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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]For those parents supplementing at home because you feel MCPS is not doing its job.. what are you supplementing, math only?  Writing?  What exactly is MCPS not teaching your kid that you teach them at home?

For me,  DC#1 is 4th and DC#2 is in 1st grade.

DC#1 has learned from MCPS in previous years:
 - multiplication math facts up to 12 
 - cursive 
 - addition and subtraction the "old" way (borrowing/carrying) as well as other methods taught under 2.0 math

DC#2 is going to be learning how to read an analog clock.  While this is not necessary in these times, I think it helps with math, ie, fractions, counting by 5's, 10's, etc.

Both DCs are reading about 2 yrs above grade level.  Both DCs have learned to read math word problems and figure out the answer.  I see some of their assignments, and while it is different from what I am used to, I see that it teaches them to think, and not just do worksheet after worksheet of 2+2, 2+3, 4+2, etc..

I supplement at bit at home because I feel like the class sizes are too big (26+ kids), and I know it's nearly impossible for the teacher to give my DC individualized attention for more than 5 min. a day.  I work with my DCs on a few math tricks I use to do math quickly in my head.

But, for the most part, I think MCPS has been educating my kids.   DC#1 is on track to take Algebra in 7th grade.  That's pretty advanced to me.

What are they missing?   I don't think it's necessary for such young kids to have test after tests in class to see if my kids are learning.  I see that in the class and HW they bring home.

It seems to me, from what I have read on this forum, that may parents are unhappy about the lack of communication between the teacher and the parent.  Some parents aren't seeing HW, tests, etc.. brought home.  But some parents are. Some kids are not learning multiplication math facts, or having enough comments written on assignments.  Some parents are unhappy because the kid seems to be really good at some subject, usually math, but gets a P in the report card.    So, the parents don't understand the grading system or how their kids are doing.

Some teachers just suck and some are great.  That's not going to change by getting rid of 2.0.  Maybe the crappy teachers are more magnified because of the new curriculum.  If they are crappy teachers to begin with, throw in a new curriculum with little prep time, and you get an even crappier teacher.

These issues are not largely due to 2.0, but a teacher communication issue, a lack of uniformity (or standards) in the lesson plans, and MCPS' grading rubric.

I'm still not clear based on this thread what it is exactly that some parents see lacking in their kids' education.  Another PP asked for something similar, for people who are complaining about it, to state what grades their kids are in, what do they think is missing, etc.... But the only responses I have seen are the same thing: "It sucks, so I'm supplementing at home, keeping quiet, etc.."

Unless someone gives some concrete reason why MCPS is failing, I can only assume that people who are complaining just want more individualized attention to their children (which can't happen in a big public school) and want their kids to be able to jump several math and reading levels because they think that means the kid is smarter and will be able to "compete" globally" (which it doesn't).

Someone tell me something different.[/quote]

I would like teachers who spelled properly.
I would like teachers who exhibited a real thirst for knowledge and challenge.
I would like teachers to push my kid, not just settle for "fine." 
That's for starters.[/quote]

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