tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post7492459087828982778..comments2024-02-28T22:24:07.299-08:00Comments on Community Forum for HCC (APP) in Seattle Schools: Q&A on Garfield and IngrahamAndrew Siegelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06830585083467140758noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-32502010915885963912014-02-13T12:10:40.381-08:002014-02-13T12:10:40.381-08:00Our sophomore took the PLAN at Garfield this fall ...Our sophomore took the PLAN at Garfield this fall (practice ACT) and their score was in the 99% nationally, but the 84% for Garfield. Shows you that Garfield over indexes for high scores (their counselor told them to "ignore" the Garfield index as the school is not a good measure of how well they did since so many kids score off the charts).<br /><br />Anecdotally, I did not hear AP World History scores from last year under a 3.0 from anyone at either Ingraham or Garfield and the majority were 4's with quite a few 5's.<br /><br />These are kids sharing their scores, so obviously if they scored lower than that they may not share.<br /><br />Overall I do not think kids are having a big problem with low scores, just from listening to parents of older students that have taken several AP courses.<br /><br />-ugh testingAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-91123891987669316002014-02-13T10:53:05.068-08:002014-02-13T10:53:05.068-08:00Not every student is capable of learning college l...Not every student is capable of learning college level material in high school - but more schools are requiring them to take those classes. (Roosevelt for example.) I think if you want to look at scores by school, you also need to know if those classes are optional.Lynnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-12194554606785546392014-02-13T08:27:38.831-08:002014-02-13T08:27:38.831-08:00So I was reading a recently released report by the...So I was reading a recently released report by the college board. Apparently, while lots of students are taking AP courses, they are, on the whole doing very poorly on the AP tests - only 30% of students taking the most popular tests are getting 4s or 5s. This makes me realize that one can offer AP courses like Garfield or IB like Ingraham, and you can like one type of testing better than the other, but if the classes aren't doing a good job of getting the students ready for those tests, it is all moot. So, does anyone have information about percentage of students in Garfield AP courses that do well (4 or 5) on the AP test or on the percentage of students at Ingraham that do well on the IB assessments? (I would assume this means 5,6 or 7). (By the way the college board report is at http://media.collegeboard.com/digitalServices/pdf/ap/rtn/10th-annual/10th-annual-ap-report-state-supplement-washington.pdf)Eric Bnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-48155633750853618462014-02-13T08:27:11.593-08:002014-02-13T08:27:11.593-08:00So I was reading a recently released report by the...So I was reading a recently released report by the college board. Apparently, while lots of students are taking AP courses, they are, on the whole doing very poorly on the AP tests - only 30% of students taking the most popular tests are getting 4s or 5s. This makes me realize that one can offer AP courses like Garfield or IB like Ingraham, and you can like one type of testing better than the other, but if the classes aren't doing a good job of getting the students ready for those tests, it is all moot. So, does anyone have information about percentage of students in Garfield AP courses that do well (4 or 5) on the AP test or on the percentage of students at Ingraham that do well on the IB assessments? (I would assume this means 5,6 or 7). (By the way the college board report is at http://media.collegeboard.com/digitalServices/pdf/ap/rtn/10th-annual/10th-annual-ap-report-state-supplement-washington.pdf)Eric Bnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-59241584186040872632014-02-12T10:34:39.144-08:002014-02-12T10:34:39.144-08:00Hi HIMS parent,
Sorry to be so long noticing your...Hi HIMS parent,<br /><br />Sorry to be so long noticing your post. We are also considering GHS vs Ballard. We will go to tonight's IBX info night at Ingraham but are leaning against IBX because we also, want a flexible program. My daughter has an immense extracurricular music and dance load and an interest in Biology/Biotech. For that reason we don't see a reason to rush through high school on an accelerated academic program, though we do want a good selection of challenging AP classes. We were impressed with BOTH GHS and Ballard with respect to academics and student enthusiasm.<br /><br />Here are our snapshot impressions:<br /><br />1-We were disappointed that the GHS principal was not there to welcome prospectives. The attitude from the faculty and administration was a little bit of "Garfield has nothing to prove to you". Didn't really get to meet any teachers except a a brief and knowledgeable discussion with the math dept. head and a solid presentation from the music teachers.<br /><br />2-Ballard, the principal was in hard core recruitment mode. The teachers and administration were all there to answer questions.<br /><br />2-As we all already know GHS music program is superb. Students attending GHS will probably have an opportunity to travel to and win many music competitions. The downside is that solid good musicians will be part of the pack. I imagine that wind participation in orchestra will be VERY competitive.<br /><br />3-Ballard music. Solid but smaller. Winds interested in orchestra would be an after school club rather than a class. The upside is that one would be more of a big fish in a small pond, offering more chances for solo performance. That said, the performances by the students that I saw at Ballard were top notch.<br /><br />3-Ballard film program. My kid is not interested in this but, boy, anybody who is should check it out. The students win awards every year and many go on to the NY film academy and CalArts. It is the existence of these types of diamonds (the result of dynamic individual teachers) that make me question the wisdom of the SPS's desire to normalize education across all schools.<br /><br />4-APP integration GHS. Garfield is totally on top of this and (as you might expect) very experienced in tracking the APP students into the right classes. Didn't see any red flags.<br /><br />5-APP integration Ballard. Individual teachers we spoke to were very much NOT experienced in tracking APP students. Some seemed confused as to whether math readiness tracks with science readiness (which is does in the APP students). This was concerning to us but then we talked with the Ballard counselor and she was very on top of this. She seemed very cognizant of which classes the APP students should take and is on the front line of setting up their schedules. I think this is why the individual teachers are not as well informed - the office takes care of the tracking and the numbers of APP students are fewer.<br /><br />So the bottom line - we couldn't decide!! Lucky we have a year to think about it!!<br /><br />Probably we will have a great experience at the Ingraham IBX night as well and be even more confused.<br /><br />I think a lot of people who complain about SPS education and terrible teachers should visit these tours. Unbelievable energy on the part of students and teachers. This decision will be tough and I will appreciate any more parent input.<br /><br />-head spinningAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-89239585777016541862014-02-11T16:48:14.950-08:002014-02-11T16:48:14.950-08:00I would love to hear from current Ingraham IBx/IB ...I would love to hear from current Ingraham IBx/IB parents: What is your kids overall experience at Ingraham like? We toured Garfield this morning, and my son was drawn in by the Garfield student spirit, the music program, and the numerous extracurricular possibilities. How do your children experience Ingraham IB/IBx outside of academics? Thanks for any insight.<br /><br />Ballard momAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-38372735960783402452014-02-09T17:27:45.925-08:002014-02-09T17:27:45.925-08:00HIMS Family,
Thank you for the description. I jus...HIMS Family,<br /><br />Thank you for the description. I just got a bit confused. After talking to the coordinator at Ingraham, IBx invloves only three APP only classes at the 9th grade level, and of this year's 9th graders, about 60% are former HIMS 8th graders. All other classes throughout the years are taken with other non-IBx students, so in his words "IBx is different, only in terms of sequenece." In terms of electives, students have room for at least one spot all four years, and apparently, many take two sciences at once. I was concerned as well about the rigidity, but was eased when I learned, that the high school sequence at any SPS school requires the same LA and SS classes assuming you want to do Honors/AP/IB. After talking to Garfield, I got a mixed message in terms of the avalibility of project-based year long AP Gov for Juniors, saying that Seniors get first priority. At Ingraham, all students who are taking IB get access to all the courses they need. Ingraham seems to be willing to work with students who might decide IBx is not the right choice and don't have to pursue the full diploma (I guess several students have done this already), and it seems like they put a lot of effort on not tracking the students as a cohort, and intergrating with the rest of student body. However, Garfield is an amazing school with many special courses you can't find anywhere else. We just like the idea, after the HIMS whirlpool, to have our child take classes that have a constructed curriculum that is easily accessible. Throw in the Yellow Bus transportation, and it drives a hard bargain...<br /><br />Another HIMS FamilyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-48307959898846592152014-02-09T12:54:20.374-08:002014-02-09T12:54:20.374-08:00Each school has its pluses and minuses. One school...Each school has its pluses and minuses. One school might be strong for particular classes, but not for others. <br /><br />One benefit to the IB program is that teachers get additional training and some work is graded through the IB program, so there is a level of quality control and outside feedback that you don't get outside of IB. <br /><br />Just because the program has been at Garfield for some 30 years does not mean that no uncertainties exist. There have been scheduling and teacher issues. I suppose Hamilton has prepared students for that...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-7742838878643903642014-02-09T10:29:07.432-08:002014-02-09T10:29:07.432-08:009:29am...You hit the nail on the head for our fami...9:29am...You hit the nail on the head for our family too. We have all of those same concerns about IBX. Since Garfield has had APP students there for 30+ years, you know that students will get a solid 4-year education, in a college-prep environment, with a wide variety of non-tracked class choices, and excellent music opportunities. All of the uncertainties and heavy out-of-school requirements for IBX have helped us to decide that Garfield is the best choice for our child. We were hoping that IBX would have looked like a more attractive option. I'm sure it's a very good, solid program but we're not willing to take the chance on the uncertainties and we want our child to be able to have time to explore new extracurricular clubs, sports, or whatever. But I'm glad that their are choices so people can find the school that is the best fit for their child. <br /><br />NorthenderAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-67983850885720038392014-02-09T09:29:35.780-08:002014-02-09T09:29:35.780-08:00With an AP pathway, it's on a course-by-course...With an AP pathway, it's on a course-by-course basis, so you can take AP courses of your choosing (schedule permitting). You can also get credit for high scores on AP exams while not having to take all the AP classes offered. <br /><br />With IBx, it seems there are fewer options and it's an all or nothing option - you need to go for the full diploma, or? You are committing to a pretty defined class sequence, with many out of school class requirements (Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, volunteer hours). Do students even have time for extracurriculars? <br /><br />I'd be interested in hearing how work loads compare. I don't want my child to be unable to participate in sports or other school activities. And, what's up with that senior year?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-89532773762707683832014-02-09T01:24:56.008-08:002014-02-09T01:24:56.008-08:00To clarify my description of a "tracked"...To clarify my description of a "tracked" program - perhaps that's not the correct term. What I'm referring to is that the only kids entering IBx program/classes are current APP kids (or those who test in this year) - yes? My kid is looking to branch out from all the Lowell/HIMS APP kids she has been with since 2nd gr., and as GHS parent points out, even the AP/Honors classes at Garfield have a variety of kids and grades attending. ALso what I meant is that IBx requires students to follow a rather rigid sequence. GHS, or perhaps Ballard, would provide the chance to experience different areas of focus, such as more science or even Theater, Art, or other electives. And the student can manage their workload by increasing or decreasing the # of AP classes per semester, which really is not an option with IBx. At least that's my understanding. HIMS parentnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-75154478408456875732014-02-08T22:48:16.363-08:002014-02-08T22:48:16.363-08:00Did not mean not "tracked" - meant to sa...Did not mean not "tracked" - meant to say no "APP-only" classes. <br /><br />Of course, there are tracked classes as you have to follow a given sequence to proceed to the next class. However, no one is refused a class for which they qualify.<br /><br />-GHS ParentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-12548573889159033402014-02-08T22:45:46.236-08:002014-02-08T22:45:46.236-08:00Garfield isn't tracked at all, as all classes ...Garfield isn't tracked at all, as all classes are open to anyone who has the prerequisites. <br /><br />The classes that they take "early" (AP World, Marine Biology, AP US, Precalc etc.) include upperclassmen that are at the same point in the sequence.<br /><br />Last year there were several private school students that started the math sequence with the APP 9th graders because they had taken Algebra and Geometry in middle-school.<br /><br />There are no APP-only classes at Garfield.<br /><br />-GHS ParentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-73525899135856476792014-02-08T20:43:40.904-08:002014-02-08T20:43:40.904-08:00HIMS parent,
Correct me if I am wrong, but IBx do...HIMS parent,<br /><br />Correct me if I am wrong, but IBx doesn't seem any more tracked than Garfield. LA and SS offerings are designated for all APP students at Garfield or Ingraham, and to take advanced courses in those areas at Ballard or Roosevelt, you follow the same pathway with everyone else. I think that only in 9th grade do our APP students take three classes together. Science has similar elective choices at all schools,and math is pretty similar everywhere. As we are also making a decision along the lines of yours, I am curious to the reasoning behind your daughter's description of a tracked program. <br /><br />Another HIMS FamilyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-52252633574603883772014-02-08T19:43:34.326-08:002014-02-08T19:43:34.326-08:00The way Roosevelt's LA was explained, all stud...The way Roosevelt's LA was explained, all students take the same LA class freshman year and "bring honor" to the class by doing additional reading and classwork. It sounded okay until they mentioned students need to meet at a time outside of the school day to fulfill that requirement. To my daughter, it sounded like punishment for wanting to do honors work, but I'd be interested in hearing from parents that might have children there. My daughter put Roosevelt at the bottom of her list after that. There are also some required AP courses - AP Human Geography and AP Literature and Comp.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-59490772625846388322014-02-08T18:29:01.426-08:002014-02-08T18:29:01.426-08:00On a similar subject to Paige above who asks about...On a similar subject to Paige above who asks about Roosevelt for a current HIMS APP student, we attended the Ballard HS Open House (our reference school) and were very impressed with the Academy-style learning, specifically the BioTech Academy and the Marine Science Academy. The BioTech progression offers Genetics and other specialized science classes, as well as linking LA/SS to these classes, so the kids form a cohort and end up having a more integrated curriculum. My kid is not interested in IBx because she does not want to be in a "tracked" program, and wants something more flexible than IBx. So we are choosing between Garfield and Ballard. Appreciate any general thoughts or feedback on APP middle-school kids transitioning to HS other than Garfield or IHS. Also if you have any experience with Ballard HS in particular, would love to hear about it. Thanks!HIMS parentnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-84319976989991211212014-02-08T12:15:26.059-08:002014-02-08T12:15:26.059-08:00Hello -
I'm wondering if any parents that att...Hello -<br /><br />I'm wondering if any parents that attended the Roosevelt Open House on January 30th could share their impressions of how Roosevelt would work for APP students. <br /><br />My daughter is an 8th grade APP student at Hamilton. We are leaning towards Ingraham IBX but want to consider Roosevelt as well (since we live nearby). Unfortunately I had the dates mixed up and missed the open house.<br /><br />I know that Roosevelt has lots of AP classes for the last 2 years, but I'm a bit concerned about the 1st 2 years. I've been told that all incoming freshmen take the same language arts class, and can choose to "make it" honors by agreeing to do extra work (probably not the best fit for my daughter, unfortunately).<br /><br />Thanks for any feedback!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01091262499172297108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-35270272069232868312014-02-05T07:18:15.752-08:002014-02-05T07:18:15.752-08:00Hello
Ingraham is having an Open House, tonight (...Hello<br /><br />Ingraham is having an Open House, tonight (02/05) at 7:00 PM. We will be having an APP/IBx Open House next Thursday at 7:00 PM. I look forward to meeting many of you either tonight or next Thursday.Michael Ricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18231362823419529183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-45222878244985833652014-02-04T17:29:08.151-08:002014-02-04T17:29:08.151-08:00HIMS Parent,
Yes, I was told it's next Thursd...HIMS Parent,<br /><br />Yes, I was told it's next Thursday in the Library and does not require a reservation. The office recommended coming to the general open house tomorrow as well, to learn about the non-academic things as well. I guess the shadow list has been full for three months. Kind of dissapointing, but Garfield doesn't offer shadows, so it's okay.<br /><br />Hamilton FamilyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-21674918483228102402014-02-04T14:42:14.132-08:002014-02-04T14:42:14.132-08:00Meet with department heads to learn about programs...<br />Meet with department heads to learn about programs--in the Commons.<br /><br />Prospective Student Night<br /><br />6:00-8:00 Student Store Open<br /><br />6:00-6:15 Commons Coffee and Cookies; Jazz Band<br /><br />6:15-6:45 Commons Greetings and Introductions<br /><br />Principal Welcome<br /><br />Introduction of Department Heads<br /><br />PTSA President Welcome<br /><br />Jazz Choir Performance<br /><br />Counselors/College Network<br /><br />ASG President Welcome<br /><br />Q&A<br /><br />6:45-8:00 Parents/students on their own schedules; ASB officers available for guided tours<br />Commons<br />PTSA<br />Counseling<br />College Network<br />ASB/Activities<br />Athletics<br />Teen Health Center/Garfield Nurse<br />POST Outdoor Education<br />Messenger<br />Classroom Visits<br />Science<br />Math<br />Language Arts<br />Social Studies<br />World Languages<br />Music<br />7:30-8:15 – All Music Meeting<br />Fine Arts<br />Drama<br /><br />Northender<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-68644789135997609272014-02-04T12:22:03.465-08:002014-02-04T12:22:03.465-08:00Tonight is an information night for prospective st...Tonight is an information night for prospective students at Garfield. Would this essentially be the same info as presented on the daytime tours? Or would it provide additional information, does anyone have insight into this? Thank You.<br />-WMS momAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-30915804733549446432014-02-04T08:37:04.335-08:002014-02-04T08:37:04.335-08:00Hi Ham,
But it is still possible to visit IBX inf...Hi Ham,<br /><br />But it is still possible to visit IBX information night (Thurs) right? That is not the same thing as a shadow visit. <br /><br />HIMS parentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-70685010723228392962014-02-03T18:59:36.486-08:002014-02-03T18:59:36.486-08:00I just called Ingraham to try to get a shadow visi...I just called Ingraham to try to get a shadow visit for my son and were told, in the nicest way possible, that there is a huge waiting list and the shadow visits are full. The cat is certainly out of the bag for IBX..<br /><br />Hamilton FamilyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-74349680178368574432014-02-02T08:39:59.585-08:002014-02-02T08:39:59.585-08:00We are going to go to the tours in 7th grade - thi...We are going to go to the tours in 7th grade - this will give us a year to ponder the options and allow my daughter to think about the options in an informed manner. Hope to see more 7th grade families at the tours so we don't feel….foolish!!<br /><br />The only thing I worry about is that the district changes their rules so fast, so arbitrarily and with so little advanced warning sometimes I wonder if planning a year ahead is even worth it. <br /><br />Regardless, we are planning to do the Garfield tour, Ingraham IBX night and also our neighborhood school in 7th grade (this year).<br /><br />-HIMS parentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-47948380449438117002014-02-01T15:37:09.259-08:002014-02-01T15:37:09.259-08:00Shannon, I agree that its helpful to attend tour/o...Shannon, I agree that its helpful to attend tour/open house of schools yr family is interested in, in 7th gr. Because for one thing, the # of tour/shadowing/HS info nt options seems to decrease since last yr so you cant count on what will be next yr. If you have the time, it will be a low-pressure way to start to get a feel for the place; if you can take yr son, it might be helpful to have him also relate better to the options as Fall-Winter will roll around before you know it. My daughter felt much more prepared to review and decide on the options this year, given that we did take a tour of GHS and IHS last year.<br />-momAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com