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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Newsflash - even in the MSCS magnets the math classes are still following MCPS curriculum. Algebra 1 is still Algebra 1 and Magnet Geometry is actually still just Honors Geometry. Yes they go through concepts quickly because it is a strong cohort, but they don't cover more material, they just do extensions for each topic - projects and critical thinking about challenge problems. My kid in the middle school humanities program was also math/science smart and did just fine taking Algebra 1 and Honors Geometry with the general population (yes, horribly bored). They are still just flying through MVC in high school. And my kid in the MSCS magnet didn't get some special leg up - they are on track to just fly through MVC at the same grade the humanities kid did. My point is, by the time you hit IM and Algebra 1, your pathway is pretty much set, and if you have a strong math student, they will be just fine no matter the exact program.

The actual curriculum is not as huge of a factor as the cohort of kids is. The curriculum has a set pace. Slower kids don't "slow down" the curriculum, they just take the entire designated time to cover the topic. A mixed class of slow kids and fast kids just means that some are done and waiting, while others are still working. A good teacher can manage that and provide enrichment. Many teachers unfortunately don't. A full class of fast kids means that at the end of each unit there is extra time, which can be filled with enrichment. The magnet curriculum includes that enrichment and teachers teach it. The new enriched classes are supposed to have that enrichment.

If the teachers are not teaching the enrichment in the new courses, that is the fault of the teachers, department head, and principal, and parents need to demand that they do. This is the very first year of implementation, and it isn't like it was rolled out with full understanding of everyone involved. If it isn't effective yet, parents need to make a stink at their middle school until it is effective. If you were identified for a home-school cohort and don't think your kid was placed in a cohort, they go ask RIGHT NOW how they are scheduling 7th grade classes. Call an emergency PTA meeting. Start a local school GT-Parent Advisory Committee to monitor and ask questions. Schools are doing course placement right now for next year. Ask what the course code it for the enriched classes and make sure that is the course code your child is scheduled for.

In the long run, a home-school test in (by MCPS COGAT %) criteria is more sustainable and will serve more students. If it can be effective for two classes, there's better argument to stretch it to the four core classes. If your school has at least 20 kids, you get the classes. Otherwise the outliers go to a central magnet. (And hopefully the county figures out how to program for all kids that meet the criteria one way or another.)[/quote]

At the beginning of Magnet Geometry, there is an extra "Boolean Algebra" unit. TPMS magnet students do more enrichment and application AND have an extra unit or two with more information. As for Eastern, the discussion and depth is what matters and counts. Often teachers discuss the topics in depth more and have more writing projects and it's at a quicker pace, which allows for the coverage of more material or projects like Shakespeare skits, Greekfest, IDRP, Constitutional Convention, and a month-long essay about the crucible. DS has interesting Geometry class in 8th grade-- two 7th graders taking it and at least five "non-magnet' kids. Doesn't change the pace or content of the class. [/quote]

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