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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I just read the new presentation slides more closely, and found out that integrated math 1 (IM1; covering Algebra 1 and a little bit of geometry) is assumed for all programs, except for IB and STEM. For IB, they are allowed to move up, and for STEM, they start with IM2 (covering some geometry and Algebra 2). Right now SMCS begins with Algebra 2 for the slowest path and function for the fastest path. For RMIB, I believe they have a similar slow and fast path beginning levels.

So in the new regional model, the fastest math pathway would be: IM2 -> PreCalc -> Calc AB -> Calc BC/AP Stat. This is one year slower than the fastest math pathway provided right now at MCPS:
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/siteassets/schools/high-schools/k-q/poolesvillehs/uploadedfiles/departments/math/mathpathways.pdf

For biomedical science program (Page 43), the math pathway skips the entire preCalc and Calc, but only offers AP Stat for junior and senior years. This makes me doubt if anyone in the design team really has any biomedical background. Calculus is a required course in any R1 colleges for the biomedical/bioengineering major.

Wondering how folks here think about the water down of across-board math pathway.
[/quote]

All these curriculum pathways are copied and pasted from MSDE documents. No one at MCPS even thought to compare them with programs like Blair and Wheaton.

https://marylandpublicschools.org/programs/Documents/CTE/standards/HHS_Biomedical_Science-A.pdf

https://marylandpublicschools.org/programs/Documents/CTE/standards/HHS_Certified_Clinical_Medical_Assistant-A.pdf[/quote]

Ah... Thanks! The two links make a lot more sense to me now. So MCPS sugarcoated the biomedical science track (criteria-based) to make it look like a track for pre-med/doctor career, but indeed, this is CTE-oriented and the goal is to train nurse/nurse practitioner!

Such a waste of the proximity to NIH and those large pharmaceutical companies.[/quote]

It would more be a CNA/Nurse, not nurse practictioner or a PA.  What were you expecting it to be?[/quote]

pre-med/doctor career is a college track not a high school track.  Pre-Med is a set of college courses that need to be completed in order to apply and enter medical school.  HS is about giving students a first exploration at career options and preparing them for what is needed for college or career.  Getting them setup to be able to obtain an early clinical related certification such as a CNA or PT would actually be helpful.  It something to put on the resume, it a viable way to make income while in college, and provides them greater exposure to put medical/science fields and personnel.

And while Calculus may be a required class, students are not required to take it prior to college.  Additionally, the slides is just showing an option for the math pathway, they are not saying that is the ONLY math pathway.  The greater majority of students have not been starting HS at Pre-Cal.  They are either starting at Alg2 or Geo.  Given the new integrated Algebra forthcoming, parents are still waiting to hear all of what will be covered and what will/should happen post IM2 for kids who would normally be moving into Pre-Cal.[/quote]

The colleges we have talked to want a minimum of Calc BC but recommend higher.  And, its a good foundation to take it in HS and repeat it in college.[/quote]

What colleges have you been talking to, and are you talking to them about engineering?[/quote]

Same question.  All of the colleges we've talked to say the same thing, Calc is nice and depending on both major and initial placement test will determine if it has to be taken again.  Most kids are not going to MTI or even schools in the T-25.  That doesn't mean they won't be going to a good college nor does it mean they won't be going to medical school later.  Not to mention there's a great many that will change majors anyway.[/quote]

Even the lower rated schools are looking at taking higher level classes.  Attend some of the open houses.  Of course kids can take it in college and do very well, but you have to get into college first.  If a child from Whitman who has a huge range of upper level classes competes with a child from  Kennedy who is equally smart but only has limited classes due to the lack of offerings, who do you think that college will choose?[/quote]

College compare kids against their own HS because they know that the course offerings are different between schools.  Do you think that all schools across the country offer the same programs that MCPS does?  Yet plenty of those students will also go to some the same colleges as students from MCPS.  And taking upper level classes is not restricted to only Calc BC nor do colleges expect to see collegiate level courses like Analytical Chemistry or Physical Chemistry on the transcripts of most HS kids.[/quote]

+1[/quote]

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