Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In short: they couldn't acquire an adequate new curricula, so they will issue a new RFP in the fall.

Why is this so hard? Is it because they are looking for the silver bullet that simply doesn't exist? Instead of a new curricula with more digital content and cultural whatever they said, perhaps they would see improved outcomes if they simply grouped by ability for math and reading and switched classes so they could receive actual instruction for the entire block as opposed to being grouped within the classroom and racing through content in 10-15 minutes while they have the teacher's attention?

SMDH.

Private schools are able to close the achievement gap with outdated textbooks. And yes, private schools have low income minority students (catholic schools certainly do). It takes structure, discipline, and a more old fashioned approach to instruction...like European and Asian schools.

No. Because this RFP was tainted, they will issue a new RFP in a few months.

Why is this so hard? Because it's spending public money. Government procurement is highly regulated. Private-school procurement is not.

(Also, no, private schools are not able to close the achievement gap. What private schools are able to do, is choose which students to include and which students to exclude.)

Anonymous wrote:I would love to know how different the new RFP will be from the old one.

Anonymous wrote:In short: they couldn't acquire an adequate new curricula, so they will issue a new RFP in the fall.

Why is this so hard? Is it because they are looking for the silver bullet that simply doesn't exist? Instead of a new curricula with more digital content and cultural whatever they said, perhaps they would see improved outcomes if they simply grouped by ability for math and reading and switched classes so they could receive actual instruction for the entire block as opposed to being grouped within the classroom and racing through content in 10-15 minutes while they have the teacher's attention?

SMDH.

Private schools are able to close the achievement gap with outdated textbooks. And yes, private schools have low income minority students (catholic schools certainly do). It takes structure, discipline, and a more old fashioned approach to instruction...like European and Asian schools.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Because there is no supervision of anyone, that is why.

This is very true.

And echoing a PP - the county is large enough to hide things, as issues are easily buried in the bureaucracy.

And I’m certain Discovery knows the how to play by the RFP rules . . .

As parents, don't we have a say on how all this should go down? Where can we complain and if we do, will it matter? I do think that if Discovery participated the next time, there's enough reason for another vendor to protest. The fact that Discovery has another chance at this is so messed up!!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Because there is no supervision of anyone, that is why.

This is very true.

And echoing a PP - the county is large enough to hide things, as issues are easily buried in the bureaucracy.

And I’m certain Discovery knows the how to play by the RFP rules . . .

Anonymous wrote:Because there is no supervision of anyone, that is why.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Although MCPS is a crap show. I heard my, my admin, that our school is purchasing curriculum for the fall. We are purchasing Jacob's Ladders (reading enrichment). They are still deciding on math curriculum. Many schools may do their own individual thing to ensure their students are being pushed. I would provide my school but we are already overcrowded, I'm so sorry DCUM. Our PTA is also generating a letter to be sent to cluster superintendents, BOE and the state of MD.

This is aw some, ES, teachers, and PTA wake up and buy a new curriculum yourselves. Work together.

Next step, secede from MCPS central office.

Amanda Graver, who chairs the curriculum committee for the Montgomery County Council of Parent-Teacher Associations, said some parents had complained the search for new instructional materials seemed rushed.

“This will appease the people who feel like it was moving too fast,” she said Tuesday.

She said she supported Smith’s attempt to dispel doubts about the selection process and voiced confidence that the search will proceed without a preference for Discovery Education, should the company resubmit its bid.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Although MCPS is a crap show. I heard my, my admin, that our school is purchasing curriculum for the fall. We are purchasing Jacob's Ladders (reading enrichment). They are still deciding on math curriculum. Many schools may do their own individual thing to ensure their students are being pushed. I would provide my school but we are already overcrowded, I'm so sorry DCUM. Our PTA is also generating a letter to be sent to cluster superintendents, BOE and the state of MD.

This has always been the case. READ 180 is a perfect example of internal decision-making at the MS/HS level.

And I bet that even with a canned guide countywide, schools will still continue to supplement.

So can a school PTA just purchase Singapore Math for its ES?

Anonymous wrote:Although MCPS is a crap show. I heard my, my admin, that our school is purchasing curriculum for the fall. We are purchasing Jacob's Ladders (reading enrichment). They are still deciding on math curriculum. Many schools may do their own individual thing to ensure their students are being pushed. I would provide my school but we are already overcrowded, I'm so sorry DCUM. Our PTA is also generating a letter to be sent to cluster superintendents, BOE and the state of MD.