Anonymous wrote:DP. I also think waiting until towards the end of the academic year makes the most sense. I don't see a compelling reason to rush the magnet decision. There is a good chance we may be in a much better position towards the end of the academic year that would allow test administration.

I agree that Spring may be better in terms of COVID, but I imagine that there is a lot of planning/logistics around HS student enrollment, and waiting may not be practical or feasible for scheduling classes, etc. for next school year. There are a lot of moving parts with lottery programs, application programs and the DCC.

Anonymous wrote:DP. I also think waiting until towards the end of the academic year makes the most sense. I don't see a compelling reason to rush the magnet decision. There is a good chance we may be in a much better position towards the end of the academic year that would allow test administration.

I expect this is right. Plus the application deadline was extended which indicated to me at least, a lack of applications, possibly connected to transportation issues, I don't know. I'm just speculating here...

DP. I also think waiting until towards the end of the academic year makes the most sense. I don't see a compelling reason to rush the magnet decision. There is a good chance we may be in a much better position towards the end of the academic year that would allow test administration.

On their FAQ's for the Criteria Based programs (not the lottery based programs):

The admission process uses a multiple measures approach that includes both district-level and externally-developed measures of students. The data that will be considered includes the student applicant responses, report card, teacher recommendations, student services^, student application/personal submission, and an external assessment. The admission process is race-neutral, name and school blind. More specific information will be provided to Grade 8 parents once available.
^ services such as receiving special education services, ESOL- English for Speakers of Other Languages, 504 accommodations plan and Free and Reduced Meals

Note: Due to limited access to MCPS buildings during the COVID-19 pandemic, specific steps and timelines of the admission process for the criteria-based programs may be adjusted. Any adjustments will be communicated directly to Grade 8 students and their families."

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is no indication there will be any testing this year.

I don't think there will be any testing. MCPS can't require students to test in person even if they offer the test and I don't think it will happen online because of equity issues and possible cheating even if the test is monitored.

So what will they use to make decisions besides grades, application answers/short essay and teacher recs? Maybe fall MAP scores, but I think some people will complain that it isn't fair due to the pandemic and tech issues, especially if their kids didn't do as well as usual. I'm leaning towards a minimum GPA (3.5?) and a lottery, similar to what TJ in FCPS is proposing?

MCPS successfully administered SAT multiple times so far. I think they had about 10-12 students per room with masks on, so it can be done. Another option is to wait until spring for administering the test.

Yes, I know--but my point is that I don't think they will tell students they have to take the magnet test in person because of parents who are uncomfortable with having their child in a room with other people. The SAT is not required for any MCPS programs so kids can opt-out this year if they are willing to apply to a college without scores or already have scores they are satisfied with. They are not waiting until spring--they already announced a decision will be posted by November 30th.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is no indication there will be any testing this year.

I don't think there will be any testing. MCPS can't require students to test in person even if they offer the test and I don't think it will happen online because of equity issues and possible cheating even if the test is monitored.

So what will they use to make decisions besides grades, application answers/short essay and teacher recs? Maybe fall MAP scores, but I think some people will complain that it isn't fair due to the pandemic and tech issues, especially if their kids didn't do as well as usual. I'm leaning towards a minimum GPA (3.5?) and a lottery, similar to what TJ in FCPS is proposing?

MCPS successfully administered SAT multiple times so far. I think they had about 10-12 students per room with masks on, so it can be done. Another option is to wait until spring for administering the test.

They will make an announcement by the end of this month.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is no indication there will be any testing this year.

I don't think there will be any testing. MCPS can't require students to test in person even if they offer the test and I don't think it will happen online because of equity issues and possible cheating even if the test is monitored.

So what will they use to make decisions besides grades, application answers/short essay and teacher recs? Maybe fall MAP scores, but I think some people will complain that it isn't fair due to the pandemic and tech issues, especially if their kids didn't do as well as usual. I'm leaning towards a minimum GPA (3.5?) and a lottery, similar to what TJ in FCPS is proposing?

MCPS successfully administered SAT multiple times so far. I think they had about 10-12 students per room with masks on, so it can be done. Another option is to wait until spring for administering the test.

Anonymous wrote:There is no indication there will be any testing this year.

I don't think there will be any testing. MCPS can't require students to test in person even if they offer the test and I don't think it will happen online because of equity issues and possible cheating even if the test is monitored.

So what will they use to make decisions besides grades, application answers/short essay and teacher recs? Maybe fall MAP scores, but I think some people will complain that it isn't fair due to the pandemic and tech issues, especially if their kids didn't do as well as usual. I'm leaning towards a minimum GPA (3.5?) and a lottery, similar to what TJ in FCPS is proposing?

PP-I think what they meant is for those who took it last year how long was there test. The person was just asking the previous year people there experience with the test.

Anonymous wrote:Np-is it still the full test like 3 hours, I mean for people who took it last year.

For people who took it last year? People who took it last year are not taking it again.
I'm confused.

There is no indication there will be any testing this year.

My DC took it last year and yes, it took about 3 hours. Dropped off around 8:30 a.m and picked up at noon if I recall correctly.

This year-- who knows?

Np-is it still the full test like 3 hours, I mean for people who took it last year.

Anonymous wrote:Why type of test is administered for entrance into magnet high schools?

I think it's normally the Cogat, but this year they haven't said whether they'll test or not. The FAQ now says any changes to the process, timeline, and next steps for students will be posted by November 30.
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/specialprograms/high/

Why type of test is administered for entrance into magnet high schools?