Reply to Mix honors and regular kids in the same classroom

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]It’s so tough. I know a teacher who said he used to be able to tell which class was honors and which was on level just by glancing in the door. Black and brown? On level. More than a few white kids? Honors. This is in a diverse MCPS high school. The on level classes were ROUGH to teach- lots of behavior issues. Now there is this weird mix, but I do think it’s more equitable. I am not a POC but I can only imagine how that would feel seeing that every day. We have to do better in terms of leveling the playing field. I don’t know how else we can do it. This is a start, anyway.  [/quote]

How about we start our kids in elementary with a rigorous, content rich curriculum? Use explicit phonics instruction to teach reading. Make sure kids have a mastery of math concepts and have memorized their basic facts. Teach grammar, spelling, history, geography, and science.  In my experience, well-educated parents (which correlates with SES and racial demographics), recognize curriculum deficiencies and compensate, either at home or with a tutoring service.  It’s long been my contention that MCPS’s reputation as “one of the best school systems in the nation” is actually due to having one of the best-educated populations in the nation, and whatever high stats we have are in spite of the system, rather than a tribute to its success.

I do think MCPS has some fabulous opportunities. These opportunities, however, are insufficient for the number of students who could benefit from them. Moreover, students without adequate preparation aren’t ready for these opportunities when they arise. Instead of limiting the opportunities, or diluting them so that we can feel proud that everyone is in a class with a prestigious name (regardless of actual content), we need to focus on preparing our kids for any choices they may want to make, and make sure they can choose any educational challenge they want.

It’s been hard to keep track of MCPS’s curriculum changes, but I think they’re moving towards a greater emphasis on phonics and expanding their immersion programs. These seem like significant positive steps. I hope they continue to focus on strengthening the subject content provided.  THAT would be a start.

Education isn’t a competition. It’s not a scarce resource to be rationed. Nor is it window dressing to make everyone feel good about ourselves. It is our future. Let’s give these kids the foundation they need to build their futures so that they can build a future for our community. [/quote]

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