Reply to Rigor at TJ compared to regular FCPS high Schools

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[quote=pettifogger][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I hear the math teachers are very frustrated with the math preparations of incoming students. Discussing changes to grading policies.[/quote]
Yeah the SOL scores really have taken a dramatic turn. Maybe skills-based grading could be an option? [/quote]

The new students are more naturally gifted than the 3rd tier peppers who were getting in under the old system. [b]They may be less prepared [/b]but seem to pick things up more quickly, so in the long run, they're actually doing much better.[/quote]

Less prepared in math and  science. That was expected! Farcical essay can't evaluate  preparedness in necessary math and science. 
[/quote]

I've watched over 10,000 kids graduate from TJ in my lifetime, and I can tell you that the way they approach TJ once they're inside the building matters a hell of a lot more than how "prepared" they were when they got admitted. I've seen Alg1 kids who struggled mightily for their first year or two and turned out to be superstars when they left, and I've seen kids who entered in Calc BC and beyond flame out because they couldn't handle actually being challenged academically for the first time in their lives.

Their grades in their curricular classes tell me everything I need to know about whether or not they're "prepared enough". Testing isn't helpful beyond that point. Give me 1000 words that lend me insight into your approach and how you've handled adversity and I'll tell you whether or not you'll be a success at TJ and whether or not you'll add value to the institution.[/quote]

I have watched 10,000 + 1 kids enter TJ, and unprepared students who get admitted struggle a lot, and mostly drop out mostly during freshman.  Other who reluctantly hang in there, struggle with grades and do not go past the bare minimum Calc AB, even with a ton of remedial help.   [b]Whereas prepared students, most of them who attend enrichment centers outside school and participate in an array of math and science competitions in middle school, have a wholesome experience at TJ[/b] taking advanced math and science classes, and participating in clubs, sports, and having fun.  [/quote]

DP.  That's depressing.  And if that is changed by the new admissions requirements, then lower SOL PA scores are fine.

- [b]parent of an 8th grader who is considering TJ[/b][/quote]

How many identities will you assume? [/quote]

Only myself.  As a resident of Northern Virginia, I'm interested in TJ.  And as an 8th grader, my DC is interested in TJ.  They are interested in science and math but do not do outside enrichment centers or math or science competitions.  If that's really a prerequisite for success and enjoyment at TJ, then it's not the right place for them.  Since the majority of posts on this thread are trolls, I don't put a lot of weight on any of the posts.  But I would like to hear perspectives from experienced non-troll posters.  [/quote]

Yes, the majority of people on these threads are trolls. I'll try to answer your question (with full awareness that someone on this board will attempt to discredit or tear apart my position).

My daughter is a freshman at TJ. She did not do outside enrichment in STEM or math/science competitions; the later were not options at our base school nor did we seek them out. She has interests outside of math and science and we have always encouraged that. She is finding the TJ workload to be substantial but she also loves it. She routinely says how happy she is to be in an environment where (almost) everyone cares about school, learning, and doing well. We do not have expectations for her to get straight As, especially first quarter. The administration also emphasizes that most freshman get "curvy grades" and they expect it and then work from there to improve.

All that said, it does seem to be a bit of a pressure cooker. I've been told that it's gotten "much better" than years past but it is a HUGE jump from middle school workloads. If they are interested in applying, I would encourage them to do so. Since all the kids there are smart, I [i]think[/i] being successful at TJ is more about finding ways to manage the workload and high expectations vs. having previous experience with STEM. A kid needs to be willing and motivated to learn.

When a neighborhood parent asked her if everyone at TJ is "crazy smart" she said that everyone is smart but that doesn't mean everyone is doing well. She said you might have a freshman kid killing it in AP Calculus (or some other accelerated math class) but they are failing English or Bio. Her point was most people aren't "naturally smart" in all areas and its more about finding ways to learn the content. I thought that was rather insightful for a 14 year old. I certainly wasn't aware of that as a freshman in HS.

Good luck!
-A non troll[/quote]
This was an excellent and informative description. Having attended a different math and science magnet in a different part of the country, this was my experience as well. Unlike many other high schools, the classes are stimulating and challenging, and the vibe is definitely academic. In order to do well, one has to be quite motivated (hopefully in a less competitive way and more towards actually enjoying the learning process). E.g I could do calculus, but I had to work harder in other areas to avoid doing poorly. In some classes all of us were struggling, it wasn't me against others, it was together we were trying to understand the material, etc. For the most part it's not about how advanced you are coming in, it is more about whether you really want to learn a lot at a challenging pace, surrounded by smart peers who love to learn. Kudos to your daughter for realizing that learning how to learn is what matters most, and not the level of "smartness" compared to other peers, whatever that means.[/quote]

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