Anonymous wrote:My 2nd grade DD has poor handwriting, and I have noticed for the last 2 years in her MCPS school that there was little to no direct instruction on correct letter formation. I tried to purchase workbooks and teach her myself, but because this was not a focus at school there was high resistance from her to learning it. I decided to focus on phonics at home, since she was also struggling to learn to read (since Benchmark stinks and had little to no phonics).

After 2 years I have managed to get her up to grade level reading with a lot of one on work at home with phonics materials and her teacher last year doing a lot of help, but her handwriting is still poor. I just asked the school at a recent meeting about direct handwriting instruction and why that is not a part of the curriculum for elementary and was told they will be implementing it now for K and 1st grade because they see this is a need.

Huh? So what about our older kids who never were taught this and now can’t write well? As a former teacher myself, I’m appalled. I’ve seen her classmates writing when I volunteer and it’s clear that many are still struggling with writing. How is it possible than in 2023 a supposedly good public school does not have phonics and letter formation as part of their basic elementary grade curriculum? These are basics and have always been. Please help me understand why this is.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They added in aspects of RGR last year but are still using Benchmark, which sucks. It’s just such a crappy, poor curriculum. I don’t understand how any educator could look at it and say, yes, let’s purchase this.

The worst part is that they considered adding a different curriculum last year, and chose to stick with Benchmark. I just don't get it.

The tea is that different departments within central office couldn't agree on a new curriculum

Anonymous wrote:My 2nd grade DD has poor handwriting, and I have noticed for the last 2 years in her MCPS school that there was little to no direct instruction on correct letter formation. I tried to purchase workbooks and teach her myself, but because this was not a focus at school there was high resistance from her to learning it. I decided to focus on phonics at home, since she was also struggling to learn to read (since Benchmark stinks and had little to no phonics).

After 2 years I have managed to get her up to grade level reading with a lot of one on work at home with phonics materials and her teacher last year doing a lot of help, but her handwriting is still poor. I just asked the school at a recent meeting about direct handwriting instruction and why that is not a part of the curriculum for elementary and was told they will be implementing it now for K and 1st grade because they see this is a need.

Huh? So what about our older kids who never were taught this and now can’t write well? As a former teacher myself, I’m appalled. I’ve seen her classmates writing when I volunteer and it’s clear that many are still struggling with writing. How is it possible than in 2023 a supposedly good public school does not have phonics and letter formation as part of their basic elementary grade curriculum? These are basics and have always been. Please help me understand why this is.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They added in aspects of RGR last year but are still using Benchmark, which sucks. It’s just such a crappy, poor curriculum. I don’t understand how any educator could look at it and say, yes, let’s purchase this.

The same central office adminstrator also said, "Let's buy StudySync."

Anonymous wrote:Fwiw my kid went to a preschool that was light on academics but strong on play. She did a lot of drawing, painting and cutting with scissors. Even with her kindergarten year on zoom she has nice handwriting. I think that early childhood focus on fine motor skills played a difference

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They added in aspects of RGR last year but are still using Benchmark, which sucks. It’s just such a crappy, poor curriculum. I don’t understand how any educator could look at it and say, yes, let’s purchase this.

The worst part is that they considered adding a different curriculum last year, and chose to stick with Benchmark. I just don't get it.

Anonymous wrote:They added in aspects of RGR last year but are still using Benchmark, which sucks. It’s just such a crappy, poor curriculum. I don’t understand how any educator could look at it and say, yes, let’s purchase this.