There is a new version of Amplify Science coming out in 27/28. It’s a complete overhaul.

Anonymous wrote:Amplify math is decent. Amplify science is god-awful.

This is what MCPS already uses in MS (Illustrative Math). It is definitely better than Eureka!

The problem with programs like this is that it uses a discovery based approach. Kids aren't taught how to solve the problems, instead they are supposed to develop their own understanding.

Many of the lessons are interesting and on one hand some students really enjoy this method of learning. For example, this might work well if you have a background or some understanding of the topic, often acquired due to supplemental outside enrichment. Or some really bright students might really enjoy these lessons.

However, this does NOT work well for the lowest 2/3 of students. There are NO worked examples so that students can look to see how to solve problems. If they are absent, weren't paying attention, didn't understand, having worked examples allows students to go back and understand what is happening. It allows parents to look at the worked examples and help their students.

Even though research has consistently shown direct instruction works better for most students, districts keep going with discovery based math and then wonder why only the top third of students are doing well.

Singapore does amazing in math and if you look at their textbooks and workbooks they ALL use a traditional textbook with worked examples to develop a base then they go on and present more challenging problems.

^^oops, Desmos, not Demos

Anonymous wrote:As a kindergarten teacher, I hate the use of screens. During covid, we obviously had to use slides a lot, but many/most kept using them even after we returned. But I've just seen better results and more engagement when the screen is off and we're doing hands on demonstrations with manipulatives and movement. I haven't had the training yet, obviously, but if it's possible, I will definitely be ditching the screen component of the lessons.

There is a version of Demos that is 100% on paper. There is a version that is 100% on screens. MCPS is getting the mixed version to provide teachers with options, but all students will have workbooks and you certainly could choose not to use the slides to introduce materials and say, instead, write on the prometheum board. Students definitely do not have to use chromebooks to access the curriculum; it is all available in their workbooks.

As a kindergarten teacher, I hate the use of screens. During covid, we obviously had to use slides a lot, but many/most kept using them even after we returned. But I've just seen better results and more engagement when the screen is off and we're doing hands on demonstrations with manipulatives and movement. I haven't had the training yet, obviously, but if it's possible, I will definitely be ditching the screen component of the lessons.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is this entirely on a screen? The kids are sitting watching a screen while the teacher reads the prompts? I have reservations as a kindergarten teacher.

It looks like the lessons typically have like 10ish slides available for the teacher to use to introduce the concept in the first few minutes. But presumably you could do it without that if you prefer.

DP what are the downsides of teachers writing on whiteboards or chalkboards instead of using prewritten slides?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Holy moly. Just checked it out and it is TRASH. I don't think anyone can get educated through this website. LOL.

You are better off going through Khan Academy.

Jeesus...AI has already digested your kids jobs and shat it out too.

What didn't you like about it? The lessons I saw seemed decent.

Make your kid learn for just 2 weeks from it. Try it two ways - 1. You be the teacher and teach them for 45 minutes. 2. Tell your kids to self-learn from this material for 45 minutes.

No kid will be able to sit through this. It is pedantic and painful.

Anonymous wrote:Is this entirely on a screen? The kids are sitting watching a screen while the teacher reads the prompts? I have reservations as a kindergarten teacher.

It looks like the lessons typically have like 10ish slides available for the teacher to use to introduce the concept in the first few minutes. But presumably you could do it without that if you prefer.

Anonymous wrote:Is this entirely on a screen? The kids are sitting watching a screen while the teacher reads the prompts? I have reservations as a kindergarten teacher.

No. There are workbooks. you can do the curriculum entirely on paper if you want.

Anonymous wrote:I have a current 5th grader in compacted math. Which Amplify Desmos curriculum will she get next year in grade 6? I thought it was going to be pre-Algebra, but the amplify site has grade 6, 7, 8 plus geometry and statistics

They are creating a curriculum for MCPS that is aligned with the new state standards. You should receive the Amplify Pre-Algebra curriculum (which would be 7/8).

Is this entirely on a screen? The kids are sitting watching a screen while the teacher reads the prompts? I have reservations as a kindergarten teacher.

Anonymous wrote:I had an educator with more than 30 years of ES experience look at the materials. They confirmed that it allows for enrichment but not acceleration. How can MCPS claim this plan satisfies state requirements?

"The 5%" or whatever can walk to a higher grade level class, and 5th graders get a bus, if parents bully the principal hard enough. Equity!

Amplify math is decent. Amplify science is god-awful.

I have a current 5th grader in compacted math. Which Amplify Desmos curriculum will she get next year in grade 6? I thought it was going to be pre-Algebra, but the amplify site has grade 6, 7, 8 plus geometry and statistics