Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s how MCPS solves the problem of offering more courses than they can staff or find a classroom space for. Is it developmentally appropriate for this age group? Probably not. For those that argue that it prepares them for college, then why not just switch to a 4x4 block schedule so a child can complete an entire course with the same teacher and focus on 4 classes per semester. There is even a modified 4x4 block with a 5th period that meets for less time year round. MCPS is stuck in the mindset of “this is what we’ve always done” yet they claim to be so innovative.

Huh? It doesn't even solve that problem.

4x4 is also really bad for AP students. You take a course Aug-Jan and then have to remember it all until May.

Tell that to all of private school kids taking AP exams without even taking the AP course. Heck, even some public school kids take the test without taking the class.

But the kids take the AP exam after a full year of the equivalent subject so the topic is still fresh in their minds.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s how MCPS solves the problem of offering more courses than they can staff or find a classroom space for. Is it developmentally appropriate for this age group? Probably not. For those that argue that it prepares them for college, then why not just switch to a 4x4 block schedule so a child can complete an entire course with the same teacher and focus on 4 classes per semester. There is even a modified 4x4 block with a 5th period that meets for less time year round. MCPS is stuck in the mindset of “this is what we’ve always done” yet they claim to be so innovative.

Huh? It doesn't even solve that problem.

It does. They can cram a bunch of kids one dance class instead of having multiple periods of a smaller class (using PP’s earlier example).

But couldn't they do the same thing if there were year-long classes? What does the semester length have to do with it?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s how MCPS solves the problem of offering more courses than they can staff or find a classroom space for. Is it developmentally appropriate for this age group? Probably not. For those that argue that it prepares them for college, then why not just switch to a 4x4 block schedule so a child can complete an entire course with the same teacher and focus on 4 classes per semester. There is even a modified 4x4 block with a 5th period that meets for less time year round. MCPS is stuck in the mindset of “this is what we’ve always done” yet they claim to be so innovative.

Huh? It doesn't even solve that problem.

4x4 is also really bad for AP students. You take a course Aug-Jan and then have to remember it all until May.

Tell that to all of private school kids taking AP exams without even taking the AP course. Heck, even some public school kids take the test without taking the class.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s how MCPS solves the problem of offering more courses than they can staff or find a classroom space for. Is it developmentally appropriate for this age group? Probably not. For those that argue that it prepares them for college, then why not just switch to a 4x4 block schedule so a child can complete an entire course with the same teacher and focus on 4 classes per semester. There is even a modified 4x4 block with a 5th period that meets for less time year round. MCPS is stuck in the mindset of “this is what we’ve always done” yet they claim to be so innovative.

Huh? It doesn't even solve that problem.

It does. They can cram a bunch of kids one dance class instead of having multiple periods of a smaller class (using PP’s earlier example).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s how MCPS solves the problem of offering more courses than they can staff or find a classroom space for. Is it developmentally appropriate for this age group? Probably not. For those that argue that it prepares them for college, then why not just switch to a 4x4 block schedule so a child can complete an entire course with the same teacher and focus on 4 classes per semester. There is even a modified 4x4 block with a 5th period that meets for less time year round. MCPS is stuck in the mindset of “this is what we’ve always done” yet they claim to be so innovative.

Huh? It doesn't even solve that problem.

4x4 is also really bad for AP students. You take a course Aug-Jan and then have to remember it all until May.

Anonymous wrote:I am new to MCPS and my kid's schedule is 100% different for 2nd semester. Different teachers and all different periods.

He has no semester courses. All full year. 2 AP's. It makes no sense

Technically all HS courses are semester courses. That’s why it says AP USH A and AP USH B.

Anonymous wrote:It’s how MCPS solves the problem of offering more courses than they can staff or find a classroom space for. Is it developmentally appropriate for this age group? Probably not. For those that argue that it prepares them for college, then why not just switch to a 4x4 block schedule so a child can complete an entire course with the same teacher and focus on 4 classes per semester. There is even a modified 4x4 block with a 5th period that meets for less time year round. MCPS is stuck in the mindset of “this is what we’ve always done” yet they claim to be so innovative.

Huh? It doesn't even solve that problem.

It’s how MCPS solves the problem of offering more courses than they can staff or find a classroom space for. Is it developmentally appropriate for this age group? Probably not. For those that argue that it prepares them for college, then why not just switch to a 4x4 block schedule so a child can complete an entire course with the same teacher and focus on 4 classes per semester. There is even a modified 4x4 block with a 5th period that meets for less time year round. MCPS is stuck in the mindset of “this is what we’ve always done” yet they claim to be so innovative.

Here is the real reason - students who fail one semester of a course only have to repeat one semester rather than repeat the entire year.

Anonymous wrote:The main reason is because of scheduling conflicts, usually related to electives. The student signed up for dance second semester, which only meets 6th period, which is when the student's AP Chem class was meeting. So the student's AP Chem moves to the only other section period 2, which knocks another course to a different period.

Don't trust the 2nd semester schedules! They can change as class sizes change throughout the first semester and additional sections are created as others collapse.

+1 Another benefit is that your child is likely to get all of their first-choice classes. I have friends with kids in other school systems who can't take an AP class because it conflicts with another core class or they have to choose between two great electives because they are scheduled at the same time.

The main reason is because of scheduling conflicts, usually related to electives. The student signed up for dance second semester, which only meets 6th period, which is when the student's AP Chem class was meeting. So the student's AP Chem moves to the only other section period 2, which knocks another course to a different period.

Don't trust the 2nd semester schedules! They can change as class sizes change throughout the first semester and additional sections are created as others collapse.

Anonymous wrote:We found that it was helpful. Not all teachers are created the same. For instance in Math classes. My DD had a 1st semester Honors Algebra 2 teacher who was barely coherent. In semester 2 she got a good one.

This is why. So you're not stuck ALL year with a dud.

That's more of a side effect, and can be a change for the better or the worse.

The reason this happens is because all high school courses are considered one semester courses. The A and the B class are two different classes according to the scheduling system.

We found that it was helpful. Not all teachers are created the same. For instance in Math classes. My DD had a 1st semester Honors Algebra 2 teacher who was barely coherent. In semester 2 she got a good one.

This is why. So you're not stuck ALL year with a dud.

There are a few reasons. Scheduling convenience for the school is primary, particularly for one-semester courses (they don't have to lock students into particular periods). It also gives kids a chance to experience a different teacher/teaching style, which can be positive or less positive, depending on how great/not great the first semester fit was.

I am new to MCPS and my kid's schedule is 100% different for 2nd semester. Different teachers and all different periods.

He has no semester courses. All full year. 2 AP's. It makes no sense