Reply to MCPS Middle School writing: do you think expectations are in line with state standards

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]DC's 6th grade writing assignments seem much more simplistic to me than those from 5th grade.  IMHO, the graphic organizers are much more structured (approaching "fill in the blank"?) and the grading rubrics have minimal requirements  [u]I'm trying to figure out to what extent  there is just a low bar of expectations for DC's class vs that's reality for many students.[/u]

For comparison, I've looked at how MCPS describes the assignments in the instructional guides ([url]http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/english/middle/[/url]) and how Maryland describes the progression of writing standards ([url]http://mdk12.msde.maryland.gov/instruction/curriculum/reading/includes/AdditionalFiles/Vertical%20Progressions%20-%20Writing.pdf[/url]) and the framework doc that ties MD standards to specific common core standards ([url]http://mdk12.msde.maryland.gov/share/frameworks/CCSC_Writing_gr6-8.pdf[/url]).

I think (tell me if I'm wrong) that the common core writing standards are based on what the student does without adult help in class.  I know some teachers provide feedback on drafts so students can better learn to revise/edit their own work - but I don't [i]think [/i]that work counts for meeting standards starting in late elementary.

n.b. I'm aware that it is only a very small subset of  parents that have some familiarity with common core standards[i] and [/i]keep an eye on their child's writing assignments.  My preference would be to not need to monitor at this level either.  I'm also aware that I [i]should[/i] be able to just ask the teacher, but that hasn't worked well.

background: DC is GT/LD - strong reader, large vocabulary, big struggles with written expression.  MCPS recently switched over to state IEP system and "current levels of achievement" are to be documented based on Maryland state standards (i.e. not based on class grades or even MCPS curriculum).  School says  DC making good progress based on grades but I think the class assignments are only simplified versions of what is described in the MCPS curriculum guide.  I question if even a perfect score on the assignments would demonstrate what the state standards require.  I've seen several DCUM references to parents' perceived deficiencies in MCPS writing curriculum - but I don't know if other parents are seeing deficiencies to this extent where expectations are so below what's required in the state standards.[/quote]

You are not alone in thinking that MCPS middle school curriculum is lacking.[/quote]

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