FCPS school decline

[Anonymous]

As someone who has been a part of this community for the past 30 years, having attended a different high school within the FCPS system three decades ago, I can deeply understand the emotional significance behind my decision to stretch and buy a home in McLean. Growing up, I held McLean High and Longfellow Middle School in such high regard, considering them the epitome of academic excellence. They represented the schools I aspired for my own children to attend, believing they would provide the same exceptional education and opportunities that I had dreamed of as a child.

So, when the opportunity arose, I made a conscious and deliberate decision to invest in a home in McLean. It was driven by my deep desire to give my children the educational experience that I had always envisioned and hoped for. I believed that by living in McLean, they would have access to the exceptional educational standards and opportunities that I held in such high esteem.

However, it is with a heavy heart that I have witnessed the unfortunate decline of these once highly esteemed schools. The reality of their current state has not lived up to the expectations and dreams I had as a child. The facilities have deteriorated, the teaching quality has suffered, and it is disheartening to see the gap between what was once envisioned and the reality that exists today.

In light of this realization, the decline in quality, and the deliberate actions of the school board, I have made the difficult decision to enroll my younger child in a private school starting in middle school. It is a decision rooted in my deep concern for my child's education and my unwavering desire to provide them with the best possible opportunities for success.

I sincerely hope that the school board takes note of the decline and reevaluates its priorities. It is essential to recognize the importance of maintaining and improving the quality of education in all schools, including those in areas like McLean. Every child deserves access to a high-quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic background. By working towards restoring the excellence that these schools once represented, we can ensure that our children have the exceptional educational experiences they deserve.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The decline began in the 90s but was relatively confined to schools inside the beltway and inner-ring Fairfax County suburbs. Low-income areas of Reston also began to see issues in the 90s.

The decline began to spread outside the beltway when the illegal immigrant population boomed in the mid to late 2000s. Places like Herndon, West Potomac, central Springfield, and parts of Fairfax/Chantilly/Centreville were hard hit and the aftermath of that produced "pariah" elementary schools in those pyramids.

The recession and generational/demographic change in western Fairfax transformed many schools in the area.

The horrible school board could care less about these issues and honestly seems intent on destroying the remaining batches of Fairfax with good schools and stability.

Not snark but how would you realistically address these issues PP?

Most of the solutions to these problems would be up to the state, federal and local government, I.E., stopping Illegal Mass-Migration, enforcing proper zoning laws. The one thing I don't understand is why the school board is allowing 20 years old in mainstream schools when there is specially an adult high school for these people. Some people have also brought up an idea to specially create ESOL schools, so these high-need services don't disrupt the accreditation of mainstream schools which impact things like property values. Also, basic discipline needs to be enforced rather than an "equity" agenda.

republican troll alert alert alert

Do you just go around calling people trolls who you don’t agree with? PP is clearly not a troll.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We moved to FCPS this year from a New England state. I was told to prepare myself for poor schooling for my kid.

My fourth grade had a fantastic year. There were three field trips, one to Jamestown. There were multiplication and division daily fact practice. There were many book clubs, five paragraph essays, and daily use of agendas. There were spelling tests and homework. My kid finished the year with a grade level musical. I’m not sure what people are complaining about.

It happens every year before elections.

Republicans try to whip up some hysteria about schools, crime, gays, etc.

Like clockwork.

Yep. Because some ignorant dummies fall for it. Every.Single.Time.

FCPS isn't perfect. No school or district is. But it is hardly in decline or some sort of free fall. The kids I know in college have all been prepared, did well, and have commented that they were light years ahead of kids from many other areas.

DP. It may not be in “free fall” but FCPS absolutely is declining. The senior administration is weak, the School Board is an abomination. While school-based teachers and administrators try to make up the difference, parents aren’t fooled and can see the lack of focus on academics, the frustrated teachers, and the abysmal planning.

+1000

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s time to accept the fact that FCPS is in free fall. There is no fixing it without voting in a school board that will lead, find a competent superintendent, and ensure worthless layers of middle management are eliminated to provide funding to hire and retain excellent teachers.

FCPS uses technology very poorly and burdens teachers with a myriad of non-teaching duties.

Given the political makeup of Fairfax County, that is very likely to happen, so if you have the means it is time to go private.

+1
Looks like the thread is quickly devolving into a Bickerson's Spat about who went to Jamestown.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The decline began in the 90s but was relatively confined to schools inside the beltway and inner-ring Fairfax County suburbs. Low-income areas of Reston also began to see issues in the 90s.

The decline began to spread outside the beltway when the illegal immigrant population boomed in the mid to late 2000s. Places like Herndon, West Potomac, central Springfield, and parts of Fairfax/Chantilly/Centreville were hard hit and the aftermath of that produced "pariah" elementary schools in those pyramids.

The recession and generational/demographic change in western Fairfax transformed many schools in the area.

The horrible school board could care less about these issues and honestly seems intent on destroying the remaining batches of Fairfax with good schools and stability.

Other than getting rid of affordable housing, what can you do? Kids living in poverty are not going to perform as well as kids whose parents have post graduate degrees. The one thing that all of the top performing school districts in the country have in common is a surplus of educated families and a lack of poverty.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As someone who has been a part of this community for the past 30 years, having attended a different high school within the FCPS system three decades ago, I can deeply understand the emotional significance behind my decision to stretch and buy a home in McLean. Growing up, I held McLean High and Longfellow Middle School in such high regard, considering them the epitome of academic excellence. They represented the schools I aspired for my own children to attend, believing they would provide the same exceptional education and opportunities that I had dreamed of as a child.

So, when the opportunity arose, I made a conscious and deliberate decision to invest in a home in McLean. It was driven by my deep desire to give my children the educational experience that I had always envisioned and hoped for. I believed that by living in McLean, they would have access to the exceptional educational standards and opportunities that I held in such high esteem.

However, it is with a heavy heart that I have witnessed the unfortunate decline of these once highly esteemed schools. The reality of their current state has not lived up to the expectations and dreams I had as a child. The facilities have deteriorated, the teaching quality has suffered, and it is disheartening to see the gap between what was once envisioned and the reality that exists today.

In light of this realization, the decline in quality, and the deliberate actions of the school board, I have made the difficult decision to enroll my younger child in a private school starting in middle school. It is a decision rooted in my deep concern for my child's education and my unwavering desire to provide them with the best possible opportunities for success.

I sincerely hope that the school board takes note of the decline and reevaluates its priorities. It is essential to recognize the importance of maintaining and improving the quality of education in all schools, including those in areas like McLean. Every child deserves access to a high-quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic background. By working towards restoring the excellence that these schools once represented, we can ensure that our children have the exceptional educational experiences they deserve.

This sounds like an essay for school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As someone who has been a part of this community for the past 30 years, having attended a different high school within the FCPS system three decades ago, I can deeply understand the emotional significance behind my decision to stretch and buy a home in McLean. Growing up, I held McLean High and Longfellow Middle School in such high regard, considering them the epitome of academic excellence. They represented the schools I aspired for my own children to attend, believing they would provide the same exceptional education and opportunities that I had dreamed of as a child.

So, when the opportunity arose, I made a conscious and deliberate decision to invest in a home in McLean. It was driven by my deep desire to give my children the educational experience that I had always envisioned and hoped for. I believed that by living in McLean, they would have access to the exceptional educational standards and opportunities that I held in such high esteem.

However, it is with a heavy heart that I have witnessed the unfortunate decline of these once highly esteemed schools. The reality of their current state has not lived up to the expectations and dreams I had as a child. The facilities have deteriorated, the teaching quality has suffered, and it is disheartening to see the gap between what was once envisioned and the reality that exists today.

In light of this realization, the decline in quality, and the deliberate actions of the school board, I have made the difficult decision to enroll my younger child in a private school starting in middle school. It is a decision rooted in my deep concern for my child's education and my unwavering desire to provide them with the best possible opportunities for success.

I sincerely hope that the school board takes note of the decline and reevaluates its priorities. It is essential to recognize the importance of maintaining and improving the quality of education in all schools, including those in areas like McLean. Every child deserves access to a high-quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic background. By working towards restoring the excellence that these schools once represented, we can ensure that our children have the exceptional educational experiences they deserve.

This sounds like an essay for school.

It's chat gpt

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As someone who has been a part of this community for the past 30 years, having attended a different high school within the FCPS system three decades ago, I can deeply understand the emotional significance behind my decision to stretch and buy a home in McLean. Growing up, I held McLean High and Longfellow Middle School in such high regard, considering them the epitome of academic excellence. They represented the schools I aspired for my own children to attend, believing they would provide the same exceptional education and opportunities that I had dreamed of as a child.

So, when the opportunity arose, I made a conscious and deliberate decision to invest in a home in McLean. It was driven by my deep desire to give my children the educational experience that I had always envisioned and hoped for. I believed that by living in McLean, they would have access to the exceptional educational standards and opportunities that I held in such high esteem.

However, it is with a heavy heart that I have witnessed the unfortunate decline of these once highly esteemed schools. The reality of their current state has not lived up to the expectations and dreams I had as a child. The facilities have deteriorated, the teaching quality has suffered, and it is disheartening to see the gap between what was once envisioned and the reality that exists today.

In light of this realization, the decline in quality, and the deliberate actions of the school board, I have made the difficult decision to enroll my younger child in a private school starting in middle school. It is a decision rooted in my deep concern for my child's education and my unwavering desire to provide them with the best possible opportunities for success.

I sincerely hope that the school board takes note of the decline and reevaluates its priorities. It is essential to recognize the importance of maintaining and improving the quality of education in all schools, including those in areas like McLean. Every child deserves access to a high-quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic background. By working towards restoring the excellence that these schools once represented, we can ensure that our children have the exceptional educational experiences they deserve.

A five paragraph word salad that has no special examples of the parts in bold.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As someone who has been a part of this community for the past 30 years, having attended a different high school within the FCPS system three decades ago, I can deeply understand the emotional significance behind my decision to stretch and buy a home in McLean. Growing up, I held McLean High and Longfellow Middle School in such high regard, considering them the epitome of academic excellence. They represented the schools I aspired for my own children to attend, believing they would provide the same exceptional education and opportunities that I had dreamed of as a child.

So, when the opportunity arose, I made a conscious and deliberate decision to invest in a home in McLean. It was driven by my deep desire to give my children the educational experience that I had always envisioned and hoped for. I believed that by living in McLean, they would have access to the exceptional educational standards and opportunities that I held in such high esteem.

However, it is with a heavy heart that I have witnessed the unfortunate decline of these once highly esteemed schools. The reality of their current state has not lived up to the expectations and dreams I had as a child. The facilities have deteriorated, the teaching quality has suffered, and it is disheartening to see the gap between what was once envisioned and the reality that exists today.

In light of this realization, the decline in quality, and the deliberate actions of the school board, I have made the difficult decision to enroll my younger child in a private school starting in middle school. It is a decision rooted in my deep concern for my child's education and my unwavering desire to provide them with the best possible opportunities for success.

I sincerely hope that the school board takes note of the decline and reevaluates its priorities. It is essential to recognize the importance of maintaining and improving the quality of education in all schools, including those in areas like McLean. Every child deserves access to a high-quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic background. By working towards restoring the excellence that these schools once represented, we can ensure that our children have the exceptional educational experiences they deserve.

A five paragraph word salad that has no special examples of the parts in bold.

And not one bit of evidence supporting any of these statements about the assured decline! Decline in average percentile of SAT scores? Number of APs taken? Art, theater, music awards? Science awards? College outcomes? Where is all this supposed decline? I'm willing to be consider the question, but no one gives data--just "things aren't like I imagined and/or remembered them to be" Given all the demographic changes in the area, I'm impressed by the strength and quality of the school system.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As someone who has been a part of this community for the past 30 years, having attended a different high school within the FCPS system three decades ago, I can deeply understand the emotional significance behind my decision to stretch and buy a home in McLean. Growing up, I held McLean High and Longfellow Middle School in such high regard, considering them the epitome of academic excellence. They represented the schools I aspired for my own children to attend, believing they would provide the same exceptional education and opportunities that I had dreamed of as a child.

So, when the opportunity arose, I made a conscious and deliberate decision to invest in a home in McLean. It was driven by my deep desire to give my children the educational experience that I had always envisioned and hoped for. I believed that by living in McLean, they would have access to the exceptional educational standards and opportunities that I held in such high esteem.

However, it is with a heavy heart that I have witnessed the unfortunate decline of these once highly esteemed schools. The reality of their current state has not lived up to the expectations and dreams I had as a child. The facilities have deteriorated, the teaching quality has suffered, and it is disheartening to see the gap between what was once envisioned and the reality that exists today.

In light of this realization, the decline in quality, and the deliberate actions of the school board, I have made the difficult decision to enroll my younger child in a private school starting in middle school. It is a decision rooted in my deep concern for my child's education and my unwavering desire to provide them with the best possible opportunities for success.

I sincerely hope that the school board takes note of the decline and reevaluates its priorities. It is essential to recognize the importance of maintaining and improving the quality of education in all schools, including those in areas like McLean. Every child deserves access to a high-quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic background. By working towards restoring the excellence that these schools once represented, we can ensure that our children have the exceptional educational experiences they deserve.

McLean HS had more NMSFs last year than any HS in Virginia besides TJ, was the only school in the state to win the Gold Crown award from for the Columbia Scholastic Press for its student newspaper, had a student in the top 10 nationally in the Regeneron talent search, won the DC region It’s Academic for the second year in a row, and won the girls’ softball state title. Not too bad, so not sure what you are going on about (even if the facility needs upgrades).

[Anonymous]

Here is some data:

Change in FCPS High School SAT Scores
(Schools ranked by 2022 SAT score)
Level/School 2018 2022 CHANGE
Thomas Jefferson 1516 1533 17
Langley 1314 1302 -12
McLean 1308 1277 -31
Oakton 1265 1242 -23
Chantilly 1233 1230 -3
Woodson 1256 1218 -38
Lake Braddock 1210 1217 7
Madison 1262 1217 -45
Marshall 1237 1194 -43
Robinson 1210 1187 -23

https://fairfaxschoolsmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Fairfax-SAT-Scores-Fall-27-Points.pdf

[Anonymous]

Lazy teachers and a principal who cares more about keeping teachers happy than families.

Sounds bad. Maybe you should get a teaching job and show ‘em how it’s done.

"Teacher resignations in Fairfax jumped 45 percent last year compared to average resignation rates from 2018 to 2020, according to a Washington Post analysis. Reid says the shortages forced Fairfax County to change its hiring approach in many ways, including pivoting from seasonal recruiting to year-round recruiting."

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/teachers-are-burned-out-heres-why-theres-no-quick-fix

With the negative attitudes towards teachers and the lack of support (from all areas), the quantity and quality of educators will continue to decline without a comprehensive plan to reverse this trend. The data isn't broken down to specific types of teachers, but special education teachers (effective, caring ones) are becoming ever scarcer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As someone who has been a part of this community for the past 30 years, having attended a different high school within the FCPS system three decades ago, I can deeply understand the emotional significance behind my decision to stretch and buy a home in McLean. Growing up, I held McLean High and Longfellow Middle School in such high regard, considering them the epitome of academic excellence. They represented the schools I aspired for my own children to attend, believing they would provide the same exceptional education and opportunities that I had dreamed of as a child.

So, when the opportunity arose, I made a conscious and deliberate decision to invest in a home in McLean. It was driven by my deep desire to give my children the educational experience that I had always envisioned and hoped for. I believed that by living in McLean, they would have access to the exceptional educational standards and opportunities that I held in such high esteem.

However, it is with a heavy heart that I have witnessed the unfortunate decline of these once highly esteemed schools. The reality of their current state has not lived up to the expectations and dreams I had as a child. The facilities have deteriorated, the teaching quality has suffered, and it is disheartening to see the gap between what was once envisioned and the reality that exists today.

In light of this realization, the decline in quality, and the deliberate actions of the school board, I have made the difficult decision to enroll my younger child in a private school starting in middle school. It is a decision rooted in my deep concern for my child's education and my unwavering desire to provide them with the best possible opportunities for success.

I sincerely hope that the school board takes note of the decline and reevaluates its priorities. It is essential to recognize the importance of maintaining and improving the quality of education in all schools, including those in areas like McLean. Every child deserves access to a high-quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic background. By working towards restoring the excellence that these schools once represented, we can ensure that our children have the exceptional educational experiences they deserve.

McLean HS had more NMSFs last year than any HS in Virginia besides TJ, was the only school in the state to win the Gold Crown award from for the Columbia Scholastic Press for its student newspaper, had a student in the top 10 nationally in the Regeneron talent search, won the DC region It’s Academic for the second year in a row, and won the girls’ softball state title. Not too bad, so not sure what you are going on about (even if the facility needs upgrades).

the point is about the educational quality of what the student body at large is getting - not how many individual high-flyers they have. NMSF, great paper, 1 kid in a top 10 search - these are all "high-flyer" situations not indication of what the core instruction quality is at a school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As someone who has been a part of this community for the past 30 years, having attended a different high school within the FCPS system three decades ago, I can deeply understand the emotional significance behind my decision to stretch and buy a home in McLean. Growing up, I held McLean High and Longfellow Middle School in such high regard, considering them the epitome of academic excellence. They represented the schools I aspired for my own children to attend, believing they would provide the same exceptional education and opportunities that I had dreamed of as a child.

So, when the opportunity arose, I made a conscious and deliberate decision to invest in a home in McLean. It was driven by my deep desire to give my children the educational experience that I had always envisioned and hoped for. I believed that by living in McLean, they would have access to the exceptional educational standards and opportunities that I held in such high esteem.

However, it is with a heavy heart that I have witnessed the unfortunate decline of these once highly esteemed schools. The reality of their current state has not lived up to the expectations and dreams I had as a child. The facilities have deteriorated, the teaching quality has suffered, and it is disheartening to see the gap between what was once envisioned and the reality that exists today.

In light of this realization, the decline in quality, and the deliberate actions of the school board, I have made the difficult decision to enroll my younger child in a private school starting in middle school. It is a decision rooted in my deep concern for my child's education and my unwavering desire to provide them with the best possible opportunities for success.

I sincerely hope that the school board takes note of the decline and reevaluates its priorities. It is essential to recognize the importance of maintaining and improving the quality of education in all schools, including those in areas like McLean. Every child deserves access to a high-quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic background. By working towards restoring the excellence that these schools once represented, we can ensure that our children have the exceptional educational experiences they deserve.

McLean HS had more NMSFs last year than any HS in Virginia besides TJ, was the only school in the state to win the Gold Crown award from for the Columbia Scholastic Press for its student newspaper, had a student in the top 10 nationally in the Regeneron talent search, won the DC region It’s Academic for the second year in a row, and won the girls’ softball state title. Not too bad, so not sure what you are going on about (even if the facility needs upgrades).

the point is about the educational quality of what the student body at large is getting - not how many individual high-flyers they have. NMSF, great paper, 1 kid in a top 10 search - these are all "high-flyer" situations not indication of what the core instruction quality is at a school.

To the contrary, if the core instructional quality were not high, the school would not attract so many of what you term “high flyers.”

If your grievance is with the facilities, make your case. Otherwise, stop whining or thinking that attacking the McLean HS pyramid is going to get your GOP candidates elected.

[Anonymous]

I left FCPS after the end of this past school year, and I can affirm that things have only gotten worse. FCPS is not what it was 12 years ago and when many of us were kids. I've worked at multiple schools in the district, and I'm sorry to say that they all pretty much have the same problem; from social politics to student discipline cover ups, including serious scandals. The whole system is a joke, and no one wants a job in teaching anymore. Even if you're highly qualified, have strong credentials, and known to have great rapport with students, many admin in FCPS do not care. What they care about is their image, politics, and if you can make them look good and get them to where they want to be.