tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post379734766902628453..comments2024-02-28T22:24:07.299-08:00Comments on Community Forum for HCC (APP) in Seattle Schools: Open threadAndrew Siegelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06830585083467140758noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-37519348056373280372013-05-02T13:57:08.180-07:002013-05-02T13:57:08.180-07:00Re splits at APP: I was told years ago that the se...Re splits at APP: I was told years ago that the second graders in 1/2 splits at APP were usually all going to be kids who were new to APP, not returning 1st graders, b/c that way they didn't feel as orphaned by being put in a split. Might possibly also give them the chance for a little extra help if they missed certain math concepts at their neighborhood schools. They are taught math separately. And, by the way, the two experienced first grade teachers - one of whom would probably have the split - are fabulous. And there are more new 2d graders tahn would be in the split, so don't assume your new 2d grader will be. Most won't. And for the poster who said "they'll just pay for another teacher" - nope. It was done this year as a 1 time only thing b/c a teacher would have been removed in late October/early November, and the rejiggering of classrooms would have involved something like 10 rooms of kids, which was absurd and incredibly detrimental to learning. But this year APP at Lincoln seems to have voted against paying for the Asst Principal next year after the district decided that a 550 kid school doesn't need one. Voted for spending our money on our own math curriculum rather than on another salary (we can see that the district would expect PTA to fund everything next, including the water and electricity and custodian, if they could.). -- happy my kids have to work now; happy to have two small fishAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-260776251214246222013-04-26T14:04:35.163-07:002013-04-26T14:04:35.163-07:00I was told (quite some years ago now) that the rea...I was told (quite some years ago now) that the reason for split classes having older kids from the lower grade and younger kids from the upper grade is that their developmental needs would be more similar, as their ages would not vary much more than those in a one-year classroom. This is in terms of average attention span, degree of wiggliness, fine motor skills, etc., not academic skills. It also meant that children were not likely to be assigned to split classes for two years in a row.<br /><br />Helen Schinskehschinskehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10316478950862562594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-9730001471336978252013-04-26T10:25:17.610-07:002013-04-26T10:25:17.610-07:00Split classes should still be providing two separa...Split classes should still be providing two separate grades of instruction. In other words, a 1/2 split shouldn't be about providing Grade 1.5 materials to upper end first graders and lower end 2nd graders, but rather 1st grade materials to most 1st graders and 2nd grade to most 2nd graders. Granted a split allows for a bit of additional differentiation for those younger kids who are ready for greater challenges or those older kids who need a bit of review--so there is some blurring of the lines--but you certainly don't need to strive for "like minds" in order to make it work. <br /><br />Depending on numbers, it may even be easier to have greater differences in abilities in some cases... I was in a split class in elementary school, in which there were only 6-8 kids from the older grade in with the younger. In our case they intentionally selected the most capable older kids to be in with the younger grade, as they figured we would be best able to work independently or as a small group when needed. Maybe it was a fluke, but it worked pretty well. <br /><br />So I wouldn't worry too much. I think schools take a lot of factors into consideration when building split classes, and from what I've seen they generally know how to make them work. It's important, however, that the older kids--and their parents--don't view their inclusion in a split class as some sort of "demotion" or evidence they aren't as capable as their grade level peers...<br /> <br />HIMSmomAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-61861489415742557402013-04-26T10:09:32.741-07:002013-04-26T10:09:32.741-07:00High Flyer -- yes, I am sure. All APP 1st graders...High Flyer -- yes, I am sure. All APP 1st graders by definition do exceptionally well on the MAP (putting appeals aside), so all would "test high". There is no placement test for 1st graders going into K-1 splits. Moreover, principals do not tend to share the why's of their placement decisions. Often, the names of all the kids entering a school aren't even known until the last minute, and those last kids just get placed where there is room. In some schools such as McGilvra this year, all classes in certain grades are splits so there isn't a choice. Before MAP existed at Lowell, there was also no test to determine a split. Splits have pros & cons. Often principals assign experienced, strong teachers to splits so they can even be more attractive in some ways.<br />-- SPS ParentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-85115626528619739552013-04-26T09:57:23.507-07:002013-04-26T09:57:23.507-07:00Maybe for the newly incoming students, the princip...Maybe for the newly incoming students, the principal will look at spring MAP scores from their old school.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-61731669796964104392013-04-26T08:19:41.089-07:002013-04-26T08:19:41.089-07:00@ SPS Parent,
Are you sure? I was under the impre...@ SPS Parent,<br /><br />Are you sure? I was under the impression that in order to be with the year ahead you had to test in or do exceptionally well on MAP in order to try and keep simalarly able minded kids together. <br /><br />-High FlyerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-45837341769567573802013-04-25T20:18:33.055-07:002013-04-25T20:18:33.055-07:00K: Mercer Island or Bellevue, if the decision is b...K: Mercer Island or Bellevue, if the decision is based on district stability. If you decide on Seattle, make sure you are well inside the assignment area of the schools you desire (say, Garfield). I adore Seattle, despite my love of sunshine (and its frequent lack of it). <br /><br />My feelings about SPS are much more... ambivalent. Don't get me wrong - there are many schools doing wonderful things. But there are no guarantees that district administration won't capriciously remove what's wonderful, or that rising enrollment won't force removal of those great things due to a lack of space.Meghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12795753563127975720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-13291060198097491682013-04-25T18:51:00.594-07:002013-04-25T18:51:00.594-07:00I would avoid SPS.
-10 years inI would avoid SPS.<br /><br />-10 years inAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-3913191066107472162013-04-25T15:31:57.703-07:002013-04-25T15:31:57.703-07:00K:
Another way to decide which school district you...K:<br />Another way to decide which school district you would like to move into is to check online the different schools, their achievement, rankings in WA State, placement on different (math, chess, music) competitions. There are a lot of info out there, but I think it is worthwhile to take your time before the decision. And I would also suggest to look around because nothing could replace the personal impressions...<br />HIMS momAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-27664932107244945192013-04-25T14:56:55.404-07:002013-04-25T14:56:55.404-07:00K,
Have you visited this area? I think the best w...K,<br />Have you visited this area? I think the best way would be to visit and see which city is most suited for your family. The people who settle in Bellevue and Shoreline are different than those who choose Seattle. Seattle is much more liberal than Bellevue is, and has more cultural and artistic resources and venues. Education is important but it is only one part of your life, and you seem like someone who would have the time and resources to help your child succeed in school no matter which district they are in. I would spend at least a couple of weeks in the area, see which city is most suited for your needs and values. If you are going to be teaching at the UW, you might want to ask those who you most like to be friends with where they live, and why they chose that neighborhood.<br /><br />CCAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-5884297481544107982013-04-25T14:40:49.255-07:002013-04-25T14:40:49.255-07:00High Flyer - that is not correct that you "te...High Flyer - that is not correct that you "test in" to get into a split. Each principal works with teachers to decide which kids get assigned to which classes, making assignments for many reasons -- seeking balance in terms of gender, age, student personalities, etc. one factor can be age -- very young 1st graders or very old 2nd graders may be less likely to be placed in a 1/2 split, but that is not always the case.<br />-- SPS parentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-78234109054751590012013-04-25T14:16:16.632-07:002013-04-25T14:16:16.632-07:00I think you have to test in if you are a 1st grade...I think you have to test in if you are a 1st grader to be in the 1/2 split.<br /><br />High FlyerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-88920691873856451392013-04-25T14:07:30.118-07:002013-04-25T14:07:30.118-07:00Anon-
In the past splits have been done partly by...Anon-<br /><br />In the past splits have been done partly by age. Younger 2nd graders will be placed with older 1st graders, etc. <br /><br />The reality is that there are lots of new kids entering in the lower grades so the principal isn't able to place by ability.<br /><br />-long timerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-82207924263603442592013-04-25T13:42:03.143-07:002013-04-25T13:42:03.143-07:00Thanks! Anyone else have an opinion about which d...Thanks! Anyone else have an opinion about which district you'd pick?Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07047808612060788545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-35210272606941709512013-04-25T13:28:01.650-07:002013-04-25T13:28:01.650-07:00If there's a split, like gr 1/2, is it random ...If there's a split, like gr 1/2, is it random which kids go up/down or is it based by ability?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-46261665246322568752013-04-25T12:55:40.143-07:002013-04-25T12:55:40.143-07:00No, it doesn't depend on district resources. ...No, it doesn't depend on district resources. It is based on the WSS - weighted staffing standards that apply to all schools. Staffing is determined based on the numbers according to WSS. Each principal then decides how to allocate classroom teachers (with some class size limitations). If a split such as a 1-2 split is needed, the principal decides what class to split I-2 sits are common in APP and splits are common in many schools especially with the NSAP where numbers cannot be controlled in nice class-sized packages.<br />-- SPS parentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-28830973655353147182013-04-24T22:26:19.749-07:002013-04-24T22:26:19.749-07:00Thanks Jane and Anon@2:46PM for addressing my Linc...Thanks Jane and Anon@2:46PM for addressing my Lincoln 1st grade question. It sounds like it will depend on resources from the district.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-9769608815518879162013-04-24T18:31:43.539-07:002013-04-24T18:31:43.539-07:00To K:
If I could pick I would go to Bellevue with ...To K:<br />If I could pick I would go to Bellevue with no question whatsoever. They have an amazing gifted (and regular) program all the way (K-12).<br />Good luck!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-68873409759250089632013-04-24T18:04:05.496-07:002013-04-24T18:04:05.496-07:00Hi! I'm new to this board, coming back to Sea...Hi! I'm new to this board, coming back to Sea after many years away. I've been poking around the board to learn all I can about APP. When we get to Sea next summer my kid will be entering 4th grade. My question: if you could live in Sea, Bellevue, Shoreline and the only thing driving where you live is deciding btw APP in Sea, Prism in Bellevue, and HiCap in Shoreline (or frankly any other district with ok commute to the U), where would you pick and why? My kid is super ahead in math, bright verbally, and socializes well. Thanks so much!Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07047808612060788545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-48656720747402377382013-04-24T14:46:56.869-07:002013-04-24T14:46:56.869-07:00Jane -
I'm guessing the APP @ Lincoln PTA will...Jane -<br />I'm guessing the APP @ Lincoln PTA will just pay for another teacher, per this year's experience.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-26871213582553709212013-04-23T12:58:13.302-07:002013-04-23T12:58:13.302-07:00Re: the question of 62 first graders at Lincoln. ...Re: the question of 62 first graders at Lincoln. I don't have any insight into how the school plans on dealing with this - but I know when APP was at Lowell, it was pretty common to have mixed grade classrooms (which I assume was how they handled this sort of challenge).<br /><br />JaneAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-77170093902281455062013-04-22T20:39:32.233-07:002013-04-22T20:39:32.233-07:00What I don't quite understand is what gets cov...What I don't quite understand is what gets covered when 6HH is eliminated. Isn't 6HH a combination of 7th and 8th grade CMP books? Will 6th grade APP students now do 8th grade level math, but skip some of the 7th grade CMP books, or does 7th grade Spectrum level math cover the same CMP books/topics as 6HH?<br /><br />confusedAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-30914628210872429752013-04-22T19:50:33.877-07:002013-04-22T19:50:33.877-07:00On the topic of math, with HIMS moving to no grade...On the topic of math, with HIMS moving to no grade level only math classes completely next year (started with APP 6th Graders in APP 7th Grade Algebra 1), besides scheduling what is the logic behind this. Same at Garfield, with Freshman and Seniors in the same math class, with different groups feeling bogged down by the slowness to grasp the concept of the others. It seems that mixed grade math is deemed acceptable while mixed grade LA is not? Maybe instead of wasting all this time on testing, focus could be put in a stronger pre-algebra curriculum so APP could start there in 6th, spectrum eligible would start at Math 7, then move to pre algebra,and Algebra 1. Without extra outside classes or tutoring (albeit the MAP scores), most students (including APP) would not be ready for Algebra 1 in 6th grade. If there was a stronger curriculum, maybe we wouldn't have this problem.<br /><br />6th Grade APP Algebra 1 ParentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-69545330580104545622013-04-22T19:42:05.683-07:002013-04-22T19:42:05.683-07:00@One more year-
Math is generally two years ahead...@One more year-<br /><br />Math is generally two years ahead of others, also. Music classes and languages are based on prerequisites or placement as well and tend to somewhat self-sort toward APP/spectrum kids, most notably Latin.<br /><br />The issue that parents need to speak up about is a change proposed by GHS LA dept. for some unspecified future time to do away with LA9H. I don't understand the logic here at all. Seems like way more work for those teachers to have every level in one class. We don't do it with math, so why LA? Please speak up about this plan.<br /><br />sidneydAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-15722523033124129062013-04-22T18:44:52.312-07:002013-04-22T18:44:52.312-07:00Suep, or any other knowing indvidual, my question ...Suep, or any other knowing indvidual, my question as a 7th Grade middle school APP parent is what the Garfield APP pathway actually is? You say it's not special access, but your justification was from before the NSAP. Besides Science (1-2 Years) and History (1 Year), there is no APP pathway at Garfield that is different from a Spectrum or Gen Ed student. Before our family joined APP in middle school, it was hard to see the point of APP (for gifted learners) if they had no classes or acceleration over other students who had not come up with the pathway and not tested (LA,and Science to some extent). In other words, if APP students are the same seats as Gen Ed students, they should have equal access to the school. This logic seems to only apply to Garfield, as the other five schools have gifted core classrooms. This topic has been brought up before, but with high school changes envitably on the way because of overcrowding, this issue should be discussed.One More Yearnoreply@blogger.com