Anonymous
Post 04/26/2021 07:37     Subject: VMPI-ways to speak out
Anonymous wrote:Has Fairfax County made any changes to eligibility for moving ahead in math?


Melanie Meren said recently in a Zoom that everyone is misunderstanding the initiative. Megan McLaughlin is raising concerns and asking for clarification. Ricardy Anderson has pointed people to the webinars. That’s all I have seen from SB members here.

Loudon looks much further along in planning. No shock that FCPS is out of the loop. Even rural districts have started pilots. At least this is a good one to be behind on.
Anonymous
Post 04/26/2021 00:03     Subject: VMPI-ways to speak out
Has Fairfax County made any changes to eligibility for moving ahead in math?
Anonymous
Post 04/24/2021 07:59     Subject: VMPI-ways to speak out
Anonymous wrote:I have looked at the timeline on the VDOE website and don't understand how this starts next year for the class of 2026. It says the "New Graduation Requirements" are 2026-27, which would indicate it starts the following year, for this year's current 6th graders. Am I reading this wrong? I have a 7th grader signed up for Algebra next year in 8th, so am certainly interested in the timeline.


Is this conflating the change in math curriculum with the elimination of the two levels of diploma? The new single diploma will require four years of HS math for all students while now some can opt for just three years and get a standard diploma. That change can happen regardless of what they do with the curriculum.
Anonymous
Post 04/24/2021 07:37     Subject: VMPI-ways to speak out
I have looked at the timeline on the VDOE website and don't understand how this starts next year for the class of 2026. It says the "New Graduation Requirements" are 2026-27, which would indicate it starts the following year, for this year's current 6th graders. Am I reading this wrong? I have a 7th grader signed up for Algebra next year in 8th, so am certainly interested in the timeline.
Anonymous
Post 04/23/2021 20:40     Subject: Re:VMPI-ways to speak out
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
+100. Also an FCPS specific topic can discuss FCPS specific parts of the response (things school board members might say, etc)


OK - that makes sense.

This thread is intended to cover FCPS-specific aspects of this large proposal.



Speaking of, HAS anyone heard anything from the SB on this? The Fox News article quoted an LCPS school board member on the topic, which indicates that SBs are getting info.


This particular school member was against the changes to Academy of Loudoun admissions policies, on the grounds that major changes like this need to be done carefully, and they had only seen the proposals a few days prior to the meeting.
He is very stats oriented, and I think his work is in this line as well.
Anonymous
Post 04/23/2021 20:36     Subject: VMPI-ways to speak out
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Can we cut down to just one thread? It’s annoying to have three parallel threads.

How about we keep the “VA schools” thread since it’s a VA school thing?



VA schools is supposed to be all but FCPS. Normally i don't read that board at all since we're FCPS. I don't see an issue with multiple threads. If you only want to comment on one, pick that one.


Agreed. This thread is about ways to speak out, while advanced academic programs are a major change so it makes sense to talk about it in that forum.
Anonymous
Post 04/23/2021 17:21     Subject: VMPI-ways to speak out
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I have reached out to elected officials and even a school principal. None of them seem to know anything about it beyond a bullet point or two provided by the VA DOE and it's all **abstract talking points.**

They call for detracking all the way through elementary school. In practical terms, that may mean:
--No AAP
--No honors/advanced math in elementary or middle school.
--This would be statewide, but the IB diploma is set by international standards. The switch to this pacing would make it difficult to get the IB diploma.
--Fewer chances for advanced math and science classes. Students interested in STEM would hit fewer higher level classes and thus be less competitive to certain colleges.
--This also translates into fewer opportunities for AP courses at the high school level. That is real money in real college level courses that will hit college students and their families pocketbooks.
--For teachers, they talk about "heterogenous classrooms," which translates into them expecting miracles out of teachers so they they teach to all levels in one room. That won't happen.

On one of the webinars, a state employee who was a representative of the VMPI said well - college level courses should stay in college. No a fan of the AP level coursework. Again... that is a huge money saver for many families.

I think this program has some unintended consequences. I would love to be wrong, but I don't think people have any idea what is coming at them and it will change the system in some pretty profound ways.

I believe in public education and think they should look for more ways to help students get and stay interested in math. But that shouldn't start by eliminating advancement opportunities.

I encourage you to reach out to your school board members and your elected officials (more than once if you have to) to make sure they become educated. I spoke to my state Senator yesterday and he plans to reach out to the VMPI for clarity (practical implications -- not abstract jargon), but we need all of the state senators and delegates and school board members to AT LEAST UNDERSTAND the implications of what it will mean in practical terms.


You are speculating about IB.

Tuesday, April 27, 2021 - Essential Concepts in Grades 8 - 10
Tuesday, May 25, 2021 - Advanced Pathways in Grades 11 - 12

https://youtube.com/channel/UCrbxl9wHScrWKWIEoUWNIfQ


I definitely suggest parents watch those webinars, but they are holding 4 total (2 were earlier in April) and these now are for older kids when truly... this will effect children in elementary school currently. And they pick the questions they want to answer so don't expect a full discussion. Perhaps I am speculating about IB, but the VMPI speaks in abstract terms. Families deserve to know in concrete terms. And our elected leaders and school boards should know now so they can help advocate for their local communities. The time to discuss this with leaders is now... Now when it is being shaped.
Anonymous
Post 04/23/2021 13:20     Subject: VMPI-ways to speak out
^^^

And APS sent a parent communication out about it. Radio silence from FCPS as far as I know, except a tweet from Ricardy Anderson
https://twitter.com/Ricardy4Mason/status/1379084834665025544
Anonymous
Post 04/23/2021 13:19     Subject: Re:VMPI-ways to speak out
Anonymous wrote:
+100. Also an FCPS specific topic can discuss FCPS specific parts of the response (things school board members might say, etc)


OK - that makes sense.

This thread is intended to cover FCPS-specific aspects of this large proposal.



Speaking of, HAS anyone heard anything from the SB on this? The Fox News article quoted an LCPS school board member on the topic, which indicates that SBs are getting info.
Anonymous
Post 04/23/2021 13:19     Subject: VMPI-ways to speak out
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Curious - who actually supports this?

Parents: obviously not.
Students: their opinion is never considered anyway
Teachers: ??



Atif Qarni and the African American Superintendent's Advisory Council. From the latter's equity recommendations:

* Revision of the Standards of Accreditation to address opportunity gaps reflected in available course options, and to provide equal emphasis on workforce readiness in accrediting schools;

(https://doe.virginia.gov/news/news_releases/2021/3-18-21-aasac-recommendations.docx)



Could you argue that it is reverse discrimination?

If other Race and ethnic groups spoke out that the math curriculum would thus be too boring, 1-demensional, and doesn't benefit them (in fact it holds them back) then what would happen?

Anonymous
Post 04/23/2021 13:17     Subject: Re:VMPI-ways to speak out
+100. Also an FCPS specific topic can discuss FCPS specific parts of the response (things school board members might say, etc)


OK - that makes sense.

This thread is intended to cover FCPS-specific aspects of this large proposal.

Anonymous
Post 04/23/2021 13:16     Subject: VMPI-ways to speak out
"Many non AAP families had a clue that this was in the works until OP posted here.

You should be thanking her for starting a separate thread in the fcps forum. She did a huge service to many.

If you find yourself not wanting anyone else to talk, it is always best to just walk away from the conversation.

Why do you care? Just don't click."

+1
The 3 different boards are not necessarily visited by teh same people. I never look at Recent topics - I only go to the boards i normally frequent.
Anonymous
Post 04/23/2021 12:44     Subject: VMPI-ways to speak out
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Can we cut down to just one thread? It’s annoying to have three parallel threads.

How about we keep the “VA schools” thread since it’s a VA school thing?


Um, don't click.

You don't have to read every single thread


Fcps people don't go to the VA schools forum any more.

Many of us don't go to the cesspool that is recent topics.

We go straight to the fcps or AAP forums only.

If you don't want to discuss or read a topic, just don't click on the thread. Don't try to be the hall monitor for everyone else.


It's annoying to have the same conversation in THREE locations. How about just in AAP?


Please stop trying to suppress this VMPI from being talked about. Do you have a hidden (not so) agenda?



I've posted a TON of links and info for reference - I'm not suppressing at all. Just tired of having the same conversation in three places.
Anonymous
Post 04/23/2021 12:32     Subject: VMPI-ways to speak out
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Can we cut down to just one thread? It’s annoying to have three parallel threads.

How about we keep the “VA schools” thread since it’s a VA school thing?


Um, don't click.

You don't have to read every single thread


Fcps people don't go to the VA schools forum any more.

Many of us don't go to the cesspool that is recent topics.

We go straight to the fcps or AAP forums only.

If you don't want to discuss or read a topic, just don't click on the thread. Don't try to be the hall monitor for everyone else.


It's annoying to have the same conversation in THREE locations. How about just in AAP?


This is not just an AAP topic.

Many non AAP families had a clue that this was in the works until OP posted here.

You should be thanking her for starting a separate thread in the fcps forum. She did a huge service to many.

If you find yourself not wanting anyone else to talk, it is always best to just walk away from the conversation.

Why do you care? Just don't click.


+100. Also an FCPS specific topic can discuss FCPS specific parts of the response (things school board members might say, etc)
Anonymous
Post 04/23/2021 12:31     Subject: VMPI-ways to speak out
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Can we cut down to just one thread? It’s annoying to have three parallel threads.

How about we keep the “VA schools” thread since it’s a VA school thing?


Um, don't click.

You don't have to read every single thread


Fcps people don't go to the VA schools forum any more.

Many of us don't go to the cesspool that is recent topics.

We go straight to the fcps or AAP forums only.

If you don't want to discuss or read a topic, just don't click on the thread. Don't try to be the hall monitor for everyone else.


It's annoying to have the same conversation in THREE locations. How about just in AAP?


This is not just an AAP topic.

Many non AAP families had a clue that this was in the works until OP posted here.

You should be thanking her for starting a separate thread in the fcps forum. She did a huge service to many.

If you find yourself not wanting anyone else to talk, it is always best to just walk away from the conversation.

Why do you care? Just don't click.