Anonymous wrote:Got the letter for Eastern/Takoma today, but I'm still confused about the process.
It says that everyone at my kid's home elementary school will be "considered" for a seat in the MS magnets, and that my child will be "evaluated" for both magnet programs unless I decline. And the "evaluation" includes a test given in school on Jan. 8th. "Selection" decisions will be mailed in early Feb.
It's those varying terms that are confusing. It *sounds* to me like everyone is "considered," then based on test scores or grades or whatever, some are chosen for further "evaluation" through the testing in January, then the top tier is "selected" for one or both magnets.
Am I reading this right? Or do they mean that everyone at her school is being considered, so everyone got this letter—meaning everyone takes the test? In which case, what was the point of the letter?
I guess it doesn't really matter for us, since either way she's in the pool of candidates for both, but it doesn't seem like they're being very transparent about the process even now.
And still no word on what kind of test it will be, even though they provide a short test prep booklet for the Clemente testing. I wouldn't plan on having the poor kid cram over winter break regardless, but it would be nice for her to have some idea of what to expect going in.
[Sigh] I really do wish that people would either attend the meeting or read up on it before complaining about how non-transparent the process is. Ok, for the umpteenth time - everyone was considered by a central committee - the letters went out to those that the central committee thought should be further evaluated for magnet school. EVEN IF the central committee does not believe your child should be further evaluated you can STILL HAVE YOUR CHILD sit for the test - one test - for both schools. Then those test scores etc. will be reviewed for decisions on which school if any, and you will know in February. AND NO THERE IS NO PREPPING FOR THE TEST. Every child is in the same boat regarding what to expect when going in. Every child has had standardized testing in school -they know how to take a test. This is just one more test.