Anonymous
10/20/2025 21:30
Subject: Program Analysis Lets Shut It Down
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I agree potential lawsuits are probably the best way to stop this farce. I’m willing to donate $$ to hire a lawyer for class action if there are valid enough reasons. I’m so gutted by the central office and BOE corruption on wasting taxpayer’s money on doing things that tax payer is against to and lie in front of the public constantly. For the latter, I think we can probably collect enough evidence.
Same. Frustrating that the BOE is never held accountable.
MCPS is just a ridiculously large, unmanageable school system and it's just become so dysfunctional.
Maybe they should divide it into six regions.
That’s a great idea! That solves so many of the problems! Wish other DCUM parents would look for the positives and stop focusing on the negatives.
Anonymous
10/20/2025 21:29
Subject: Program Analysis Lets Shut It Down
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I just read the new presentation slides more closely, and found out that integrated math 1 (IM1; covering Algebra 1 and a little bit of geometry) is assumed for all programs, except for IB and STEM. For IB, they are allowed to move up, and for STEM, they start with IM2 (covering some geometry and Algebra 2). Right now SMCS begins with Algebra 2 for the slowest path and function for the fastest path. For RMIB, I believe they have a similar slow and fast path beginning levels.
So in the new regional model, the fastest math pathway would be: IM2 -> PreCalc -> Calc AB -> Calc BC/AP Stat. This is one year slower than the fastest math pathway provided right now at MCPS:
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/siteassets/schools/high-schools/k-q/poolesvillehs/uploadedfiles/departments/math/mathpathways.pdf
For biomedical science program (Page 43), the math pathway skips the entire preCalc and Calc, but only offers AP Stat for junior and senior years. This makes me doubt if anyone in the design team really has any biomedical background. Calculus is a required course in any R1 colleges for the biomedical/bioengineering major.
Wondering how folks here think about the water down of across-board math pathway.
All these curriculum pathways are copied and pasted from MSDE documents. No one at MCPS even thought to compare them with programs like Blair and Wheaton.
https://marylandpublicschools.org/programs/Documents/CTE/standards/HHS_Biomedical_Science-A.pdf
https://marylandpublicschools.org/programs/Documents/CTE/standards/HHS_Certified_Clinical_Medical_Assistant-A.pdf
Ah... Thanks! The two links make a lot more sense to me now. So MCPS sugarcoated the biomedical science track (criteria-based) to make it look like a track for pre-med/doctor career, but indeed, this is CTE-oriented and the goal is to train nurse/nurse practitioner!
Such a waste of the proximity to NIH and those large pharmaceutical companies.
It would more be a CNA/Nurse, not nurse practictioner or a PA. What were you expecting it to be?
pre-med/doctor career is a college track not a high school track. Pre-Med is a set of college courses that need to be completed in order to apply and enter medical school. HS is about giving students a first exploration at career options and preparing them for what is needed for college or career. Getting them setup to be able to obtain an early clinical related certification such as a CNA or PT would actually be helpful. It something to put on the resume, it a viable way to make income while in college, and provides them greater exposure to put medical/science fields and personnel.
And while Calculus may be a required class, students are not required to take it prior to college. Additionally, the slides is just showing an option for the math pathway, they are not saying that is the ONLY math pathway. The greater majority of students have not been starting HS at Pre-Cal. They are either starting at Alg2 or Geo. Given the new integrated Algebra forthcoming, parents are still waiting to hear all of what will be covered and what will/should happen post IM2 for kids who would normally be moving into Pre-Cal.
The colleges we have talked to want a minimum of Calc BC but recommend higher. And, its a good foundation to take it in HS and repeat it in college.
What colleges have you been talking to, and are you talking to them about engineering?
Anonymous
10/20/2025 21:21
Subject: Program Analysis Lets Shut It Down
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I agree potential lawsuits are probably the best way to stop this farce. I’m willing to donate $$ to hire a lawyer for class action if there are valid enough reasons. I’m so gutted by the central office and BOE corruption on wasting taxpayer’s money on doing things that tax payer is against to and lie in front of the public constantly. For the latter, I think we can probably collect enough evidence.
Same. Frustrating that the BOE is never held accountable.
MCPS is just a ridiculously large, unmanageable school system and it's just become so dysfunctional.
Maybe they should divide it into six regions.
Anonymous
10/20/2025 21:13
Subject: Program Analysis Lets Shut It Down
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I just read the new presentation slides more closely, and found out that integrated math 1 (IM1; covering Algebra 1 and a little bit of geometry) is assumed for all programs, except for IB and STEM. For IB, they are allowed to move up, and for STEM, they start with IM2 (covering some geometry and Algebra 2). Right now SMCS begins with Algebra 2 for the slowest path and function for the fastest path. For RMIB, I believe they have a similar slow and fast path beginning levels.
So in the new regional model, the fastest math pathway would be: IM2 -> PreCalc -> Calc AB -> Calc BC/AP Stat. This is one year slower than the fastest math pathway provided right now at MCPS:
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/siteassets/schools/high-schools/k-q/poolesvillehs/uploadedfiles/departments/math/mathpathways.pdf
For biomedical science program (Page 43), the math pathway skips the entire preCalc and Calc, but only offers AP Stat for junior and senior years. This makes me doubt if anyone in the design team really has any biomedical background. Calculus is a required course in any R1 colleges for the biomedical/bioengineering major.
Wondering how folks here think about the water down of across-board math pathway.
All these curriculum pathways are copied and pasted from MSDE documents. No one at MCPS even thought to compare them with programs like Blair and Wheaton.
https://marylandpublicschools.org/programs/Documents/CTE/standards/HHS_Biomedical_Science-A.pdf
https://marylandpublicschools.org/programs/Documents/CTE/standards/HHS_Certified_Clinical_Medical_Assistant-A.pdf
Ah... Thanks! The two links make a lot more sense to me now. So MCPS sugarcoated the biomedical science track (criteria-based) to make it look like a track for pre-med/doctor career, but indeed, this is CTE-oriented and the goal is to train nurse/nurse practitioner!
Such a waste of the proximity to NIH and those large pharmaceutical companies.
It would more be a CNA/Nurse, not nurse practictioner or a PA. What were you expecting it to be?
pre-med/doctor career is a college track not a high school track. Pre-Med is a set of college courses that need to be completed in order to apply and enter medical school. HS is about giving students a first exploration at career options and preparing them for what is needed for college or career. Getting them setup to be able to obtain an early clinical related certification such as a CNA or PT would actually be helpful. It something to put on the resume, it a viable way to make income while in college, and provides them greater exposure to put medical/science fields and personnel.
And while Calculus may be a required class, students are not required to take it prior to college. Additionally, the slides is just showing an option for the math pathway, they are not saying that is the ONLY math pathway. The greater majority of students have not been starting HS at Pre-Cal. They are either starting at Alg2 or Geo. Given the new integrated Algebra forthcoming, parents are still waiting to hear all of what will be covered and what will/should happen post IM2 for kids who would normally be moving into Pre-Cal.
The colleges we have talked to want a minimum of Calc BC but recommend higher. And, its a good foundation to take it in HS and repeat it in college.
Anonymous
10/20/2025 21:12
Subject: Program Analysis Lets Shut It Down
Anonymous wrote:I agree potential lawsuits are probably the best way to stop this farce. I’m willing to donate $$ to hire a lawyer for class action if there are valid enough reasons. I’m so gutted by the central office and BOE corruption on wasting taxpayer’s money on doing things that tax payer is against to and lie in front of the public constantly. For the latter, I think we can probably collect enough evidence.
Same. Frustrating that the BOE is never held accountable.
MCPS is just a ridiculously large, unmanageable school system and it's just become so dysfunctional.
Anonymous
10/20/2025 21:12
Subject: Program Analysis Lets Shut It Down
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I just read the new presentation slides more closely, and found out that integrated math 1 (IM1; covering Algebra 1 and a little bit of geometry) is assumed for all programs, except for IB and STEM. For IB, they are allowed to move up, and for STEM, they start with IM2 (covering some geometry and Algebra 2). Right now SMCS begins with Algebra 2 for the slowest path and function for the fastest path. For RMIB, I believe they have a similar slow and fast path beginning levels.
So in the new regional model, the fastest math pathway would be: IM2 -> PreCalc -> Calc AB -> Calc BC/AP Stat. This is one year slower than the fastest math pathway provided right now at MCPS:
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/siteassets/schools/high-schools/k-q/poolesvillehs/uploadedfiles/departments/math/mathpathways.pdf
For biomedical science program (Page 43), the math pathway skips the entire preCalc and Calc, but only offers AP Stat for junior and senior years. This makes me doubt if anyone in the design team really has any biomedical background. Calculus is a required course in any R1 colleges for the biomedical/bioengineering major.
Wondering how folks here think about the water down of across-board math pathway.
All these curriculum pathways are copied and pasted from MSDE documents. No one at MCPS even thought to compare them with programs like Blair and Wheaton.
https://marylandpublicschools.org/programs/Documents/CTE/standards/HHS_Biomedical_Science-A.pdf
https://marylandpublicschools.org/programs/Documents/CTE/standards/HHS_Certified_Clinical_Medical_Assistant-A.pdf
Ah... Thanks! The two links make a lot more sense to me now. So MCPS sugarcoated the biomedical science track (criteria-based) to make it look like a track for pre-med/doctor career, but indeed, this is CTE-oriented and the goal is to train nurse/nurse practitioner!
Such a waste of the proximity to NIH and those large pharmaceutical companies.
It would more be a CNA/Nurse, not nurse practictioner or a PA. What were you expecting it to be?
People are having a problem with that type of program being offered at a high-FARMS school? That seems like a perfect program for the location.
High farms does nto mean that students want this class. How about asking them? If many of them are struggling with English they may not be able to get through the math and science required.
Anonymous
10/20/2025 21:08
Subject: Program Analysis Lets Shut It Down
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I just read the new presentation slides more closely, and found out that integrated math 1 (IM1; covering Algebra 1 and a little bit of geometry) is assumed for all programs, except for IB and STEM. For IB, they are allowed to move up, and for STEM, they start with IM2 (covering some geometry and Algebra 2). Right now SMCS begins with Algebra 2 for the slowest path and function for the fastest path. For RMIB, I believe they have a similar slow and fast path beginning levels.
So in the new regional model, the fastest math pathway would be: IM2 -> PreCalc -> Calc AB -> Calc BC/AP Stat. This is one year slower than the fastest math pathway provided right now at MCPS:
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/siteassets/schools/high-schools/k-q/poolesvillehs/uploadedfiles/departments/math/mathpathways.pdf
For biomedical science program (Page 43), the math pathway skips the entire preCalc and Calc, but only offers AP Stat for junior and senior years. This makes me doubt if anyone in the design team really has any biomedical background. Calculus is a required course in any R1 colleges for the biomedical/bioengineering major.
Wondering how folks here think about the water down of across-board math pathway.
All these curriculum pathways are copied and pasted from MSDE documents. No one at MCPS even thought to compare them with programs like Blair and Wheaton.
https://marylandpublicschools.org/programs/Documents/CTE/standards/HHS_Biomedical_Science-A.pdf
https://marylandpublicschools.org/programs/Documents/CTE/standards/HHS_Certified_Clinical_Medical_Assistant-A.pdf
Ah... Thanks! The two links make a lot more sense to me now. So MCPS sugarcoated the biomedical science track (criteria-based) to make it look like a track for pre-med/doctor career, but indeed, this is CTE-oriented and the goal is to train nurse/nurse practitioner!
Such a waste of the proximity to NIH and those large pharmaceutical companies.
It would more be a CNA/Nurse, not nurse practictioner or a PA. What were you expecting it to be?
pre-med/doctor career is a college track not a high school track. Pre-Med is a set of college courses that need to be completed in order to apply and enter medical school. HS is about giving students a first exploration at career options and preparing them for what is needed for college or career. Getting them setup to be able to obtain an early clinical related certification such as a CNA or PT would actually be helpful. It something to put on the resume, it a viable way to make income while in college, and provides them greater exposure to put medical/science fields and personnel.
And while Calculus may be a required class, students are not required to take it prior to college. Additionally, the slides is just showing an option for the math pathway, they are not saying that is the ONLY math pathway. The greater majority of students have not been starting HS at Pre-Cal. They are either starting at Alg2 or Geo. Given the new integrated Algebra forthcoming, parents are still waiting to hear all of what will be covered and what will/should happen post IM2 for kids who would normally be moving into Pre-Cal.
Anonymous
10/20/2025 20:34
Subject: Program Analysis Lets Shut It Down
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I just read the new presentation slides more closely, and found out that integrated math 1 (IM1; covering Algebra 1 and a little bit of geometry) is assumed for all programs, except for IB and STEM. For IB, they are allowed to move up, and for STEM, they start with IM2 (covering some geometry and Algebra 2). Right now SMCS begins with Algebra 2 for the slowest path and function for the fastest path. For RMIB, I believe they have a similar slow and fast path beginning levels.
So in the new regional model, the fastest math pathway would be: IM2 -> PreCalc -> Calc AB -> Calc BC/AP Stat. This is one year slower than the fastest math pathway provided right now at MCPS:
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/siteassets/schools/high-schools/k-q/poolesvillehs/uploadedfiles/departments/math/mathpathways.pdf
For biomedical science program (Page 43), the math pathway skips the entire preCalc and Calc, but only offers AP Stat for junior and senior years. This makes me doubt if anyone in the design team really has any biomedical background. Calculus is a required course in any R1 colleges for the biomedical/bioengineering major.
Wondering how folks here think about the water down of across-board math pathway.
All these curriculum pathways are copied and pasted from MSDE documents. No one at MCPS even thought to compare them with programs like Blair and Wheaton.
https://marylandpublicschools.org/programs/Documents/CTE/standards/HHS_Biomedical_Science-A.pdf
https://marylandpublicschools.org/programs/Documents/CTE/standards/HHS_Certified_Clinical_Medical_Assistant-A.pdf
Ah... Thanks! The two links make a lot more sense to me now. So MCPS sugarcoated the biomedical science track (criteria-based) to make it look like a track for pre-med/doctor career, but indeed, this is CTE-oriented and the goal is to train nurse/nurse practitioner!
Such a waste of the proximity to NIH and those large pharmaceutical companies.
It would more be a CNA/Nurse, not nurse practictioner or a PA. What were you expecting it to be?
People are having a problem with that type of program being offered at a high-FARMS school? That seems like a perfect program for the location.
Anonymous
10/20/2025 20:32
Subject: Program Analysis Lets Shut It Down
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I just read the new presentation slides more closely, and found out that integrated math 1 (IM1; covering Algebra 1 and a little bit of geometry) is assumed for all programs, except for IB and STEM. For IB, they are allowed to move up, and for STEM, they start with IM2 (covering some geometry and Algebra 2). Right now SMCS begins with Algebra 2 for the slowest path and function for the fastest path. For RMIB, I believe they have a similar slow and fast path beginning levels.
So in the new regional model, the fastest math pathway would be: IM2 -> PreCalc -> Calc AB -> Calc BC/AP Stat. This is one year slower than the fastest math pathway provided right now at MCPS:
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/siteassets/schools/high-schools/k-q/poolesvillehs/uploadedfiles/departments/math/mathpathways.pdf
For biomedical science program (Page 43), the math pathway skips the entire preCalc and Calc, but only offers AP Stat for junior and senior years. This makes me doubt if anyone in the design team really has any biomedical background. Calculus is a required course in any R1 colleges for the biomedical/bioengineering major.
Wondering how folks here think about the water down of across-board math pathway.
All these curriculum pathways are copied and pasted from MSDE documents. No one at MCPS even thought to compare them with programs like Blair and Wheaton.
https://marylandpublicschools.org/programs/Documents/CTE/standards/HHS_Biomedical_Science-A.pdf
https://marylandpublicschools.org/programs/Documents/CTE/standards/HHS_Certified_Clinical_Medical_Assistant-A.pdf
Ah... Thanks! The two links make a lot more sense to me now. So MCPS sugarcoated the biomedical science track (criteria-based) to make it look like a track for pre-med/doctor career, but indeed, this is CTE-oriented and the goal is to train nurse/nurse practitioner!
Such a waste of the proximity to NIH and those large pharmaceutical companies.
It would more be a CNA/Nurse, not nurse practictioner or a PA. What were you expecting it to be?
Anonymous
10/20/2025 20:27
Subject: Program Analysis Lets Shut It Down
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I just read the new presentation slides more closely, and found out that integrated math 1 (IM1; covering Algebra 1 and a little bit of geometry) is assumed for all programs, except for IB and STEM. For IB, they are allowed to move up, and for STEM, they start with IM2 (covering some geometry and Algebra 2). Right now SMCS begins with Algebra 2 for the slowest path and function for the fastest path. For RMIB, I believe they have a similar slow and fast path beginning levels.
So in the new regional model, the fastest math pathway would be: IM2 -> PreCalc -> Calc AB -> Calc BC/AP Stat. This is one year slower than the fastest math pathway provided right now at MCPS:
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/siteassets/schools/high-schools/k-q/poolesvillehs/uploadedfiles/departments/math/mathpathways.pdf
For biomedical science program (Page 43), the math pathway skips the entire preCalc and Calc, but only offers AP Stat for junior and senior years. This makes me doubt if anyone in the design team really has any biomedical background. Calculus is a required course in any R1 colleges for the biomedical/bioengineering major.
Wondering how folks here think about the water down of across-board math pathway.
All these curriculum pathways are copied and pasted from MSDE documents. No one at MCPS even thought to compare them with programs like Blair and Wheaton.
https://marylandpublicschools.org/programs/Documents/CTE/standards/HHS_Biomedical_Science-A.pdf
https://marylandpublicschools.org/programs/Documents/CTE/standards/HHS_Certified_Clinical_Medical_Assistant-A.pdf
Ah... Thanks! The two links make a lot more sense to me now. So MCPS sugarcoated the biomedical science track (criteria-based) to make it look like a track for pre-med/doctor career, but indeed, this is CTE-oriented and the goal is to train nurse/nurse practitioner!
Such a waste of the proximity to NIH and those large pharmaceutical companies.
Anonymous
10/20/2025 20:20
Subject: Program Analysis Lets Shut It Down
Anonymous wrote:My question to everybody who is against the regional 6 program... don't you think this will increase the amount of space across the county? Currently, in SMAC, there are about 200 spaces in the county. But now there will be about 600. I know for the Blair program, they have around 1000 applicants from across the county, I wonder how many of those were DCC?
There are currently a little less than 200 SMACS seats between the two sites, but the new regional programs will all be smaller. I believe they said 55-85 seats per site. So it will really be going from 200ish seats to 400ish seats. And the program will be watered down (see the proposed math track) and have less elective options. Plus, they haven't published data about how many qualified applicants are left in the wait pool/how many additional seats they still need. I'd rather see them keep Blair and Poolesville as is and open a third regional program that could get development help from the Blair foundation instead of trying to open so many new programs all at once.
Anonymous
10/20/2025 20:05
Subject: Program Analysis Lets Shut It Down
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:That would be the slowest pathway.
What I mean is if a kid comes into high school with the prereqs I assume they can still take the fastest pathway and won't be limited by the pathways described in the powerpoint
They are probably more limited by the schools offerings.
Anonymous
10/20/2025 20:02
Subject: Program Analysis Lets Shut It Down
Anonymous wrote:That would be the slowest pathway.
What I mean is if a kid comes into high school with the prereqs I assume they can still take the fastest pathway and won't be limited by the pathways described in the powerpoint
Anonymous
10/20/2025 19:54
Subject: Program Analysis Lets Shut It Down
That would be the slowest pathway.
Anonymous
10/20/2025 19:41
Subject: Program Analysis Lets Shut It Down
Anonymous wrote:I just read the new presentation slides more closely, and found out that integrated math 1 (IM1; covering Algebra 1 and a little bit of geometry) is assumed for all programs, except for IB and STEM. For IB, they are allowed to move up, and for STEM, they start with IM2 (covering some geometry and Algebra 2). Right now SMCS begins with Algebra 2 for the slowest path and function for the fastest path. For RMIB, I believe they have a similar slow and fast path beginning levels.
So in the new regional model, the fastest math pathway would be: IM2 -> PreCalc -> Calc AB -> Calc BC/AP Stat. This is one year slower than the fastest math pathway provided right now at MCPS:
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/siteassets/schools/high-schools/k-q/poolesvillehs/uploadedfiles/departments/math/mathpathways.pdf
For biomedical science program (Page 43), the math pathway skips the entire preCalc and Calc, but only offers AP Stat for junior and senior years. This makes me doubt if anyone in the design team really has any biomedical background. Calculus is a required course in any R1 colleges for the biomedical/bioengineering major.
Wondering how folks here think about the water down of across-board math pathway.
I guess I assumed the math pathways for the programs would vary depending on the student. Maybe it's meant to be the slowest that's allowed, not the fastest? But then again, so much of what is being proposed makes so little sense that it's not inconceivable they'd make kids repeat certain math classes just to complete a program.