Anonymous
04/28/2021 12:31
Subject: VMPI-ways to speak out
Therefore current 6th graders will be well into their math track and this should not factor in. I'd bee more concerned with rising 3rd graders possibly 4th graders.Anonymous wrote:They just shared that it will be unveiled in 2023-2024. Next stage by 2024-2025 and fully implemented in 2025-2026 so it will slowly roll out.
Anonymous
04/27/2021 21:33
Subject: VMPI-ways to speak out
Thank you for the notes! I’m still a little concerned there won’t be enough direct instruction and drill, but acceleration is a start!
Anonymous
04/27/2021 19:48
Subject: Re:VMPI-ways to speak out
I took notes from tonight's meeting for those who couldn't attend. TLDR: as others have said, they definitely have walked back the no acceleration thing. They also slipped in there once that *post calc* would be an option. Also, this time they weren't allowing live commenting on the stream.
Notes:
Background on VMPI
-They stressed that it will still allow for student acceleration and advanced classes, and that local districts can make decisions how to offer this.
-They again stated that Calculus will be an option.
-The content of the 'algebra sandwich' is not being eliminated but it *is* being reorganized
Foundational Concepts in K-7
-They want to use non-routine problem solving to make everyone 'knowers and doers of math
-They actually provided an example of a problem that I thought was pretty good and how they envisioned extensions working. (Problem was, given the dimensions of a closet, what tile would you pick to cover the floor and why? And then I gathered students had to research real tiles and explain what they picked and why, calculate the cost, take into consideration tile shape, covering an area efficiently, etc.)
Essential Concepts in 8-10
-Take the content from current Grade 8 (prealgebra), Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and some select concepts from statistics; and turn it into 3 courses worth of content (Essential concepts 8, 9, and 10)
-They mentioned 4 focus areas: Investigating with Data, Modeling with Functions, Reasoning with Geometric Figures, Making Sense of Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities. Classes will make connections between these topics
-They said they are considering what is needed for ACT/SAT/IB classes
-Example problem they provided was, a student might ask a question, take a survey, graph the data, and fit a line to the data. They claim right now you can't do all that till Algebra 2. (I'm dubious on that, but that's what they said.)
-Another example problem: student might get a couple data points from a cell phone battery meter, and be asked 'what do you notice' - this would extend into an activity where they might graph how fast the phone battery is charging/depleting
Mathematics Pathways Options
-They actually showed what some accelerated paths would look like (district might teach the concepts from Math 6, 7, and 8 all in 6 and 7, for example
-Next session will cover the pathways classes more
Q&A time:
-A question about timeline - how is my kid affected? (This has been answered previously, I'm not going to transcribe their answer)
-What research supports VMPI?
The NCTM 2018 "Catalyzing Change in School Mathematics"
-Who is on the implementation team?
VDOE, Reps from state community college system, Reps from State Council on Higher Ed. They have consulted with teachers, higher ed faculty, special ed and gifted program groups, military liaison, businesses, and governor's school directors
-How will we support students who need intervention/remediation?
Districts get to decide. DOE provides professional learning to teachers to help them learn how to help their students who don't get it the first time or forget it after last year.
-How will the changes support the "math lovers"
Students will have the ability to explore calc *and above*. Students can also take extra electives, and of course, pathways helps students who need math but not calc.
-Will this prepare students for calc?
Yes. They said students will understand the baseline better and thus do better in calc.
-Can parents provide feedback?
Yes. They pointed us at the same feedback form, but at the end of the night they mentioned additional stakeholder meetings.
-Is there going to be a pilot?
They said yes, but they only talked about piloting the 11th-12th classes (which they said would be in 2022-23. They didn't mention any methods by which to evaluate success. In what was the (unintentionally) funniest moments of the evening, they noted they were super excited to have an actual data scientist helping them develop the data science class, and a real actuary helping them develop the financial modeling class.
-Next meeting will be May 25th on the 11th/12th pathways classes.
-There will be upcoming stakeholder meetings on VMPI's website
Notes:
Background on VMPI
-They stressed that it will still allow for student acceleration and advanced classes, and that local districts can make decisions how to offer this.
-They again stated that Calculus will be an option.
-The content of the 'algebra sandwich' is not being eliminated but it *is* being reorganized
Foundational Concepts in K-7
-They want to use non-routine problem solving to make everyone 'knowers and doers of math
-They actually provided an example of a problem that I thought was pretty good and how they envisioned extensions working. (Problem was, given the dimensions of a closet, what tile would you pick to cover the floor and why? And then I gathered students had to research real tiles and explain what they picked and why, calculate the cost, take into consideration tile shape, covering an area efficiently, etc.)
Essential Concepts in 8-10
-Take the content from current Grade 8 (prealgebra), Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and some select concepts from statistics; and turn it into 3 courses worth of content (Essential concepts 8, 9, and 10)
-They mentioned 4 focus areas: Investigating with Data, Modeling with Functions, Reasoning with Geometric Figures, Making Sense of Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities. Classes will make connections between these topics
-They said they are considering what is needed for ACT/SAT/IB classes
-Example problem they provided was, a student might ask a question, take a survey, graph the data, and fit a line to the data. They claim right now you can't do all that till Algebra 2. (I'm dubious on that, but that's what they said.)
-Another example problem: student might get a couple data points from a cell phone battery meter, and be asked 'what do you notice' - this would extend into an activity where they might graph how fast the phone battery is charging/depleting
Mathematics Pathways Options
-They actually showed what some accelerated paths would look like (district might teach the concepts from Math 6, 7, and 8 all in 6 and 7, for example
-Next session will cover the pathways classes more
Q&A time:
-A question about timeline - how is my kid affected? (This has been answered previously, I'm not going to transcribe their answer)
-What research supports VMPI?
The NCTM 2018 "Catalyzing Change in School Mathematics"
-Who is on the implementation team?
VDOE, Reps from state community college system, Reps from State Council on Higher Ed. They have consulted with teachers, higher ed faculty, special ed and gifted program groups, military liaison, businesses, and governor's school directors
-How will we support students who need intervention/remediation?
Districts get to decide. DOE provides professional learning to teachers to help them learn how to help their students who don't get it the first time or forget it after last year.
-How will the changes support the "math lovers"
Students will have the ability to explore calc *and above*. Students can also take extra electives, and of course, pathways helps students who need math but not calc.
-Will this prepare students for calc?
Yes. They said students will understand the baseline better and thus do better in calc.
-Can parents provide feedback?
Yes. They pointed us at the same feedback form, but at the end of the night they mentioned additional stakeholder meetings.
-Is there going to be a pilot?
They said yes, but they only talked about piloting the 11th-12th classes (which they said would be in 2022-23. They didn't mention any methods by which to evaluate success. In what was the (unintentionally) funniest moments of the evening, they noted they were super excited to have an actual data scientist helping them develop the data science class, and a real actuary helping them develop the financial modeling class.
-Next meeting will be May 25th on the 11th/12th pathways classes.
-There will be upcoming stakeholder meetings on VMPI's website
Anonymous
04/27/2021 18:58
Subject: VMPI-ways to speak out
They just shared that it will be unveiled in 2023-2024. Next stage by 2024-2025 and fully implemented in 2025-2026 so it will slowly roll out.
Anonymous
04/27/2021 18:04
Subject: Re:VMPI-ways to speak out
Anonymous wrote:I though this was all implemented in 2025-26. Current 6th graders will follow the current system.
There are changes being implemented now, and SOLs are updated in 2023. I agree current 6th graders are unlikely to be affected.
Anonymous
04/27/2021 17:29
Subject: Re:VMPI-ways to speak out
I though this was all implemented in 2025-26. Current 6th graders will follow the current system.Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anyone who has two kids who are thriving in different math tracks can see this is going to be a lot harder than the glib pronouncements about collaborative work and depth suggest. And I don’t think it’s very likely to help kids who would have been on the less accelerated tracks in their math confidence levels at all!
Having said that, it’s math outcomes now are awful for many, many kids do I agree something needs to change. I just don’t have confidence in this plan (and nor do I find the supporting studies all that applicable or compelling.)
We are in the same boat. My 6th grade AAP student is not even a "math person" and will either take Algebra I HN in 7th or 8th, depending on SOL score. They're challenged and enjoying math. My child who wavers between just below and average is much better served in a class with other students working at their pace. Shoving them all into one class hurts both of them.
Also, having got to a high school that offered practical and college-track math classes, it worked out well. Two of my classmates who weren't interested in college started their own business after graduating, and they were able to take a basic business accounting class in high school that helped them learn to keep books, calculate quarterly sales tax, and set up inventory/invoicing. I don't think sticking everyone with the same choices best serves all students. Giving them options to choose the classes that best fit their desired outcome seems more advantageous for all, including the workforce they're graduating into.
Anonymous
04/27/2021 13:17
Subject: VMPI-ways to speak out
Anonymous wrote:Reminder that VDOE is holding its third community session on VMPI tonight. Hear more about the shift in approach.
Tuesday 4/27 at 6:30pm
Essential Concepts courses Grades 8-10.
Watch live (or recorded later):
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrbxl9wHScrWKWIEoUWNIfQ
You can still submit Qs/comments in advance or in the chat during the session:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSesz3YtqVqXtAioJKX0xtYbPxUW6l7dfpbwfdbQyEQ5eTgZMQ/viewform
Be sure to follow the proposed history curriculum changes too. They are on the VA department of education website as well.
Anonymous
04/27/2021 13:14
Subject: VMPI-ways to speak out
Anonymous wrote:They are still hashing it all out so TBD.
For next year, there are no VDOE changes that would preclude that from happening. If your district changes something, that's on them.
We will see if Loudoun reverses their changes, but what you say is most likely false.
There is an intervening change to the 2023 SOLs. A district can't provide an algebra class if there is no SOL for algebra to be tested.
I suppose they could and then have the kids take grade level SOLs.
Anonymous
04/27/2021 13:05
Subject: VMPI-ways to speak out
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote: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.
I’m just saying I have a post grad degree so I’m not the least educated or literate parent in VA. If I don’t understand the initiative I think it’s not clear to a lot of people!
This is one of my biggest issues with the published materials on this initiative. They are not clear/upfront about what this actually looks like on the ground for kids or how it will be practically implemented. There is a lot of sociological and education research jargon - I have an M.Ed, and it was a slog for me to read and make minimal sense of. All I wanted to know was what will math look like for my children (one in advanced math, one struggling with grade-level) for there rest of their school career? I don't give a crap about educational policy research or the latest educational fads - just tell me if my 7th grader can take Algebra I Honors next year.
They are still hashing it all out so TBD.
For next year, there are no VDOE changes that would preclude that from happening. If your district changes something, that's on them.
Anonymous
04/27/2021 12:58
Subject: Re:VMPI-ways to speak out
Anonymous wrote:Anyone who has two kids who are thriving in different math tracks can see this is going to be a lot harder than the glib pronouncements about collaborative work and depth suggest. And I don’t think it’s very likely to help kids who would have been on the less accelerated tracks in their math confidence levels at all!
Having said that, it’s math outcomes now are awful for many, many kids do I agree something needs to change. I just don’t have confidence in this plan (and nor do I find the supporting studies all that applicable or compelling.)
We are in the same boat. My 6th grade AAP student is not even a "math person" and will either take Algebra I HN in 7th or 8th, depending on SOL score. They're challenged and enjoying math. My child who wavers between just below and average is much better served in a class with other students working at their pace. Shoving them all into one class hurts both of them.
Also, having got to a high school that offered practical and college-track math classes, it worked out well. Two of my classmates who weren't interested in college started their own business after graduating, and they were able to take a basic business accounting class in high school that helped them learn to keep books, calculate quarterly sales tax, and set up inventory/invoicing. I don't think sticking everyone with the same choices best serves all students. Giving them options to choose the classes that best fit their desired outcome seems more advantageous for all, including the workforce they're graduating into.
Anonymous
04/27/2021 12:50
Subject: VMPI-ways to speak out
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote: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.
I’m just saying I have a post grad degree so I’m not the least educated or literate parent in VA. If I don’t understand the initiative I think it’s not clear to a lot of people! [/quote
This is one of my biggest issues with the published materials on this initiative. They are not clear/upfront about what this actually looks like on the ground for kids or how it will be practically implemented. There is a lot of sociological and education research jargon - I have an M.Ed, and it was a slog for me to read and make minimal sense of. All I wanted to know was what will math look like for my children (one in advanced math, one struggling with grade-level) for there rest of their school career? I don't give a crap about educational policy research or the latest educational fads - just tell me if my 7th grader can take Algebra I Honors next year.
Anonymous
04/27/2021 12:47
Subject: Re:VMPI-ways to speak out
Anonymous wrote:The more I read about this the less concerned I am. Many states teach math this way. It still allows for differentiation within the curriculum, much like they teach reading/language arts now. Seems like it will be the best system for the vast majority of kids and will lessen the ultra-competitive parenting that happens in FCPS.
The VMPI "plan" for differentiation is that it falls on the head of classroom teachers. (This was included in the response I received to my inquiry about the practical impacts of VMPI from Tina at VDOE, so not my own speculation.) So, if you have an excellent teacher with a reasonable-sized class, this may not be an issue. If you have a huge class or you have less skilled teacher (or, god forbid, both), your kid is not going to get any effective differentiation at all. The other challenge is that Virginia is not Common Core, and teachers generally have to amass their lesson plans and collateral themselves, so there is no standard curriculum or textbook available to them to support differentiation. It's completely unfair to the teachers, and it is in no way going to result in an equitable/same learning experience across schools and classrooms.
It is laughable that you think this will lessen ultra-competitive parenting in FCPS. The people who live to get their kid into an Ivy/SLAC will pay for outside supplementation, tutors, or private school to give their kid the edge, all of which widen the gap, not close it. I take my kids' education seriously, but we're much more laid back than the people around here who feel that their child attending a public university would be shameful and an indictment of their parenting. VMPI is not going to fix crazy, and crazy is going to make life miserable for the less advanced kids.
Anonymous
04/27/2021 10:22
Subject: VMPI-ways to speak out
Reminder that VDOE is holding its third community session on VMPI tonight. Hear more about the shift in approach.
Tuesday 4/27 at 6:30pm
Essential Concepts courses Grades 8-10.
Watch live (or recorded later):
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrbxl9wHScrWKWIEoUWNIfQ
You can still submit Qs/comments in advance or in the chat during the session:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSesz3YtqVqXtAioJKX0xtYbPxUW6l7dfpbwfdbQyEQ5eTgZMQ/viewform
Tuesday 4/27 at 6:30pm
Essential Concepts courses Grades 8-10.
Watch live (or recorded later):
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrbxl9wHScrWKWIEoUWNIfQ
You can still submit Qs/comments in advance or in the chat during the session:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSesz3YtqVqXtAioJKX0xtYbPxUW6l7dfpbwfdbQyEQ5eTgZMQ/viewform
Anonymous
04/27/2021 09:49
Subject: Re:VMPI-ways to speak out
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:New Washington Post article:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/virginia-advanced-math-classes-equity/2021/04/26/41f3dbd0-a6a3-11eb-bca5-048b2759a489_story.html
This is encouraging! But also hard to believe a post referencing FCPS and also showing a stack of textbooks!
LOL notice that caption says the photo is from a private school!
That is hilarious. Also very on-brand for a Catholic school (which is where it's from).
Anonymous
04/27/2021 09:45
Subject: Re:VMPI-ways to speak out
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:New Washington Post article:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/virginia-advanced-math-classes-equity/2021/04/26/41f3dbd0-a6a3-11eb-bca5-048b2759a489_story.html
This is encouraging! But also hard to believe a post referencing FCPS and also showing a stack of textbooks!
LOL notice that caption says the photo is from a private school!