If the data from the Post article and study cited are correct no one has to be a racist to conclude from their proportional representation in MCPS schools based on County population, Asian Americans in MD are proportionally affected the most by the MCPS policy of restricted advancement.

Simply do the math. I know its painful!

Anonymous wrote:Thanks poster 12:23. Makes sense

12:23 again. Just to clarify, because there seems to be a lot of confusion on this point. The achievement gap MoCo is concerned about is the gap between white/asian and AA/hispanic. They want to close that gap, and a number of recent policy changes seem directed at closing that gap. There may be a different gap between Asians and Whites, but it's silly to think that MoCo's whole strategy revolves around that second gap, out of some assumed vindictiveness towards asians that wrecks the opportunities for kids of all races, including "their" own.

FWIW, and because it seems relevant. I'm white, and I disagree with taking away math pathways. My kid did math 2 years ahead in elementary school, and it was great for him. But the other kids with him were white and asian. I say, tackle the problem not by taking away advanced math, but by doing more to get AA and hispanic kids ready for advanced math.

It's racism to think, and to say, that *only* Asian kids benefit from advanced math pathways. Which the PP before this one had said with "what makes you think white administrators are shooting themselves in the foot by eliminating math pathways." Effectively, white, AA and hispanic kids, don't "need" math pathways. Only Asian kids "need" math pathways, is what she's saying. Racist

The Washington Post story reporting on the widening achievement and performance gap between Asians Americans children and everybody else in MD does not imply there are no high performing whites, blacks, others and hispanics in MCPS. to the contrary.

By your standards exhibited here, the reporter, the study investigators, the Post are all racists.

If it will make you feel better and the rest of us less racist. There is no achievement gap between Asians and everybody else in our County. The real and only achievement gap is between whites and everyone else. Are you feeling better now.

It's racism to think, and to say, that *only* Asian kids benefit from advanced math pathways. Which the PP before this one had said with "what makes you think white administrators are shooting themselves in the foot by eliminating math pathways." Effectively, white, AA and hispanic kids, don't "need" math pathways. Only Asian kids "need" math pathways, is what she's saying. Racist

No poster has said this. You are continuing your descent into lies.

Thanks poster 12:23. Makes sense

Anonymous wrote:

Is this a serious question? You think there are absolutely no high-achieving white kids who would want math acceleration? You are a racist, and I have nothing more to say to you.

Where did you read this? Every capable and willing child in our County should receive a challenging math education and for some this may include subject acceleration to attain. And most certainly there will be blacks, asians, hispanics, other and whites that would qualify if this policy were reversed. This is not racism it's being all inclusive.

It's racism to think, and to say, that *only* Asian kids benefit from advanced math pathways. Which the PP before this one had said with "what makes you think white administrators are shooting themselves in the foot by eliminating math pathways." Effectively, white, AA and hispanic kids, don't "need" math pathways. Only Asian kids "need" math pathways, is what she's saying. Racist.

Anonymous wrote:I am a little confused here. What if MCPS reinstituted the math pathway would this widen the achievement gap or narrow this gap? does this depend on where you live (Bethesda, Potomac vs other areas)?

Going back to math pathways might widen the gap between whites/asians and AAs/hispanics. Whites and asians were more prevalent in the advanced math classes.

Anonymous wrote:
would bringing the pathways raise the achievement bar for everyone (forget the gap)? does this depend on where you live agaion?

It depends on whether you're ready for advanced math, not where you live. Kids certainly did advanced math in downcounty schools - my kid did and is now in a magnet. Both asians and whites seem to take advantage of advanced pathways in higher proportions than other groups.

Anonymous wrote:

What is the downside or down fall of going back to pathways?

See answer to #1. Also, there has been widely-publicized concern that advancing kids too quickly results, in many cases, in kids lacking basic math skills when they get to high school and college.

Anonymous wrote:

what is the benfit of forbidding any upward movement or advance?

See answers to #2 and #3.

Not saying I agree 100% with these decisions, but it's how MCPS is thinking. Here's a question you still haven't answered:

How would some theoretical white Moco Old Guard benefit by preventing white kids from doing advanced math? Would the slap at Asians provide a psychological satisfiction that compensates for the damage to their own, white kids? Or is this whole idea crazy?

This entire thread has disintegrated into confusion. Frankly its too confusing to figure out who is arguing what or even how many are posting. This is simply not the right venue for this discussion.

Some posters are confused.

This entire thread has disintegrated into confusion. Frankly its too confusing to figure out who is arguing what or even how many are posting. This is simply not the right venue for this discussion.

Is this a serious question? You think there are absolutely no high-achieving white kids who would want math acceleration? You are a racist, and I have nothing more to say to you.

Where did you read this? Every capable and willing child in our County should receive a challenging math education and for some this may include subject acceleration to attain. And most certainly there will be blacks, asians, hispanics, other and whites that would qualify if this policy were reversed. This is not racism it's being all inclusive.

I am a little confused here.

What if MCPS reinstituted the math pathway would this widen the achievement gap or narrow this gap? does this depend on where you live (Bethesda, Potomac vs other areas)?

would bringing the pathways raise the achievement bar for everyone (forget the gap)? does this depend on where you live agaion?

What is the downside or down fall of going back to pathways?

what is the benfit of forbidding any upward movement or advance?

Anonymous wrote:

Whites are still near the top of the heap. Numerically, they way outnumber Asians. There are plenty of whites in the magnets and W schools.

This is why several of us think this is a troll: the theory makes zero sense. Nobody yet has answered this question:

Why would whites hurt themselves in order to take out a smaller population of Asians?

Until you give a good answer for this, we'll think you're crazy.

I'm not sure I buy this point. What makes you think anyone is shooting themselves in the foot? But, it does tend to close the gap if this is the policy intention.

Is this a serious question? You think there are absolutely no high-achieving white kids who would want math acceleration? You are a racist, and I have nothing more to say to you.

Whites are still near the top of the heap. Numerically, they way outnumber Asians. There are plenty of whites in the magnets and W schools.

This is why several of us think this is a troll: the theory makes zero sense. Nobody yet has answered this question:

Why would whites hurt themselves in order to take out a smaller population of Asians?

Until you give a good answer for this, we'll think you're crazy.

I'm not sure I buy this point. What makes you think anyone is shooting themselves in the foot? But, it does tend to close the gap if this is the policy intention.

I will have a child in MCPS and I believe she will get a good eduction with or without the "math pathways". I don't believe this one change is the downfall of the entire learning and educational process. I guess if you are that upset about it - either move or go private.

I guess some decided not to run for hills with the College Board mess. So, i guess moveing or go private are not the only options for taxpayers.

Whites are still near the top of the heap. Numerically, they way outnumber Asians. There are plenty of whites in the magnets and W schools.

This is why several of us think this is a troll: the theory makes zero sense. Nobody yet has answered this question:

Why would whites hurt themselves in order to take out a smaller population of Asians?

Until you give a good answer for this, we'll think you're crazy.