Message
We've just put out an article detailing all of the boundary discussions in the recent BOE meeting including the full slides.
https://moderatelymoco.com/mcps-boundary-studies-updates-from-2-27-24-boe-meeting-woodward-crown-damascus-high-schools/
https://moderatelymoco.com/mcps-boundary-studies-updates-from-2-27-24-boe-meeting-woodward-crown-damascus-high-schools/
Anonymous wrote:ModeratelyMoco wrote:Anonymous wrote:ModeratelyMoco wrote:New report out on Dana Edwards and more about who knew what regarding Beidleman investigation and other issues in MCPS:
https://moderatelymoco.com/return-amidst-controversy-navigating-the-reinstatement-of-dana-edwards-to-mcps-chief-of-districtwide-services-and-support/
This is awful reporting - lots of incorrect information. Starting with her title which is Chief of District Operations.
She is not one of the 5. She's not in the Jackson Lewis report at all. HR had the no high season leave long before she came to HR.
Sorry mocoshow wannabe, this is a flop.
Thanks for the correction. I guess that is what we get for using MoCo360 article as a source instead of verifying with MCPS website. Lesson learned and will correct.
You know the identities of everyone in the report? That would be useful information which I'm sure you won't share.
Weak effort, throwing shade after plagiarizing!
Plaguarizing? What was plagarized? We quoted their article and provided a link, everything else in there is new.
https://moderatelymoco.com/return-amidst-controversy-navigating-the-reinstatement-of-dana-edwards-to-mcps-chief-of-districtwide-services-and-support/
Anonymous wrote:ModeratelyMoco wrote:New report out on Dana Edwards and more about who knew what regarding Beidleman investigation and other issues in MCPS:
https://moderatelymoco.com/return-amidst-controversy-navigating-the-reinstatement-of-dana-edwards-to-mcps-chief-of-districtwide-services-and-support/
This is awful reporting - lots of incorrect information. Starting with her title which is Chief of District Operations.
She is not one of the 5. She's not in the Jackson Lewis report at all. HR had the no high season leave long before she came to HR.
Sorry mocoshow wannabe, this is a flop.
Thanks for the correction. I guess that is what we get for using MoCo360 article as a source instead of verifying with MCPS website. Lesson learned and will correct.
You know the identities of everyone in the report? That would be useful information which I'm sure you won't share.
New report out on Dana Edwards and more about who knew what regarding Beidleman investigation and other issues in MCPS:
https://moderatelymoco.com/return-amidst-controversy-navigating-the-reinstatement-of-dana-edwards-to-mcps-chief-of-districtwide-services-and-support/
https://moderatelymoco.com/return-amidst-controversy-navigating-the-reinstatement-of-dana-edwards-to-mcps-chief-of-districtwide-services-and-support/
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:What happens to kids who are starting 10th grade when the new boundaries go in place? How would they decide who moves to Woodward since many DCC kids don’t attend their home high school?
It's a big question. I'm the person who posted about their DD who will be a junior. In my opinion (which means jack) they should start the school with a freshman class and build from there. If they do that though, how do they have sports teams? Do kids just miss our? I honestly have no idea. I really hope that they don't make juniors and seniors move though.
Juniors and seniors are typically allowed to remain at their previous schools. Sophomores are likely to be moved.
How do they do it for middle school? Do 7th graders get to stay or do they have to move?
Rising 7th graders, I mean. Do they get to stay where they started in 6th or do they have to switch and do 7th grade in a whole new school if the boundaries get redrawn?
Usually there is a class or two that continues the same schools for continuity but that is likely not decided yet. I am not sure if it is usually one class (rising 8th graders only) or two.
Update: Email sent out to staff from McKnight about Beidleman report, staffing changes, action plan and support.
https://moderatelymoco.com/email-to-mcps-employees-from-dr-mcknight-about-beidleman-report-staffing-changes-action-plan-and-support/
https://moderatelymoco.com/email-to-mcps-employees-from-dr-mcknight-about-beidleman-report-staffing-changes-action-plan-and-support/
BOE Releases full redacted report:
https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/siteassets/district/boe/boe-news/230908-jackson-lewis-report.pdf
https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/siteassets/district/boe/boe-news/230908-jackson-lewis-report.pdf
ModeratelyMoco wrote:Anonymous wrote:No mention of Morris?
Yea that is odd.... thanks. MCPS websites says:
Diane Morris
Acting Chief of School Support and Well-Being
From MCPS Spokesperson:
"Ms. Morris was placed on administrative leave previously and previously communicated to appropriate staff. This note addresses other personnel actions."
Anonymous wrote:No mention of Morris?
Yea that is odd.... thanks. MCPS websites says:
Diane Morris
Acting Chief of School Support and Well-Being
Breaking news:
https://moderatelymoco.com/shift-at-the-top-dr-patrick-murphy-parts-ways-with-mcps-former-deputy-superintendent-no-longer-employed-by-the-district/
Dear Colleagues:
I am writing to provide you an update regarding personnel changes in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). Dr. Patrick Murphy, deputy superintendent, is no longer employed by the district. I want to thank Dr. Murphy for his service to MCPS and wish him well in his future endeavors.
Within the Office of School Support and Well-Being (OSSWB), Dr. Donna Redmond Jones and Dr. Eugenia (Jeanie) Dawson are currently on leave. To minimize any disruptions, Dr. Peter Moran, associate superintendent, and Mr. David Adams, acting associate superintendent, will be providing supervision to the schools and other staff under Dr. Redmond-Jones and Dr. Dawson in the days ahead. They will follow up with additional details tomorrow, October 12, 2023.
I recognize that leadership transitions may be challenging, and we will continue to update you on any additional staffing changes.
In addition, please do not hesitate to reach out to Mr. Brian Stockton, chief of staff, with any questions at Brian_S_Stockton@mcpsmd.org.
Thank you for your commitment to our staff, students, and communities.
Sincerely,
Monifa B. McKnight
Superintendent of Schools
https://moderatelymoco.com/shift-at-the-top-dr-patrick-murphy-parts-ways-with-mcps-former-deputy-superintendent-no-longer-employed-by-the-district/
Dear Colleagues:
I am writing to provide you an update regarding personnel changes in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). Dr. Patrick Murphy, deputy superintendent, is no longer employed by the district. I want to thank Dr. Murphy for his service to MCPS and wish him well in his future endeavors.
Within the Office of School Support and Well-Being (OSSWB), Dr. Donna Redmond Jones and Dr. Eugenia (Jeanie) Dawson are currently on leave. To minimize any disruptions, Dr. Peter Moran, associate superintendent, and Mr. David Adams, acting associate superintendent, will be providing supervision to the schools and other staff under Dr. Redmond-Jones and Dr. Dawson in the days ahead. They will follow up with additional details tomorrow, October 12, 2023.
I recognize that leadership transitions may be challenging, and we will continue to update you on any additional staffing changes.
In addition, please do not hesitate to reach out to Mr. Brian Stockton, chief of staff, with any questions at Brian_S_Stockton@mcpsmd.org.
Thank you for your commitment to our staff, students, and communities.
Sincerely,
Monifa B. McKnight
Superintendent of Schools
Anonymous wrote:It’s ironic this was released while Farquahar had their BTSN.
Wow, did not realize this!
https://moderatelymoco.com/the-beidleman-report-what-moco-boe-reveals-in-their-latest-update/
Today the Montgomery County Board of Education provided an update on the Beidleman report.
The MoCo BOE only publicly posts on X (formerly known as Twitter), we wanted to share with you any updates to this case since not everyone is on that platform.
There is a letter to local state and county leaders that was released shortly before a report summary. We will post both here.
Report Summary
Dear Ms. Silvestre:
As you know, the Board of Education of Montgomery County (the "Board') engaged Jackson Lewis P.C., ("Jackson Lewis") to conduct a full and complete independent investigation regarding the processes surrounding the June 2023 promotion of Dr. Joel Beidleman to Principal of Paint Branch High School (*Paint Branch HS"). Specifically, the Board requested that Jackson Lewis examine (1) whether, prior to the promotion, Montgomery County Public Schools ("MCPS) management received complaints or were otherwise aware of complaints containing allegations of misconduct against Dr. Beidleman, (2) whether any such complaints were appropriately investigated pursuant to MCPS policies and guidelines, (3) what, if any, actions MCPS took in response to any such complaints, and (4) whether these complaints impacted the promotional process.
On September 8, 2023, Jackson Lewis submitted a comprehensive final written report (the "Report) and a verbal report to the Board which contained its findings, analysis of the facts and relevant exhibits to the Report. Pursuant to the Board's request, Jackson Lewis did not provide any recommendations for subsequent actions based on the factual findings or opine on remedial measures to address any procedural issues.
As requested, this letter provides a general summary of the findings concerning the promotion process and related findings that the Board can release, consistent with the requirements of the Maryland Public Information Act ("MPIA"). The MPIA, specifically, Md. Code Ann., Gen. Prov. § 4-311(a), requires a custodian to "deny inspection of a personnel record of an individual, including an application, a performance rating, or scholastic achievement information." Records relating to the discipline of an employee or any other matter involving the status of an MCPS employee are subject to the MPIA. Here, the Report contains personnel information about MCPS employees, including those who may be subject to discipline based on the findings in the Report.
The requirements of the MPIA restrict the Board's ability to release confidential personnel information contained in the Report.
To achieve the tasked investigation objectives, Jackson Lewis attorneys Donald E. English, Jr., Esq., Kathleen A. McGinley, Esq., and Tonecia R. Brothers-Sutton, Esq., (the "Investigators") identified individuals associated with MCPS, at any level - current or formerly employed - who knew or should have known about any relevant complaints, the response to each and/or who were involved in the promotion process.
The Investigators identified and interviewed 30 current and former employees. The Board was also interviewed on August 25, 2023 and September 1, 2023. Some of the witnesses were interviewed more than once as additional and/or conflicting information was learned during the investigation. In total, the Investigators completed over 59 interviews of key MCPS personnel from August 11 to September 8, 2023. All of these interviews related solely to Dr. Beidleman's promotion. The Report does not analyze the merits of any relevant complaints and/or allegations. The Investigators also identified and reviewed documents related to any complaints relevant to the investigation, MCPS' processes regarding complaint investigations, any investigation performed by MCPS and the promotional process in June 2023. These documents were collected from the witnesses directly, MCPS departments, and from MCPS' electronic systems and hardware. The Investigators, along with their Jackson Lewis Electronic Stored Information team, collaborated with the MCPS Information Technology team to identify storage areas where relevant electronic documents and communications were stored on MCPS' network. Employing Discovery applications and third-party software, electronic files were extracted from the accounts of multiple custodians. Over 30,000 documents were collected from the MCPS email accounts, and text message discussion threads were collected from 10 MCPS cellular phones. These files included documents from both Microsoft and Google accounts, and text message threads from custodians' cellular phones. The Microsoft and Google account files were extracted from MCPS' network and transferred to a third party Electronically Stored Information (ESI vendor. The files were processed to extract file contents and metadata, and the documents were hosted on an ESI platform that the Investigators accessed to perform their review.
The Investigators kept the Board apprised of the status of the investigation and were given complete independence to schedule and conduct interviews as needed and to collect documents that the Investigators identified. The Investigators prepared the Report and the findings without input, influence, or interference from MCPS or the Board. T
he findings that are releasable pursuant to the MPIA are as follows:
• Dr. Beidleman was promoted while he was being investigated by MCPS because key decision-makers did not exercise enough diligence to ascertain important details about the investigation. Specifically, multiple members of the administration, who were part of the promotion process, knew that Dr. Beidleman was under an active investigation at the time of his promotion. Those individuals did not inquire about the specific nature of the allegations against Dr. Beidleman, including their disposition.
• After Dr. Beidleman's promotion, key MCPS leaders failed to take any remedial action and failed to promptly notify the Board once they knew specific details about the allegations against Dr. Beidleman and the disposition of the investigation. Key members of MCPS leadership learned details about the pending MCPS investigation and the disposition of that investigation by July 19, 2023, but did not share that information with the Board until on or about August 4, 2023.
• There is no evidence that the Board was aware of the pending MCPS investigation, the disposition of that investigation, and/or any other allegations relating to Dr. Beidleman prior to its June 27, 2023 promotional decision.
• MCPS' promotion process does not have a mechanism to automatically identify whether a candidate for a promotion or a transfer is under investigation.
• All formal complaints? relevant to the investigation were investigated and addressed by MCPS, but there is evidence that MCPS has long-standing practices and processes in place that resulted in anonvmous and informal complaints not being formally investigated. Specifically, MCPS did not formally investigate (by interviewing witnesses, interviewing the accused, or rendering a written determination pursuant to its policies) an of the multiple relevant anonmous complaints that it received. Many of those anonmous complaints contained sufficient details to enable MCPS to initiate a formal investigation, pursuant to its policies and procedures for investigating complaints against staff. MCPS similarly failed to formally investigate informal complaints that were brought to it by witnesses that were interviewed in connection with a relevant formal complaint. MCPS typically does not formally investigate these types of informal complaints unless the alleged victim files a formal complaint under its policies.
These factual findings, along with the factual findings contained in the Report, are not recommendations for corrective actions. However, these factual findings can be used by MCPS to develop a comprehensive corrective action plan.
Sincerely,
Donald E. English, Jr.
Source: https://x.com/mocoboe/status/1702440283932139942?s=20
Letter to County and State Leadership
Dear: Mr. Kramer, Ms. Palakovich Carr, Mr. Elrich, Mr. Glass, Mr. Jawando, Dr. Handy, Ms. Martin and Ms. Morrison,
The purpose of this communication is to further update you on the Board of Education's progress in addressing the conduct reported by the Washington Post regarding the promotion of Dr. Joel Beidleman to principal of Paint Branch High School.
As you know, the Board engaged the firm of Jackson Lewis to conduct an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Dr. Beidleman's promotion. Specifically, the Board asked investigators to look into: 1) whether senior MCPS personnel received or were aware of complaints prior to the promotion; 2) whether any such complaints were appropriately investigated; 3) what, if any, actions MCPS took in response to those complaints; and 4) whether those complaints affected the promotion process.
Jackson Lewis conducted a thorough, careful and comprehensive investigation, including 59 interviews of 30 current and former MCPS personnel and the collection of over 30.000 documents from MCPS email accounts, as well as text message discussion threads from 10 MCPS cellular phones. Jackson Lewis presented the findings of their investigation to the Board on September 8t.
In short, investigators found significant and troubling failures by senior management in MCPS.
While the Maryland Public Information Act prevents the Board from releasing the confidential personnel information contained in the report, we have tasked the investigators with summarizing their findings in a manner that can be shared. The Board is releasing that summary (attached) today. We have also forwarded the full report to the Montgomery County Inspector General and the Maryland Inspector General for Education for their review.
The Board is committed to addressing the failures outlined in the report and conducting a full and clear-eyed review of the promotion process within MCPS. The Board has tasked the superintendent with developing a comprehensive corrective action plan to ensure accountability and will use that as the basis for systemic improvements.
We appreciate your continued dialogue and partnership as we work together to build a stronger, better school system for our students, families and employees.
Sincerely, Karla Silvestre, President Montgomery County Board of Education
Source: https://x.com/mocoboe/status/1702430771452252661
Today the Montgomery County Board of Education provided an update on the Beidleman report.
The MoCo BOE only publicly posts on X (formerly known as Twitter), we wanted to share with you any updates to this case since not everyone is on that platform.
There is a letter to local state and county leaders that was released shortly before a report summary. We will post both here.
Report Summary
Dear Ms. Silvestre:
As you know, the Board of Education of Montgomery County (the "Board') engaged Jackson Lewis P.C., ("Jackson Lewis") to conduct a full and complete independent investigation regarding the processes surrounding the June 2023 promotion of Dr. Joel Beidleman to Principal of Paint Branch High School (*Paint Branch HS"). Specifically, the Board requested that Jackson Lewis examine (1) whether, prior to the promotion, Montgomery County Public Schools ("MCPS) management received complaints or were otherwise aware of complaints containing allegations of misconduct against Dr. Beidleman, (2) whether any such complaints were appropriately investigated pursuant to MCPS policies and guidelines, (3) what, if any, actions MCPS took in response to any such complaints, and (4) whether these complaints impacted the promotional process.
On September 8, 2023, Jackson Lewis submitted a comprehensive final written report (the "Report) and a verbal report to the Board which contained its findings, analysis of the facts and relevant exhibits to the Report. Pursuant to the Board's request, Jackson Lewis did not provide any recommendations for subsequent actions based on the factual findings or opine on remedial measures to address any procedural issues.
As requested, this letter provides a general summary of the findings concerning the promotion process and related findings that the Board can release, consistent with the requirements of the Maryland Public Information Act ("MPIA"). The MPIA, specifically, Md. Code Ann., Gen. Prov. § 4-311(a), requires a custodian to "deny inspection of a personnel record of an individual, including an application, a performance rating, or scholastic achievement information." Records relating to the discipline of an employee or any other matter involving the status of an MCPS employee are subject to the MPIA. Here, the Report contains personnel information about MCPS employees, including those who may be subject to discipline based on the findings in the Report.
The requirements of the MPIA restrict the Board's ability to release confidential personnel information contained in the Report.
To achieve the tasked investigation objectives, Jackson Lewis attorneys Donald E. English, Jr., Esq., Kathleen A. McGinley, Esq., and Tonecia R. Brothers-Sutton, Esq., (the "Investigators") identified individuals associated with MCPS, at any level - current or formerly employed - who knew or should have known about any relevant complaints, the response to each and/or who were involved in the promotion process.
The Investigators identified and interviewed 30 current and former employees. The Board was also interviewed on August 25, 2023 and September 1, 2023. Some of the witnesses were interviewed more than once as additional and/or conflicting information was learned during the investigation. In total, the Investigators completed over 59 interviews of key MCPS personnel from August 11 to September 8, 2023. All of these interviews related solely to Dr. Beidleman's promotion. The Report does not analyze the merits of any relevant complaints and/or allegations. The Investigators also identified and reviewed documents related to any complaints relevant to the investigation, MCPS' processes regarding complaint investigations, any investigation performed by MCPS and the promotional process in June 2023. These documents were collected from the witnesses directly, MCPS departments, and from MCPS' electronic systems and hardware. The Investigators, along with their Jackson Lewis Electronic Stored Information team, collaborated with the MCPS Information Technology team to identify storage areas where relevant electronic documents and communications were stored on MCPS' network. Employing Discovery applications and third-party software, electronic files were extracted from the accounts of multiple custodians. Over 30,000 documents were collected from the MCPS email accounts, and text message discussion threads were collected from 10 MCPS cellular phones. These files included documents from both Microsoft and Google accounts, and text message threads from custodians' cellular phones. The Microsoft and Google account files were extracted from MCPS' network and transferred to a third party Electronically Stored Information (ESI vendor. The files were processed to extract file contents and metadata, and the documents were hosted on an ESI platform that the Investigators accessed to perform their review.
The Investigators kept the Board apprised of the status of the investigation and were given complete independence to schedule and conduct interviews as needed and to collect documents that the Investigators identified. The Investigators prepared the Report and the findings without input, influence, or interference from MCPS or the Board. T
he findings that are releasable pursuant to the MPIA are as follows:
• Dr. Beidleman was promoted while he was being investigated by MCPS because key decision-makers did not exercise enough diligence to ascertain important details about the investigation. Specifically, multiple members of the administration, who were part of the promotion process, knew that Dr. Beidleman was under an active investigation at the time of his promotion. Those individuals did not inquire about the specific nature of the allegations against Dr. Beidleman, including their disposition.
• After Dr. Beidleman's promotion, key MCPS leaders failed to take any remedial action and failed to promptly notify the Board once they knew specific details about the allegations against Dr. Beidleman and the disposition of the investigation. Key members of MCPS leadership learned details about the pending MCPS investigation and the disposition of that investigation by July 19, 2023, but did not share that information with the Board until on or about August 4, 2023.
• There is no evidence that the Board was aware of the pending MCPS investigation, the disposition of that investigation, and/or any other allegations relating to Dr. Beidleman prior to its June 27, 2023 promotional decision.
• MCPS' promotion process does not have a mechanism to automatically identify whether a candidate for a promotion or a transfer is under investigation.
• All formal complaints? relevant to the investigation were investigated and addressed by MCPS, but there is evidence that MCPS has long-standing practices and processes in place that resulted in anonvmous and informal complaints not being formally investigated. Specifically, MCPS did not formally investigate (by interviewing witnesses, interviewing the accused, or rendering a written determination pursuant to its policies) an of the multiple relevant anonmous complaints that it received. Many of those anonmous complaints contained sufficient details to enable MCPS to initiate a formal investigation, pursuant to its policies and procedures for investigating complaints against staff. MCPS similarly failed to formally investigate informal complaints that were brought to it by witnesses that were interviewed in connection with a relevant formal complaint. MCPS typically does not formally investigate these types of informal complaints unless the alleged victim files a formal complaint under its policies.
These factual findings, along with the factual findings contained in the Report, are not recommendations for corrective actions. However, these factual findings can be used by MCPS to develop a comprehensive corrective action plan.
Sincerely,
Donald E. English, Jr.
Source: https://x.com/mocoboe/status/1702440283932139942?s=20
Letter to County and State Leadership
Dear: Mr. Kramer, Ms. Palakovich Carr, Mr. Elrich, Mr. Glass, Mr. Jawando, Dr. Handy, Ms. Martin and Ms. Morrison,
The purpose of this communication is to further update you on the Board of Education's progress in addressing the conduct reported by the Washington Post regarding the promotion of Dr. Joel Beidleman to principal of Paint Branch High School.
As you know, the Board engaged the firm of Jackson Lewis to conduct an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Dr. Beidleman's promotion. Specifically, the Board asked investigators to look into: 1) whether senior MCPS personnel received or were aware of complaints prior to the promotion; 2) whether any such complaints were appropriately investigated; 3) what, if any, actions MCPS took in response to those complaints; and 4) whether those complaints affected the promotion process.
Jackson Lewis conducted a thorough, careful and comprehensive investigation, including 59 interviews of 30 current and former MCPS personnel and the collection of over 30.000 documents from MCPS email accounts, as well as text message discussion threads from 10 MCPS cellular phones. Jackson Lewis presented the findings of their investigation to the Board on September 8t.
In short, investigators found significant and troubling failures by senior management in MCPS.
While the Maryland Public Information Act prevents the Board from releasing the confidential personnel information contained in the report, we have tasked the investigators with summarizing their findings in a manner that can be shared. The Board is releasing that summary (attached) today. We have also forwarded the full report to the Montgomery County Inspector General and the Maryland Inspector General for Education for their review.
The Board is committed to addressing the failures outlined in the report and conducting a full and clear-eyed review of the promotion process within MCPS. The Board has tasked the superintendent with developing a comprehensive corrective action plan to ensure accountability and will use that as the basis for systemic improvements.
We appreciate your continued dialogue and partnership as we work together to build a stronger, better school system for our students, families and employees.
Sincerely, Karla Silvestre, President Montgomery County Board of Education
Source: https://x.com/mocoboe/status/1702430771452252661
https://moderatelymoco.com/paving-the-path-to-success-a-comparative-analysis-of-ap-and-ib-programs-in-mcps-by-school/
MCPS Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Course Numbers by School
Background and Source Data
The number of AP and IB courses offered by high school was analyzed for the years 2020 to 2022.
The numbers are found in the “2022 Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Course Enrollment and Exam Participation and Performance for High School Students in Montgomery County Public Schools” report on the MCPS Office of Shared Accountability web page.
Results and Conclusions
The number of AP, IB, and total AP plus IB courses offered at each school per year is shown.
MCPS offered a total of between 127 and 129 AP and IB courses per year in 2020, 2021, and 2022. Richard Montgomery had the highest number of AP and IB courses each year (77 in 2020, 74 in 2021, 72 in 2022).
All 25 high schools offer AP courses. 8 high schools also offer IB courses.
Table 1. AP and IB courses by school and year
Schools can be divided into 4 groups based on the number of AP and IB courses offered.
50 to 72 courses: Richard Montgomery, Bethesda Chevy Chase, Kennedy, Einstein
40 to 49 courses: Rockville, Springbrook, Seneca Valley, Watkins Mill
30 to 39 courses: Walter Johnson, Wootton, Whitman, Churchill, Quince Orchard, Poolesville
20 to 29 courses: Blair, Blake, Northwest, Clarksburg, Sherwood, Gaithersburg, Damascus, Magruder, Northwood, Paint Branch, Wheaton
AP/IB changes from 2020 to 2022
MCPS offered 129 AP/IB courses in 2020 and 2022. However, most schools showed a decreased number of courses offered in 2022 as compared to 2020.
Table 2. Change in Number of AP/IB courses by school in 2022 vs. 2020
Three schools had an increased number of AP/IB courses in 2022 (Seneca Valley with 5, Paint Branch with 3, and Kennedy with 1). 22 schools had a decreased number of AP/IB courses, with the biggest decreases at Springbrook (8 fewer courses) and Blair (7 fewer courses).
AP Course Changes from 2020 to 2022
AP and IB courses were examined separately. MCPS offered 6 fewer AP courses in 2022 as compared to 2020. Most schools showed a decrease in AP courses offered in 2022 vs. 2020.
Table 3. Change in Number of AP courses by school in 2022 vs. 2020
Three schools had increases in AP course offerings (Paint Branch with 3, Watkins Mill with 2, and Kennedy with 1). Bethesda Chevy Chase and Seneca Valley had no change. The other 20 schools had decreases in AP course offerings, the largest decreases were at Blair and Einstein (7 fewer) and Damascus (6 fewer).
IB Course Changes from 2020 to 2022
MCPS increased IB course offerings from 70 in 2020 to 76 in 2022.
Table 4. Change in Number of IB courses by school in 2022 vs. 2020
Two of the 8 schools offering IB courses showed increases in course offerings in 2022 (Seneca Valley with an additional 5 and Einstein with 1). Kennedy had no change. Five schools showed decreased offerings in 2022 (Springbrook 7, Bethesda Chevy Chase 5, Watkins Mill 3, Richard Montgomery 1, Rockville 1).
Conclusion
Decreases in the AP and IB courses offered may reflect lessened interest of students in these courses, especially for the traditionally less popular or highly specialized courses. It may also reflect decreased enrollment of students, especially in grades 11 and 12, since more juniors and seniors than freshmen and sophomores typically take these classes.
MCPS Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Course Numbers by School
Background and Source Data
The number of AP and IB courses offered by high school was analyzed for the years 2020 to 2022.
The numbers are found in the “2022 Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Course Enrollment and Exam Participation and Performance for High School Students in Montgomery County Public Schools” report on the MCPS Office of Shared Accountability web page.
Results and Conclusions
The number of AP, IB, and total AP plus IB courses offered at each school per year is shown.
MCPS offered a total of between 127 and 129 AP and IB courses per year in 2020, 2021, and 2022. Richard Montgomery had the highest number of AP and IB courses each year (77 in 2020, 74 in 2021, 72 in 2022).
All 25 high schools offer AP courses. 8 high schools also offer IB courses.
Table 1. AP and IB courses by school and year
Schools can be divided into 4 groups based on the number of AP and IB courses offered.
50 to 72 courses: Richard Montgomery, Bethesda Chevy Chase, Kennedy, Einstein
40 to 49 courses: Rockville, Springbrook, Seneca Valley, Watkins Mill
30 to 39 courses: Walter Johnson, Wootton, Whitman, Churchill, Quince Orchard, Poolesville
20 to 29 courses: Blair, Blake, Northwest, Clarksburg, Sherwood, Gaithersburg, Damascus, Magruder, Northwood, Paint Branch, Wheaton
AP/IB changes from 2020 to 2022
MCPS offered 129 AP/IB courses in 2020 and 2022. However, most schools showed a decreased number of courses offered in 2022 as compared to 2020.
Table 2. Change in Number of AP/IB courses by school in 2022 vs. 2020
Three schools had an increased number of AP/IB courses in 2022 (Seneca Valley with 5, Paint Branch with 3, and Kennedy with 1). 22 schools had a decreased number of AP/IB courses, with the biggest decreases at Springbrook (8 fewer courses) and Blair (7 fewer courses).
AP Course Changes from 2020 to 2022
AP and IB courses were examined separately. MCPS offered 6 fewer AP courses in 2022 as compared to 2020. Most schools showed a decrease in AP courses offered in 2022 vs. 2020.
Table 3. Change in Number of AP courses by school in 2022 vs. 2020
Three schools had increases in AP course offerings (Paint Branch with 3, Watkins Mill with 2, and Kennedy with 1). Bethesda Chevy Chase and Seneca Valley had no change. The other 20 schools had decreases in AP course offerings, the largest decreases were at Blair and Einstein (7 fewer) and Damascus (6 fewer).
IB Course Changes from 2020 to 2022
MCPS increased IB course offerings from 70 in 2020 to 76 in 2022.
Table 4. Change in Number of IB courses by school in 2022 vs. 2020
Two of the 8 schools offering IB courses showed increases in course offerings in 2022 (Seneca Valley with an additional 5 and Einstein with 1). Kennedy had no change. Five schools showed decreased offerings in 2022 (Springbrook 7, Bethesda Chevy Chase 5, Watkins Mill 3, Richard Montgomery 1, Rockville 1).
Conclusion
Decreases in the AP and IB courses offered may reflect lessened interest of students in these courses, especially for the traditionally less popular or highly specialized courses. It may also reflect decreased enrollment of students, especially in grades 11 and 12, since more juniors and seniors than freshmen and sophomores typically take these classes.
Took the tweet on this and added some more information looking at the background of the schools and context into timing of history.
This weekend we will post exclusive interview with each SMOB finalist conducted by Moderately MOCO and I will post those here as well to not create a new topic so stay tuned.
https://moderatelymoco.com/charting-historic-mcps-smobs-by-high-school-the-two-finalists-schools-represent-33-3-of-all-smobs/
This weekend we will post exclusive interview with each SMOB finalist conducted by Moderately MOCO and I will post those here as well to not create a new topic so stay tuned.
https://moderatelymoco.com/charting-historic-mcps-smobs-by-high-school-the-two-finalists-schools-represent-33-3-of-all-smobs/
Anonymous wrote:I grew up in MCPS, and my school has had one SMOB, who was elected while I was there. My kid came home from school with professionally printed campaign stickers one of the candidates and I was already so over it. I'm sure everyone has that kind of financial support and access to have that kind of swag. I wish they didn't even have a SMOB because it's not as though the person can actually do anything to make changes.
Regarding the last bit… they’re a full voting member of the BOE. That said, a lot of the campaign promises usually are not realistic to follow through