at the top cared or listened. We are told to follow orders even though the decision is not good for kids. It’s awful and parents should be reaching out to the math dept and directors. They don’t listen to teachers.

Why would the people at the top even think this was helpful? Could this provide a better indication of who is ready for Algebra in 6th than the current methods which seem to be up to each school are inconsistent?

You didn't hear this from me but all the noise about the WPS offering Algebra in 6th to students has raised equity concerns among the top brass. Apparently, the first step in addressing it is to collect accurate metrics by using the 6th-grade MAP-M at the end of 5th.

It all makes sense now.

Should. Won't. Limits their options.

As the parent of an older kid and looking back, I am not convinced that anyone needs to be taking Algebra in 6th grade. For reference, my kid had a 260 at the end of 3rd grade and took Algebra in 7th. Finishing HS having taken Calc BC in 10th, Linear Alg, AP stats, and Vector Calculus. That's plenty of math!

Did he take a course over the summer? How does he get to calc bc in 10th ? Mine was on algebra 1 in 6th track when he took calc bc in 10th.
Algebra 1 in 6th
Geometry in 7th
Algebra 2 in 8th
Precalc In 9th
Calc bc in 10th
MV calc in 11th
AP stat and linear algebra in 12th

How can you get to calc bc in 10th if you dont take algebra 1 in 6th? U will have to take some other course over the summer then

DP. Summer is one option. Doubling up is another (e.g., Geometry & Algebra 2 in 8th, together, though that is discouraged).

The other path is to get into SMACS. High end Functions class (may now be called Magnet Precalc) combines Algebra 2 & Precalc, leading to Analysis (which more than does Calc BC) in 10th.

Note the reference to Vector Calc by PP. That's the SMACS magnet plus-up of Multivariable Calc available to students at (some? most?) other HSs/non-SMACS kids at Poolesville/Blair. Other SMACS-specific classes included Discrete Math, Linear Algebra (their version), Applied Stats (plus-up of AP Stats) and the capstone Complex Analysis course.

That was as of a year ago or so, and things are always changing. Kids not in SMACS but wanting more than is locally available can access some similar courses through Montgomery College/the University System of Maryland.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So MCPS will provide guidance like 5th graders score 250+ (just as example) in Spring MAP Math 6+ test can choose algebra 1 at 6th grade? Or how should it work? I am sure just depending on individual school is not a good solution. MCPS should provide the guidance for all middle school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MCPS is run by ineffective and unsupportive leaders who don’t actual care about the schools or kids. Our school fought back when the memo arrived and yet no one at the top cared or listened. We are told to follow orders even though the decision is not good for kids. It’s awful and parents should be reaching out to the math dept and directors. They don’t listen to teachers.

Why would the people at the top even think this was helpful? Could this provide a better indication of who is ready for Algebra in 6th than the current methods which seem to be up to each school are inconsistent?

You didn't hear this from me but all the noise about the WPS offering Algebra in 6th to students has raised equity concerns among the top brass. Apparently, the first step in addressing it is to collect accurate metrics by using the 6th-grade MAP-M at the end of 5th.

It all makes sense now.

Should. Won't. Limits their options.

As the parent of an older kid and looking back, I am not convinced that anyone needs to be taking Algebra in 6th grade. For reference, my kid had a 260 at the end of 3rd grade and took Algebra in 7th. Finishing HS having taken Calc BC in 10th, Linear Alg, AP stats, and Vector Calculus. That's plenty of math!

Did he take a course over the summer? How does he get to calc bc in 10th ? Mine was on algebra 1 in 6th track when he took calc bc in 10th.
Algebra 1 in 6th
Geometry in 7th
Algebra 2 in 8th
Precalc In 9th
Calc bc in 10th
MV calc in 11th
AP stat and linear algebra in 12th

How can you get to calc bc in 10th if you dont take algebra 1 in 6th? U will have to take some other course over the summer then

DP. Summer is one option. Doubling up is another (e.g., Geometry & Algebra 2 in 8th, together, though that is discouraged).

The other path is to get into SMACS. High end Functions class (may now be called Magnet Precalc) combines Algebra 2 & Precalc, leading to Analysis (which more than does Calc BC) in 10th.

Note the reference to Vector Calc by PP. That's the SMACS magnet plus-up of Multivariable Calc available to students at (some? most?) other HSs/non-SMACS kids at Poolesville/Blair. Other SMACS-specific classes included Discrete Math, Linear Algebra (their version), Applied Stats (plus-up of AP Stats) and the capstone Complex Analysis course.

That was as of a year ago or so, and things are always changing. Kids not in SMACS but wanting more than is locally available can access some similar courses through Montgomery College/the University System of Maryland.

Why would doing summer or doubling up be better than taking algebra at 6th? Not everyone wants to go to Blair.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So MCPS will provide guidance like 5th graders score 250+ (just as example) in Spring MAP Math 6+ test can choose algebra 1 at 6th grade? Or how should it work? I am sure just depending on individual school is not a good solution. MCPS should provide the guidance for all middle school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MCPS is run by ineffective and unsupportive leaders who don’t actual care about the schools or kids. Our school fought back when the memo arrived and yet no one at the top cared or listened. We are told to follow orders even though the decision is not good for kids. It’s awful and parents should be reaching out to the math dept and directors. They don’t listen to teachers.

Why would the people at the top even think this was helpful? Could this provide a better indication of who is ready for Algebra in 6th than the current methods which seem to be up to each school are inconsistent?

You didn't hear this from me but all the noise about the WPS offering Algebra in 6th to students has raised equity concerns among the top brass. Apparently, the first step in addressing it is to collect accurate metrics by using the 6th-grade MAP-M at the end of 5th.

It all makes sense now.

Should. Won't. Limits their options.

As the parent of an older kid and looking back, I am not convinced that anyone needs to be taking Algebra in 6th grade. For reference, my kid had a 260 at the end of 3rd grade and took Algebra in 7th. Finishing HS having taken Calc BC in 10th, Linear Alg, AP stats, and Vector Calculus. That's plenty of math!

Having access to Algebra in 6th enables kids to better on MS contest math that requires knowledge of both Algebra and Geometry. Also, seems like it would provide a boost to MAP-M since that's about exposure which in turn impacts magnet admissions. It's all kind of a racket about how people like to improve their kid's odds by hoarding these opportunities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So MCPS will provide guidance like 5th graders score 250+ (just as example) in Spring MAP Math 6+ test can choose algebra 1 at 6th grade? Or how should it work? I am sure just depending on individual school is not a good solution. MCPS should provide the guidance for all middle school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MCPS is run by ineffective and unsupportive leaders who don’t actual care about the schools or kids. Our school fought back when the memo arrived and yet no one at the top cared or listened. We are told to follow orders even though the decision is not good for kids. It’s awful and parents should be reaching out to the math dept and directors. They don’t listen to teachers.

Why would the people at the top even think this was helpful? Could this provide a better indication of who is ready for Algebra in 6th than the current methods which seem to be up to each school are inconsistent?

You didn't hear this from me but all the noise about the WPS offering Algebra in 6th to students has raised equity concerns among the top brass. Apparently, the first step in addressing it is to collect accurate metrics by using the 6th-grade MAP-M at the end of 5th.

It all makes sense now.

Should. Won't. Limits their options.

As the parent of an older kid and looking back, I am not convinced that anyone needs to be taking Algebra in 6th grade. For reference, my kid had a 260 at the end of 3rd grade and took Algebra in 7th. Finishing HS having taken Calc BC in 10th, Linear Alg, AP stats, and Vector Calculus. That's plenty of math!

Did he take a course over the summer? How does he get to calc bc in 10th ? Mine was on algebra 1 in 6th track when he took calc bc in 10th.
Algebra 1 in 6th
Geometry in 7th
Algebra 2 in 8th
Precalc In 9th
Calc bc in 10th
MV calc in 11th
AP stat and linear algebra in 12th

How can you get to calc bc in 10th if you dont take algebra 1 in 6th? U will have to take some other course over the summer then

DP. Summer is one option. Doubling up is another (e.g., Geometry & Algebra 2 in 8th, together, though that is discouraged).

The other path is to get into SMACS. High end Functions class (may now be called Magnet Precalc) combines Algebra 2 & Precalc, leading to Analysis (which more than does Calc BC) in 10th.

Note the reference to Vector Calc by PP. That's the SMACS magnet plus-up of Multivariable Calc available to students at (some? most?) other HSs/non-SMACS kids at Poolesville/Blair. Other SMACS-specific classes included Discrete Math, Linear Algebra (their version), Applied Stats (plus-up of AP Stats) and the capstone Complex Analysis course.

That was as of a year ago or so, and things are always changing. Kids not in SMACS but wanting more than is locally available can access some similar courses through Montgomery College/the University System of Maryland.

Why would doing summer or doubling up be better than taking algebra at 6th? Not everyone wants to go to Blair.

Also true. Just laying out the known options.

I'm sure someone was ready to point out that not everyone is ready for Algebra in 6th, not everyone wants to be taking higher-level college courses in HS with the math-in-every-year state requirement, "down-shifting" to something less rigorous in 11th & 12th after completing Calc BC in 10th might look bad on a college application, etc.

There probably are too many parents pushing for their kids to take Algebra in 6th. On the flip side, MCPS treats the availability of that (and the elementary pathways made available for some) like some kind of state secret, which effectively keeps it to the school clusters with highly-organized and vocal parents. Equity? Schmequity!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So MCPS will provide guidance like 5th graders score 250+ (just as example) in Spring MAP Math 6+ test can choose algebra 1 at 6th grade? Or how should it work? I am sure just depending on individual school is not a good solution. MCPS should provide the guidance for all middle school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MCPS is run by ineffective and unsupportive leaders who don’t actual care about the schools or kids. Our school fought back when the memo arrived and yet no one at the top cared or listened. We are told to follow orders even though the decision is not good for kids. It’s awful and parents should be reaching out to the math dept and directors. They don’t listen to teachers.

Why would the people at the top even think this was helpful? Could this provide a better indication of who is ready for Algebra in 6th than the current methods which seem to be up to each school are inconsistent?

You didn't hear this from me but all the noise about the WPS offering Algebra in 6th to students has raised equity concerns among the top brass. Apparently, the first step in addressing it is to collect accurate metrics by using the 6th-grade MAP-M at the end of 5th.

It all makes sense now.

Should. Won't. Limits their options.

As the parent of an older kid and looking back, I am not convinced that anyone needs to be taking Algebra in 6th grade. For reference, my kid had a 260 at the end of 3rd grade and took Algebra in 7th. Finishing HS having taken Calc BC in 10th, Linear Alg, AP stats, and Vector Calculus. That's plenty of math!

What is the point of doing this much math in high school vs just going onto college?