Detracking and equity threatens all advanced academic programs?

[Anonymous]

I previously posted how Algebra was being removed as an option for 6th graders in LCPS.

Looking at the state website explaining curriculum changes, there is a mention of detracking.
The idea is to not separate kids too much and saying that having kids of different ability level in the same class is beneficial to all.
There is also mention of equity in the curriculum.

It appears there is a push in Virginia DOE to remove higher level classes to reduce the achievement gap, particularly if there is a
racial disparity between who is taking the classes.

Fairfax has also adopted critical race theory and a push for equity, so AAP there is likely going to be reduced.

Has anyone seen detracking mentioned at meetings of a school board or other committees?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I previously posted how Algebra was being removed as an option for 6th graders in LCPS.

Looking at the state website explaining curriculum changes, there is a mention of detracking.
The idea is to not separate kids too much and saying that having kids of different ability level in the same class is beneficial to all.
There is also mention of equity in the curriculum.

It appears there is a push in Virginia DOE to remove higher level classes to reduce the achievement gap, particularly if there is a
racial disparity between who is taking the classes.

Fairfax has also adopted critical race theory and a push for equity, so AAP there is likely going to be reduced.

Has anyone seen detracking mentioned at meetings of a school board or other committees?

What is critical race theory?

[Anonymous]

Link?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I previously posted how Algebra was being removed as an option for 6th graders in LCPS.

Looking at the state website explaining curriculum changes, there is a mention of detracking.
The idea is to not separate kids too much and saying that having kids of different ability level in the same class is beneficial to all.
There is also mention of equity in the curriculum.

It appears there is a push in Virginia DOE to remove higher level classes to reduce the achievement gap, particularly if there is a
racial disparity between who is taking the classes.

Fairfax has also adopted critical race theory and a push for equity, so AAP there is likely going to be reduced.

Has anyone seen detracking mentioned at meetings of a school board or other committees?

The goal isn’t to remove the higher level classes, just to allow kids who deserve to be in the program but historically haven’t been allowed in because they have been discriminated against based on race.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I previously posted how Algebra was being removed as an option for 6th graders in LCPS.

Looking at the state website explaining curriculum changes, there is a mention of detracking.
The idea is to not separate kids too much and saying that having kids of different ability level in the same class is beneficial to all.
There is also mention of equity in the curriculum.

It appears there is a push in Virginia DOE to remove higher level classes to reduce the achievement gap, particularly if there is a
racial disparity between who is taking the classes.

Fairfax has also adopted critical race theory and a push for equity, so AAP there is likely going to be reduced.

Has anyone seen detracking mentioned at meetings of a school board or other committees?

The goal isn’t to remove the higher level classes, just to allow kids who deserve to be in the program but historically haven’t been allowed in because they have been discriminated against based on race.

They are not discriminated against. They are not smart enough or don't test well enough or don't have the resources to study or whatever.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I previously posted how Algebra was being removed as an option for 6th graders in LCPS.

Looking at the state website explaining curriculum changes, there is a mention of detracking.
The idea is to not separate kids too much and saying that having kids of different ability level in the same class is beneficial to all.
There is also mention of equity in the curriculum.

It appears there is a push in Virginia DOE to remove higher level classes to reduce the achievement gap, particularly if there is a
racial disparity between who is taking the classes.

Fairfax has also adopted critical race theory and a push for equity, so AAP there is likely going to be reduced.

Has anyone seen detracking mentioned at meetings of a school board or other committees?

What is critical race theory?

When applied to education, it presumes that teachers are racist and schools are racist institutions, yet paradoxically, teachers and schools systems state that they anti-racist, and equity is stressed in ed schools.

Somebody is lying.

[Anonymous]

I have 2 kids in AAP now & a younger one in K. I don’t think the AAP program will exist in its current form by the time she is in 3rd grade. That said, I’m pulling them all for private next year for pandemic reasons and who knows if / when we will return.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I previously posted how Algebra was being removed as an option for 6th graders in LCPS.

Looking at the state website explaining curriculum changes, there is a mention of detracking.
The idea is to not separate kids too much and saying that having kids of different ability level in the same class is beneficial to all.
There is also mention of equity in the curriculum.

It appears there is a push in Virginia DOE to remove higher level classes to reduce the achievement gap, particularly if there is a
racial disparity between who is taking the classes.

Fairfax has also adopted critical race theory and a push for equity, so AAP there is likely going to be reduced.

Has anyone seen detracking mentioned at meetings of a school board or other committees?

What is critical race theory?

When applied to education, it presumes that teachers are racist and schools are racist institutions, yet paradoxically, teachers and schools systems state that they anti-racist, and equity is stressed in ed schools.

Somebody is lying.

Not exactly. Critical Race Theory is a framework that presumes (our) society is built upon white supremacy, and as a result, institutions and systems benefit those who are white and (usually unintentionally) put racial minorities at a disadvantage, due to systemic inequities and structures that support the privileged and continue to perpetually disadvantage those who are not. Like...a self-powered perpetual motion machine that increasingly makes things better for rich white people and worse for poor black and brown people, and it won't stop unless people consciously work to change it.

If you don't understand that, ok. Hopefully you do now.
But if you have a problem with that....I'd say you are the problem.

We can work to fix these issues and still provide for different needs (enrich, supplement, enhance, modify, etc...). We just can't keep doing it the same way if we care about equity. But not everyone actually cares about equity I realize, so of course we'll see people complaining.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have 2 kids in AAP now & a younger one in K. I don’t think the AAP program will exist in its current form by the time she is in 3rd grade. That said, I’m pulling them all for private next year for pandemic reasons and who knows if / when we will return.

you found a school with three openings? I'm sure a school that can accommodate you will be very challenging for your kids

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have 2 kids in AAP now & a younger one in K. I don’t think the AAP program will exist in its current form by the time she is in 3rd grade. That said, I’m pulling them all for private next year for pandemic reasons and who knows if / when we will return.

you found a school with three openings? I'm sure a school that can accommodate you will be very challenging for your kids

Yes I applied in early fall & it’s a religious school we are affiliated with & not a cut throat place. I’m not sure what you meant by challenging - academically or otherwise.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
What is critical race theory?

When applied to education, it presumes that teachers are racist and schools are racist institutions, yet paradoxically, teachers and schools systems state that they anti-racist, and equity is stressed in ed schools.

Somebody is lying.

Not exactly. Critical Race Theory is a framework that presumes (our) society is built upon white supremacy, and as a result, institutions and systems benefit those who are white and (usually unintentionally) put racial minorities at a disadvantage, due to systemic inequities and structures that support the privileged and continue to perpetually disadvantage those who are not. Like...a self-powered perpetual motion machine that increasingly makes things better for rich white people and worse for poor black and brown people, and it won't stop unless people consciously work to change it.

If you don't understand that, ok. Hopefully you do now.
But if you have a problem with that....I'd say you are the problem.

We can work to fix these issues and still provide for different needs (enrich, supplement, enhance, modify, etc...). We just can't keep doing it the same way if we care about equity. But not everyone actually cares about equity I realize, so of course we'll see people complaining.

I'm in both camps.. Agree with the basic premise of the theory but don't agree that the solution is watering down everything and wait for the disadvantaged to catch up. The theory also breaks down when it comes to certain non-white groups (e.g. Asians and African immigrants whether or not they are rich/educated).

Why not increase county/state taxes and use that to fund AAP or equivalent at all schools so everyone has the opportunity to get the same level of education? I'd gladly pay as I'm sure most people would. It's far cheaper than the alternative (sending their kids to private schools)..

[Anonymous]

AAP is only laughable. You do not need it. Your schools will be fine without the program. Better even. Taking the top 20% of kids who are most prepped in 2nd grade is only creating a pseudo-private school that’s free for those who don’t want to pay. It is not a right you all deserve as public school patrons and it does a disservice to those kids not in the program. I’ve lived in Fairfax and then all around the US and abroad. So I’ve seen a lot of different public education.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:AAP is only laughable. You do not need it. Your schools will be fine without the program. Better even. Taking the top 20% of kids who are most prepped in 2nd grade is only creating a pseudo-private school that’s free for those who don’t want to pay. It is not a right you all deserve as public school patrons and it does a disservice to those kids not in the program. I’ve lived in Fairfax and then all around the US and abroad. So I’ve seen a lot of different public education.

There's some evidence that having higher performers in a class with lower performers helps the lower performers, but is it true the other way around?

Shouldn't we want all kids to be challenged? If you have a kid who is above performing, wouldn't you want your kid to get small group time with their teacher?

Is "benign neglect", good for higher performers? It might force them to become self-learners, which is a good skill, but how much does this also lead to classroom disruption?

If we are in a global competition with other nations, wouldn't we want to nurture higher performers as well?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:AAP is only laughable. You do not need it. Your schools will be fine without the program. Better even. Taking the top 20% of kids who are most prepped in 2nd grade is only creating a pseudo-private school that’s free for those who don’t want to pay. It is not a right you all deserve as public school patrons and it does a disservice to those kids not in the program. I’ve lived in Fairfax and then all around the US and abroad. So I’ve seen a lot of different public education.

This may be true. What is also true is that it's the parents of these kids that do most of the volunteer work at school and provide the support teachers need to keep the school at a higher level of performance. If AAP is gone, so will a lot of those volunteers. Race to the bottom!

[Anonymous]

Why are people so against putting kids of similar abilities together?

When I was a kid, there was an advanced class, regular class and a remedial class. I kind of think this was worse. The kids in the low class always knew they were in the dumb class. At least if kids are not in AAP, they can all be in the normal class.