Anonymous wrote:I know what they're talking about. PBES CES 4th divided the class into two groups. Some kids (mostly white) got easier assignments while the other kids (mostly not white) got really hard assignments. When an asian parent filed a complaint, that kid got kicked out from the TPMS CES program (even though the kid was really smart).

Was that the year there were two CES classes for 4th grade? Therefore two teachers who taught the curriculum differently? Or are you saying it was within one classroom that there were different expectations?

Anonymous wrote:I know what they're talking about. PBES CES 4th divided the class into two groups. Some kids (mostly white) got easier assignments while the other kids (mostly not white) got really hard assignments. When an asian parent filed a complaint, that kid got kicked out from the TPMS CES program (even though the kid was really smart).

Um, what? There is no CES at TPMS (which is a middle
School). What year did this supposedly happen?

Oh, and the best part was they got caught lowering the kid's grades in the system.

I know what they're talking about. PBES CES 4th divided the class into two groups. Some kids (mostly white) got easier assignments while the other kids (mostly not white) got really hard assignments. When an asian parent filed a complaint, that kid got kicked out from the TPMS CES program (even though the kid was really smart).

How is fifth grade at the PBES CES?

Anonymous wrote:If your child goes to Piney Branch, be careful if they still separate the class into separate groups and keep in touch with the other parents if you notice anything unusual about assignments.

My child went to Piney Branch and I have no idea what you are talking about. What would constitute "unusual"?

Anonymous wrote:PBES CES 4th grade has alot of homework and classwork. It is a very challenging program, but most kids who go through it really get alot out of it.

I was grateful that my child was in this program especially amidst the pandemic. I feel they got more out of school because of it.

Anonymous wrote:So if a child has been accepted into home ELC and compacted math, the lack of heterogeneity and teacher flexibility are what make CES compelling?

NP. Yes, kind of.

I'm a pretty big fan of MCPS, compared to the rural district where I grew up. But NCLB and other reforms to American education have left teachers with very little flexibility and a strong incentive to "teach to the test."

Because the CES classroom is full of kids who test well by definition, the teachers have more latitude to be creative and flexible. If MCPS were able to unbridle all of the great non-CES teachers, the enriched programs would feel less compelling.

If your child goes to Piney Branch, be careful if they still separate the class into separate groups and keep in touch with the other parents if you notice anything unusual about assignments.

Anonymous wrote:So if a child has been accepted into home ELC and compacted math, the lack of heterogeneity and teacher flexibility are what make CES compelling?

Ummm...no.

DS just finished up at Pine Crest. He liked it so much better than his home school, although he missed his friends, he kept in touch with them and made new friends. Work load was tough and there were times he was frustrated because he waited until the last minute and it did take some prodding from me to keep up with the projects, but the literature was the best part. I don’t know what they are reading in non CES but in his program they read books with more mature themes. (Death murder love interests etc).

So if a child has been accepted into home ELC and compacted math, the lack of heterogeneity and teacher flexibility are what make CES compelling?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have a question but did not want to start a new thread. I am moving DD to private for 3rd grade next year. If we return for 4th grade, I wonder if we can apply for CES beforehand?

Private school students can be tested for CES. I believe it's done at central office. You don't need to move her out of private first--you could have her take the test and wait to see if she gets in.

Thank you!

PBES CES 4th grade has alot of homework and classwork. It is a very challenging program, but most kids who go through it really get alot out of it.

OP - out of curiosity - did your child get off the waitlist? I ask because CES invitations were sent weeks ago.