Reply to Transfer from TJ to Base HS?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]The question is why is math so much harder at TJ than the base school. Are they doing higher level math or is there just more math?[/quote]

Math remains math whether at TJ or in a base school. The big difference is at TJ the teachers have an obligation to teach it at an indepth level as it is a stem magnate school. At [b]TJ, teachers are not constrained by arbitrary homework time limits[/b], as they are at base schools. Where as at base school the teachers hands are tied with how much homework can be assigned on a daily basis per subject.  Here is the FCPS base school policy:

"To ensure that student homework falls within FCPS regulations, middle school teachers should plan for homework not to exceed 25 minutes per class block, and high school teachers should plan for homework not to exceed 30 minutes per class block. Reading assignments are considered part of the homework load. Long-term projects may require additional time. Teachers should adjust daily homework assignments accordingly."

Many base school math teachers dont consistently assign daily homework, and when they do, it often falls short of the minimum allowed. This reluctance to assign homework primarily stems from teachers' desire to avoid potential confrontations with ignorant parents who misconstrue homework assignments as a substitute for classroom instruction as opposed to complementing it. Unfortunately, the FCPS board, as dumb as it is, sides with these contentious parents, and implements these homework time limitations.

At TJ, all teachers, including math instructors, are exempt from these restrictive time limits. Mastery of mathematical concepts demands time, which is limited during class periods, necessitating additional homework as an indispensable component. Learning a math concept involves three crucial aspects: grasping the concept, achieving proficiency through accuracy and speed, and learning how to apply that concept. In-class teachers primarily focus on introducing and explaining concepts, leaving the proficiency and application components to be addressed through textbook problems and follow on in-class reviews of difficult problems.

TJ's teachers possess the flexibility to ensure a comprehensive end-to-end math learning process through a balanced combination of classroom instruction, essential homework assignments, and periodic assessments such as quizzes and unit tests. Unfortunately, math instruction at base schools has become politicized to an extent where unreasonable time limits impede teachers from assigning the necessary amount of homework. Teachers are even prohibited from assigning the recommended amount of homework by the College Board for AP courses. Here's what the College Board recommends for AP courses, highlighting the disparity with FCPS's homework limits:

https://centrevillehs.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/inline-files/math-course-expect-AP-Honors.pdf
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Is'nt "Challenge Success" program implemented at TJHSST to de-couple workload and rigor. The workload (or class/home work) should be manageable (limited) after that. [/quote]

Yes, it is much more manageable now. Some of the non-math courses that aren't prerequisites for other advanced courses now have proportioned homework load.

[/quote]

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