Equity = getting rid of advanced math classes

So how did Fox noise lie in this case? But we're always interested in how the old hater dupe ignoramuses all of a sudden car echo.e about geometry and algebra which are probably useless these days.... Is there anything you don't hate about what the intelligent the educated and the non-brainwashed believe? Read something not printed by Rupert Murdoch. He owns The Wall Street journal the New York Post the Sunday times. You know what they always go to on Fox noise..... You rubes are pathetic.....
 
In the name of what progressives refer to as “equity,” Virginia is planning to eliminate all accelerated math courses before 11th grade.

On a personal level, as a person who always took the highest level math classes that were available during my entire schooling, and who always scored in the 99th percentile on standardized math tests, I think this is a horrible idea.

On a practical level, as a person who wants bridges that don’t fall down, I think this is a horrible idea.

And on an intellectual level, as a person who knows that Kurt Vonnegut’s “Harrison Bergeron” was written as a warning, and not an instruction manual, I think this is a horrible idea.

“Harrison Bergeron” was a fictional story that takes place in the future, where the government tries to make everyone equal. So the best ballet dancers were forced to wear weights on their arms and legs so they couldn’t dance better than anyone else. The best looking people were forced to wear masks on their faces. And the smartest people (like those who were the best at math) were forced to wear a noisemaking device inside their ears so they couldn’t concentrate on anything for more than 20 seconds at a time.


Virginia moving to eliminate all accelerated math courses before 11th grade as part of equity-focused plan

April 22, 2021

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is moving to eliminate all accelerated math options prior to 11th grade, effectively keeping higher-achieving students from advancing as they usually would in the school system.

Loudoun County school board member Ian Serotkin posted about the change via Facebook on Tuesday. According to Serotkin, he learned of the change the night prior during a briefing from staff on the Virginia Mathematics Pathway Initiative (VMPI).

"[A]s currently planned, this initiative will eliminate ALL math acceleration prior to 11th grade," he said. "That is not an exaggeration, nor does there appear to be any discretion in how local districts implement this. All 6th graders will take Foundational Concepts 6. All 7th graders will take Foundational Concepts 7. All 10th graders will take Essential Concepts 10. Only in 11th and 12th grade is there any opportunity for choice in higher math courses."

His post included a chart with what appeared to be set math courses for 2022-2030.

VDOE spokesperson Charles Pyle indicated to Fox News that the courses would allow for at least some variation depending on students' skill level. "Differentiated instruction means providing instruction that is catered to the learning needs of each child (appropriate levels of challenge and academic rigor)," Pyle said.

On VDOE's website, the state features an infographic that indicates VMPI would require "concepts" courses for each grade level. It states various goals like "mprove equity in mathematics learning opportunities," "[e]mpower students to be active participants in a quantitative world," and "dentify K-12 mathematics pathways that support future success."

During a webinar posted on YouTube in December, a member of the "essential concepts" committee claimed that the new framework would exclude traditional classes like Algebra 1 and Geometry.

Committee member Ian Shenk, who focused on grades 8-10, said: "Let me be totally clear, we are talking about taking Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 – those three courses that we've known and loved ... and removing them from our high school mathematics program, replacing them with essential concepts for grade eight, nine, and 10."

He added that the concepts courses wouldn't eliminate algebraic ideas but rather interweave multiple strands of mathematics throughout the courses. Those included data analysis, mathematical modeling, functions and algebra, spatial reasoning and probability.

The changes were just the latest of many to prompt concern from parents in the state, which has seen in-fighting over controversial ideas surrounding equity and race.

A Loudoun parent who spoke on the condition of anonymity worried that the changes would "lower standards for all students in the name of equity."

"These changes will have a profound impact on students who excel in STEM related curriculum, weakening our country's ability to compete in a global marketplace for years to come," the parent told Fox News on Thursday.

Ian Prior, a Loudoun parent and former Trump administration official, similarly panned the move as a way to "stifle advancement for gifted students and set them back as they prepare for advanced mathematics in college. This is critical race theory in action and parents should be outraged."

Pyle didn't provide an immediate answer to concerns that the new model would hold kids back. It's unclear how exactly the differentiation would occur. When asked for more details, Pyle said, "Differentiated instruction is designed to provide the appropriate levels of challenge and academic rigor for each student."

The changes come as the state also considered eliminating advanced high school diplomas in an attempt to improve equity.

In a lengthy statement to Fox News, Pyle touted the changes as an avenue to "deeper learning."

"For many years, parents and the system have valued and rewarded speed via acceleration and 'covering content' rather than depth of understanding. The Virginia Mathematics Pathway Initiative shifts to a focus on and value for deeper learning through differentiated instruction on grade level that will promote student development of critical thinking, authentic application and problem solving skills," Pyle said.

Pyle added that VMPI "aims to support increased differentiated learning opportunities within a heterogeneous learning environment, that will promote greater access to advanced mathematical learning for all students before high school graduation.

"Shifting to deeper learning through differentiated instruction, implementation of VMPI will promote student development of critical thinking, authentic application and problem solving skills.

"Offering an inclusive learning environment that engages and challenges students of varied levels of understanding and different interests will be a focus of the common mathematics pathways proposed in grades K-10 ... These pathways seek to restructure mathematics education by focusing instruction on reasoning, real world problem solving, communication and connections while shifting away from an emphasis on computation and routine problem practice."

Later in the statement, he adds: "VMPI implementation teams continue to work on addressing these considerations while moving forward to improve equity in mathematics opportunities for all students. VMPI Community meetings being offered this spring are intended to provide initial information regarding the initiative, but also be a venue in which feedback can be collected."

It's unclear how these changes would affect each school district, but VDOE said it's currently gathering feedback regarding public concerns.

"The VMPI implementation team (VDOE, college and university staff, and school division staff) is currently working to seek feedback to help ensure local implementation practices address concerns like the shift from acceleration to deeper learning," said Pyle.

Keep in mind who runs Virginia:

ralph-northam-racist-yearbook-photo-kkk-blackface.jpg
 
Isn't this what Loudon County voted for when they elected their school board? I don't see the issue here. Aren't parents getting what they asked for?
 
In the name of what progressives refer to as “equity,” Virginia is planning to eliminate all accelerated math courses before 11th grade.

On a personal level, as a person who always took the highest level math classes that were available during my entire schooling, and who always scored in the 99th percentile on standardized math tests, I think this is a horrible idea.

On a practical level, as a person who wants bridges that don’t fall down, I think this is a horrible idea.

And on an intellectual level, as a person who knows that Kurt Vonnegut’s “Harrison Bergeron” was written as a warning, and not an instruction manual, I think this is a horrible idea.

“Harrison Bergeron” was a fictional story that takes place in the future, where the government tries to make everyone equal. So the best ballet dancers were forced to wear weights on their arms and legs so they couldn’t dance better than anyone else. The best looking people were forced to wear masks on their faces. And the smartest people (like those who were the best at math) were forced to wear a noisemaking device inside their ears so they couldn’t concentrate on anything for more than 20 seconds at a time.


Virginia moving to eliminate all accelerated math courses before 11th grade as part of equity-focused plan

April 22, 2021

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is moving to eliminate all accelerated math options prior to 11th grade, effectively keeping higher-achieving students from advancing as they usually would in the school system.

Loudoun County school board member Ian Serotkin posted about the change via Facebook on Tuesday. According to Serotkin, he learned of the change the night prior during a briefing from staff on the Virginia Mathematics Pathway Initiative (VMPI).

"[A]s currently planned, this initiative will eliminate ALL math acceleration prior to 11th grade," he said. "That is not an exaggeration, nor does there appear to be any discretion in how local districts implement this. All 6th graders will take Foundational Concepts 6. All 7th graders will take Foundational Concepts 7. All 10th graders will take Essential Concepts 10. Only in 11th and 12th grade is there any opportunity for choice in higher math courses."

His post included a chart with what appeared to be set math courses for 2022-2030.

VDOE spokesperson Charles Pyle indicated to Fox News that the courses would allow for at least some variation depending on students' skill level. "Differentiated instruction means providing instruction that is catered to the learning needs of each child (appropriate levels of challenge and academic rigor)," Pyle said.

On VDOE's website, the state features an infographic that indicates VMPI would require "concepts" courses for each grade level. It states various goals like "mprove equity in mathematics learning opportunities," "[e]mpower students to be active participants in a quantitative world," and "dentify K-12 mathematics pathways that support future success."

During a webinar posted on YouTube in December, a member of the "essential concepts" committee claimed that the new framework would exclude traditional classes like Algebra 1 and Geometry.

Committee member Ian Shenk, who focused on grades 8-10, said: "Let me be totally clear, we are talking about taking Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 – those three courses that we've known and loved ... and removing them from our high school mathematics program, replacing them with essential concepts for grade eight, nine, and 10."

He added that the concepts courses wouldn't eliminate algebraic ideas but rather interweave multiple strands of mathematics throughout the courses. Those included data analysis, mathematical modeling, functions and algebra, spatial reasoning and probability.

The changes were just the latest of many to prompt concern from parents in the state, which has seen in-fighting over controversial ideas surrounding equity and race.

A Loudoun parent who spoke on the condition of anonymity worried that the changes would "lower standards for all students in the name of equity."

"These changes will have a profound impact on students who excel in STEM related curriculum, weakening our country's ability to compete in a global marketplace for years to come," the parent told Fox News on Thursday.

Ian Prior, a Loudoun parent and former Trump administration official, similarly panned the move as a way to "stifle advancement for gifted students and set them back as they prepare for advanced mathematics in college. This is critical race theory in action and parents should be outraged."

Pyle didn't provide an immediate answer to concerns that the new model would hold kids back. It's unclear how exactly the differentiation would occur. When asked for more details, Pyle said, "Differentiated instruction is designed to provide the appropriate levels of challenge and academic rigor for each student."

The changes come as the state also considered eliminating advanced high school diplomas in an attempt to improve equity.

In a lengthy statement to Fox News, Pyle touted the changes as an avenue to "deeper learning."

"For many years, parents and the system have valued and rewarded speed via acceleration and 'covering content' rather than depth of understanding. The Virginia Mathematics Pathway Initiative shifts to a focus on and value for deeper learning through differentiated instruction on grade level that will promote student development of critical thinking, authentic application and problem solving skills," Pyle said.

Pyle added that VMPI "aims to support increased differentiated learning opportunities within a heterogeneous learning environment, that will promote greater access to advanced mathematical learning for all students before high school graduation.

"Shifting to deeper learning through differentiated instruction, implementation of VMPI will promote student development of critical thinking, authentic application and problem solving skills.

"Offering an inclusive learning environment that engages and challenges students of varied levels of understanding and different interests will be a focus of the common mathematics pathways proposed in grades K-10 ... These pathways seek to restructure mathematics education by focusing instruction on reasoning, real world problem solving, communication and connections while shifting away from an emphasis on computation and routine problem practice."

Later in the statement, he adds: "VMPI implementation teams continue to work on addressing these considerations while moving forward to improve equity in mathematics opportunities for all students. VMPI Community meetings being offered this spring are intended to provide initial information regarding the initiative, but also be a venue in which feedback can be collected."

It's unclear how these changes would affect each school district, but VDOE said it's currently gathering feedback regarding public concerns.

"The VMPI implementation team (VDOE, college and university staff, and school division staff) is currently working to seek feedback to help ensure local implementation practices address concerns like the shift from acceleration to deeper learning," said Pyle.

Keep in mind who runs Virginia:

ralph-northam-racist-yearbook-photo-kkk-blackface.jpg
> Keep in mind who runs Virginia:


Ralph, "Goose" "Coonman" Blackface" "Baby Killer" Shearer Northam..

PHOTO-Ralph-Northam-Nicknamed-Coonman-at-VMI.jpg
 
Last edited:
Isn't this what Loudon County voted for when they elected their school board? I don't see the issue here. Aren't parents getting what they asked for?
>Isn't this what Loudon County voted for when they elected their school board? I don't see the issue here. Aren't parents getting what they asked for?

It's a great question. Here's the answer...

Most parents don't have gifted children. For those that do, their children will now not be able to achieve their full potential. These parents with average-ish children can vote to discriminate against a smaller fraction of the student population that excels, and whose exceptionalism should be encouraged with the utmost enthusiasm. They are where the incredibly creative discoveries and advances for society come from.

We do all kinds of coddling for the <1% of the population that is transgender. The elite children should have educational possibilities that challenge them and actually educate them more than an average curriculum.

Programs for the struggling students will still be continued at taxpayer expense, with the intent to help these "marginalized" students reach their full potential, which is also a great thing.

Regards,
Jim
 
I am stupid -- especially at math & science.

So I really admire those who understand math & science.

Without them, we would not have all the things we enjoy today -- such as computers.

It's a real shame that we have to dumb down everything just to make certain folks (no need to be more specific) feel better about themselves!

Yes, other countries are laughing at us, as we go out of our way to accommodate the stupid (like me) instead of rewarding the intelligent (like many members here who are whizzes at math & science).
 
I am stupid -- especially at math & science.

So I really admire those who understand math & science.

Without them, we would not have all the things we enjoy today -- such as computers.

It's a real shame that we have to dumb down everything just to make certain folks (no need to be more specific) feel better about themselves!

Yes, other countries are laughing at us, as we go out of our way to accommodate the stupid (like me) instead of rewarding the intelligent (like many members here who are whizzes at math & science).
You don't seem so stupid to me; quite the contrary.
 
Well I guess there goes AP calculus in a person's senior year.
AP courses were a God send for us and my kids. AP credits chopped off a full year of college tuition.

Our public school and community college have a dual enrollment/concurrent enrollment system that allows students to earn many college credits while still in high school, starting in the 10th grade depending on the program. Some of the classes are taken at high school which allows them college credits and some are taken at the college allowing high school credits. I know of 1 person who graduated college with an associates before they graduated high school because of the difference in graduation schedules. That was a bit rare though. It is not hard to knock down a year of college while still in high school though if a student so desires. The program also extends to vocational training so people going that way can get a big head start of getting their vocational certificates.
 
In the name of what progressives refer to as “equity,” Virginia is planning to eliminate all accelerated math courses before 11th grade.

On a personal level, as a person who always took the highest level math classes that were available during my entire schooling, and who always scored in the 99th percentile on standardized math tests, I think this is a horrible idea.

On a practical level, as a person who wants bridges that don’t fall down, I think this is a horrible idea.

And on an intellectual level, as a person who knows that Kurt Vonnegut’s “Harrison Bergeron” was written as a warning, and not an instruction manual, I think this is a horrible idea.

“Harrison Bergeron” was a fictional story that takes place in the future, where the government tries to make everyone equal. So the best ballet dancers were forced to wear weights on their arms and legs so they couldn’t dance better than anyone else. The best looking people were forced to wear masks on their faces. And the smartest people (like those who were the best at math) were forced to wear a noisemaking device inside their ears so they couldn’t concentrate on anything for more than 20 seconds at a time.


Virginia moving to eliminate all accelerated math courses before 11th grade as part of equity-focused plan

April 22, 2021

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is moving to eliminate all accelerated math options prior to 11th grade, effectively keeping higher-achieving students from advancing as they usually would in the school system.

Loudoun County school board member Ian Serotkin posted about the change via Facebook on Tuesday. According to Serotkin, he learned of the change the night prior during a briefing from staff on the Virginia Mathematics Pathway Initiative (VMPI).

"[A]s currently planned, this initiative will eliminate ALL math acceleration prior to 11th grade," he said. "That is not an exaggeration, nor does there appear to be any discretion in how local districts implement this. All 6th graders will take Foundational Concepts 6. All 7th graders will take Foundational Concepts 7. All 10th graders will take Essential Concepts 10. Only in 11th and 12th grade is there any opportunity for choice in higher math courses."

Mod Edit: Do not post the entire article, only an excerpt, please.
We can’t allow super smart Asian and white kids to make everyone else feel less worthy
 
The unpleasant reality is that any benefit or advantage that derives from having a higher level of intelligence will necessarily exclude a disproportionate percentage of Hispanics (largely descended from indigenous people), and African Americans (largely descended from the people of sub-Saharan Africa).

Those folks will be represented in the group, but in lower percentages than for so-called, "white" and Asian people.

This is not a manifestation of cultural bias or any sort of prejudice on the part of the testers or any defect in the "test," but a combination of prevailing cultural and genetic factors, which are not amenable to change on any large scale.

The evidence for this is literally overwhelming. In every single life-aspect where quantitative testing of skills or knowledge prevails (law, medicine, accounting, engineering, etc.), the percentage of successful African Americans and "Hispanics" is dramatically lower than their proportion of the general public. (Predictably so, in fact).

But because this reality is repulsive to the political Left, where the Left holds sway (e.g., in Academe, the Arts, social services), the Left will take whatever measures it can to nullify the normal and natural products of higher intelligence.

This is why colleges are de-emphasizing the importance of SAT's and ACT exams, and why K-12 state schools are moving to de-emphasize every benefit or honor that is based on high intelligence or academic achievement. The honors of "Valedictorian," and such are watered down, so that POC's will have a chance to "win." Parents who hope to support their high-achieving offspring are driven more and more to non-public education, in order to avoid this academic rot.

It is also why, in popular fiction, POC's are almost always portrayed as ludicrously successful in the professions, contrary to the facts of the Real World.

Yet more proof that the Left is evil.
 
In the name of what progressives refer to as “equity,” Virginia is planning to eliminate all accelerated math courses before 11th grade.

On a personal level, as a person who always took the highest level math classes that were available during my entire schooling, and who always scored in the 99th percentile on standardized math tests, I think this is a horrible idea.

On a practical level, as a person who wants bridges that don’t fall down, I think this is a horrible idea.

And on an intellectual level, as a person who knows that Kurt Vonnegut’s “Harrison Bergeron” was written as a warning, and not an instruction manual, I think this is a horrible idea.

“Harrison Bergeron” was a fictional story that takes place in the future, where the government tries to make everyone equal. So the best ballet dancers were forced to wear weights on their arms and legs so they couldn’t dance better than anyone else. The best looking people were forced to wear masks on their faces. And the smartest people (like those who were the best at math) were forced to wear a noisemaking device inside their ears so they couldn’t concentrate on anything for more than 20 seconds at a time.


Virginia moving to eliminate all accelerated math courses before 11th grade as part of equity-focused plan

April 22, 2021

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is moving to eliminate all accelerated math options prior to 11th grade, effectively keeping higher-achieving students from advancing as they usually would in the school system.

Loudoun County school board member Ian Serotkin posted about the change via Facebook on Tuesday. According to Serotkin, he learned of the change the night prior during a briefing from staff on the Virginia Mathematics Pathway Initiative (VMPI).

"[A]s currently planned, this initiative will eliminate ALL math acceleration prior to 11th grade," he said. "That is not an exaggeration, nor does there appear to be any discretion in how local districts implement this. All 6th graders will take Foundational Concepts 6. All 7th graders will take Foundational Concepts 7. All 10th graders will take Essential Concepts 10. Only in 11th and 12th grade is there any opportunity for choice in higher math courses."

His post included a chart with what appeared to be set math courses for 2022-2030.

VDOE spokesperson Charles Pyle indicated to Fox News that the courses would allow for at least some variation depending on students' skill level. "Differentiated instruction means providing instruction that is catered to the learning needs of each child (appropriate levels of challenge and academic rigor)," Pyle said.

On VDOE's website, the state features an infographic that indicates VMPI would require "concepts" courses for each grade level. It states various goals like "mprove equity in mathematics learning opportunities," "[e]mpower students to be active participants in a quantitative world," and "dentify K-12 mathematics pathways that support future success."

During a webinar posted on YouTube in December, a member of the "essential concepts" committee claimed that the new framework would exclude traditional classes like Algebra 1 and Geometry.

Committee member Ian Shenk, who focused on grades 8-10, said: "Let me be totally clear, we are talking about taking Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 – those three courses that we've known and loved ... and removing them from our high school mathematics program, replacing them with essential concepts for grade eight, nine, and 10."

He added that the concepts courses wouldn't eliminate algebraic ideas but rather interweave multiple strands of mathematics throughout the courses. Those included data analysis, mathematical modeling, functions and algebra, spatial reasoning and probability.

The changes were just the latest of many to prompt concern from parents in the state, which has seen in-fighting over controversial ideas surrounding equity and race.

A Loudoun parent who spoke on the condition of anonymity worried that the changes would "lower standards for all students in the name of equity."

"These changes will have a profound impact on students who excel in STEM related curriculum, weakening our country's ability to compete in a global marketplace for years to come," the parent told Fox News on Thursday.

Ian Prior, a Loudoun parent and former Trump administration official, similarly panned the move as a way to "stifle advancement for gifted students and set them back as they prepare for advanced mathematics in college. This is critical race theory in action and parents should be outraged."

Pyle didn't provide an immediate answer to concerns that the new model would hold kids back. It's unclear how exactly the differentiation would occur. When asked for more details, Pyle said, "Differentiated instruction is designed to provide the appropriate levels of challenge and academic rigor for each student."

The changes come as the state also considered eliminating advanced high school diplomas in an attempt to improve equity.

In a lengthy statement to Fox News, Pyle touted the changes as an avenue to "deeper learning."

"For many years, parents and the system have valued and rewarded speed via acceleration and 'covering content' rather than depth of understanding. The Virginia Mathematics Pathway Initiative shifts to a focus on and value for deeper learning through differentiated instruction on grade level that will promote student development of critical thinking, authentic application and problem solving skills," Pyle said.

Pyle added that VMPI "aims to support increased differentiated learning opportunities within a heterogeneous learning environment, that will promote greater access to advanced mathematical learning for all students before high school graduation.

"Shifting to deeper learning through differentiated instruction, implementation of VMPI will promote student development of critical thinking, authentic application and problem solving skills.

"Offering an inclusive learning environment that engages and challenges students of varied levels of understanding and different interests will be a focus of the common mathematics pathways proposed in grades K-10 ... These pathways seek to restructure mathematics education by focusing instruction on reasoning, real world problem solving, communication and connections while shifting away from an emphasis on computation and routine problem practice."

Later in the statement, he adds: "VMPI implementation teams continue to work on addressing these considerations while moving forward to improve equity in mathematics opportunities for all students. VMPI Community meetings being offered this spring are intended to provide initial information regarding the initiative, but also be a venue in which feedback can be collected."

It's unclear how these changes would affect each school district, but VDOE said it's currently gathering feedback regarding public concerns.

"The VMPI implementation team (VDOE, college and university staff, and school division staff) is currently working to seek feedback to help ensure local implementation practices address concerns like the shift from acceleration to deeper learning," said Pyle.
Few will read your full post. Of those that do, few will realize the incredible importance of it for both future US economic competitiveness and allowing gifted youth to reach their full potential.

Like you, I got a "5" on the AP Calculus test in high school. It helped me skip three expensive courses in college which I did not need, and enter the professional workforce a semester earlier than otherwise.

When we lower standards, we will naturally get a decrease in performance. The converse is also true.

PS: Back in 2019, The College Board which administers the SAT test added secret scoring to the SAT that is a function of the test taker's "social-economic adversity." I.e, the person't genetics and address.


The US has gone nuts, and China is rejoicing as we divide ourselves, put ourselves out of work, put ourselves at a competitive disadvantage due to climate issues, defund and demonize our law enforcement, decriminalize everything, lower standards of performance, and change from educating our youth to indoctrinating them.

Regards,
Jim
Because High IQs Create All the Ruling Class's Wealth, the Plutocrats Intentionally Make It So That Smartkids Will Be Treated Like Freaks and Losers

Superior students must be treated the same way that superior athletes are now. Yes, that includes the same admiration by the other students and the privilege of dating the prettiest girls. Analyze how this can be done. Divide the classes into teams and quiz frequently. The highest-scoring team will get Friday off; the lowest has to come in on Saturday. So the smartest kid on the team will receive the same peer-group admiration as some jock who hits the game-winning homer or makes the game-saving catch.
 
I am stupid -- especially at math & science.

So I really admire those who understand math & science.

Without them, we would not have all the things we enjoy today -- such as computers.

It's a real shame that we have to dumb down everything just to make certain folks (no need to be more specific) feel better about themselves!

Yes, other countries are laughing at us, as we go out of our way to accommodate the stupid (like me) instead of rewarding the intelligent (like many members here who are whizzes at math & science).
Make the Rulers Pay for Not Paying Students; Talk About Tuition Shows How Slavish We Are to the Economic Bullies' Status Quo

Any country that pays students for their grades will dominate the world economy. College is work without pay. Since no one objects to that insult to intelligence, we're getting the slide into economic inferiority that we deserve.

IGNORANCE: "If you're so smart, why aren't you rich?"
ESCAPIST PSEUDO-REALISM: "if you're so smart, why haven't you made the rich richer?"
MANLY REVENGE: "If you're so smart, why haven't you made the rich poorer?"
 
In the name of what progressives refer to as “equity,” Virginia is planning to eliminate all accelerated math courses before 11th grade.

On a personal level, as a person who always took the highest level math classes that were available during my entire schooling, and who always scored in the 99th percentile on standardized math tests, I think this is a horrible idea.

On a practical level, as a person who wants bridges that don’t fall down, I think this is a horrible idea.

And on an intellectual level, as a person who knows that Kurt Vonnegut’s “Harrison Bergeron” was written as a warning, and not an instruction manual, I think this is a horrible idea.

“Harrison Bergeron” was a fictional story that takes place in the future, where the government tries to make everyone equal. So the best ballet dancers were forced to wear weights on their arms and legs so they couldn’t dance better than anyone else. The best looking people were forced to wear masks on their faces. And the smartest people (like those who were the best at math) were forced to wear a noisemaking device inside their ears so they couldn’t concentrate on anything for more than 20 seconds at a time.


Virginia moving to eliminate all accelerated math courses before 11th grade as part of equity-focused plan

April 22, 2021

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is moving to eliminate all accelerated math options prior to 11th grade, effectively keeping higher-achieving students from advancing as they usually would in the school system.

Loudoun County school board member Ian Serotkin posted about the change via Facebook on Tuesday. According to Serotkin, he learned of the change the night prior during a briefing from staff on the Virginia Mathematics Pathway Initiative (VMPI).

"[A]s currently planned, this initiative will eliminate ALL math acceleration prior to 11th grade," he said. "That is not an exaggeration, nor does there appear to be any discretion in how local districts implement this. All 6th graders will take Foundational Concepts 6. All 7th graders will take Foundational Concepts 7. All 10th graders will take Essential Concepts 10. Only in 11th and 12th grade is there any opportunity for choice in higher math courses."

His post included a chart with what appeared to be set math courses for 2022-2030.

VDOE spokesperson Charles Pyle indicated to Fox News that the courses would allow for at least some variation depending on students' skill level. "Differentiated instruction means providing instruction that is catered to the learning needs of each child (appropriate levels of challenge and academic rigor)," Pyle said.

On VDOE's website, the state features an infographic that indicates VMPI would require "concepts" courses for each grade level. It states various goals like "mprove equity in mathematics learning opportunities," "[e]mpower students to be active participants in a quantitative world," and "dentify K-12 mathematics pathways that support future success."

During a webinar posted on YouTube in December, a member of the "essential concepts" committee claimed that the new framework would exclude traditional classes like Algebra 1 and Geometry.

Committee member Ian Shenk, who focused on grades 8-10, said: "Let me be totally clear, we are talking about taking Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 – those three courses that we've known and loved ... and removing them from our high school mathematics program, replacing them with essential concepts for grade eight, nine, and 10."

He added that the concepts courses wouldn't eliminate algebraic ideas but rather interweave multiple strands of mathematics throughout the courses. Those included data analysis, mathematical modeling, functions and algebra, spatial reasoning and probability.

The changes were just the latest of many to prompt concern from parents in the state, which has seen in-fighting over controversial ideas surrounding equity and race.

A Loudoun parent who spoke on the condition of anonymity worried that the changes would "lower standards for all students in the name of equity."

"These changes will have a profound impact on students who excel in STEM related curriculum, weakening our country's ability to compete in a global marketplace for years to come," the parent told Fox News on Thursday.

Ian Prior, a Loudoun parent and former Trump administration official, similarly panned the move as a way to "stifle advancement for gifted students and set them back as they prepare for advanced mathematics in college. This is critical race theory in action and parents should be outraged."

Pyle didn't provide an immediate answer to concerns that the new model would hold kids back. It's unclear how exactly the differentiation would occur. When asked for more details, Pyle said, "Differentiated instruction is designed to provide the appropriate levels of challenge and academic rigor for each student."

The changes come as the state also considered eliminating advanced high school diplomas in an attempt to improve equity.

In a lengthy statement to Fox News, Pyle touted the changes as an avenue to "deeper learning."

"For many years, parents and the system have valued and rewarded speed via acceleration and 'covering content' rather than depth of understanding. The Virginia Mathematics Pathway Initiative shifts to a focus on and value for deeper learning through differentiated instruction on grade level that will promote student development of critical thinking, authentic application and problem solving skills," Pyle said.

Pyle added that VMPI "aims to support increased differentiated learning opportunities within a heterogeneous learning environment, that will promote greater access to advanced mathematical learning for all students before high school graduation.

"Shifting to deeper learning through differentiated instruction, implementation of VMPI will promote student development of critical thinking, authentic application and problem solving skills.

"Offering an inclusive learning environment that engages and challenges students of varied levels of understanding and different interests will be a focus of the common mathematics pathways proposed in grades K-10 ... These pathways seek to restructure mathematics education by focusing instruction on reasoning, real world problem solving, communication and connections while shifting away from an emphasis on computation and routine problem practice."

Later in the statement, he adds: "VMPI implementation teams continue to work on addressing these considerations while moving forward to improve equity in mathematics opportunities for all students. VMPI Community meetings being offered this spring are intended to provide initial information regarding the initiative, but also be a venue in which feedback can be collected."

It's unclear how these changes would affect each school district, but VDOE said it's currently gathering feedback regarding public concerns.

"The VMPI implementation team (VDOE, college and university staff, and school division staff) is currently working to seek feedback to help ensure local implementation practices address concerns like the shift from acceleration to deeper learning," said Pyle.
Few will read your full post. Of those that do, few will realize the incredible importance of it for both future US economic competitiveness and allowing gifted youth to reach their full potential.

Like you, I got a "5" on the AP Calculus test in high school. It helped me skip three expensive courses in college which I did not need, and enter the professional workforce a semester earlier than otherwise.

When we lower standards, we will naturally get a decrease in performance. The converse is also true.

PS: Back in 2019, The College Board which administers the SAT test added secret scoring to the SAT that is a function of the test taker's "social-economic adversity." I.e, the person't genetics and address.


The US has gone nuts, and China is rejoicing as we divide ourselves, put ourselves out of work, put ourselves at a competitive disadvantage due to climate issues, defund and demonize our law enforcement, decriminalize everything, lower standards of performance, and change from educating our youth to indoctrinating them.

Regards,
Jim
Because High IQs Create All the Ruling Class's Wealth, the Plutocrats Intentionally Make It So That Smartkids Will Be Treated Like Freaks and Losers

Superior students must be treated the same way that superior athletes are now. Yes, that includes the same admiration by the other students and the privilege of dating the prettiest girls. Analyze how this can be done. Divide the classes into teams and quiz frequently. The highest-scoring team will get Friday off; the lowest has to come in on Saturday. So the smartest kid on the team will receive the same peer-group admiration as some jock who hits the game-winning homer or makes the game-saving catch.
This was a stupid idea the first 8000 times you posted it, and it still is. Not going to happen.
 
In the name of what progressives refer to as “equity,” Virginia is planning to eliminate all accelerated math courses before 11th grade.

On a personal level, as a person who always took the highest level math classes that were available during my entire schooling, and who always scored in the 99th percentile on standardized math tests, I think this is a horrible idea.

On a practical level, as a person who wants bridges that don’t fall down, I think this is a horrible idea.

And on an intellectual level, as a person who knows that Kurt Vonnegut’s “Harrison Bergeron” was written as a warning, and not an instruction manual, I think this is a horrible idea.

“Harrison Bergeron” was a fictional story that takes place in the future, where the government tries to make everyone equal. So the best ballet dancers were forced to wear weights on their arms and legs so they couldn’t dance better than anyone else. The best looking people were forced to wear masks on their faces. And the smartest people (like those who were the best at math) were forced to wear a noisemaking device inside their ears so they couldn’t concentrate on anything for more than 20 seconds at a time.


Virginia moving to eliminate all accelerated math courses before 11th grade as part of equity-focused plan

April 22, 2021

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is moving to eliminate all accelerated math options prior to 11th grade, effectively keeping higher-achieving students from advancing as they usually would in the school system.

Loudoun County school board member Ian Serotkin posted about the change via Facebook on Tuesday. According to Serotkin, he learned of the change the night prior during a briefing from staff on the Virginia Mathematics Pathway Initiative (VMPI).

"[A]s currently planned, this initiative will eliminate ALL math acceleration prior to 11th grade," he said. "That is not an exaggeration, nor does there appear to be any discretion in how local districts implement this. All 6th graders will take Foundational Concepts 6. All 7th graders will take Foundational Concepts 7. All 10th graders will take Essential Concepts 10. Only in 11th and 12th grade is there any opportunity for choice in higher math courses."

His post included a chart with what appeared to be set math courses for 2022-2030.

VDOE spokesperson Charles Pyle indicated to Fox News that the courses would allow for at least some variation depending on students' skill level. "Differentiated instruction means providing instruction that is catered to the learning needs of each child (appropriate levels of challenge and academic rigor)," Pyle said.

On VDOE's website, the state features an infographic that indicates VMPI would require "concepts" courses for each grade level. It states various goals like "mprove equity in mathematics learning opportunities," "[e]mpower students to be active participants in a quantitative world," and "dentify K-12 mathematics pathways that support future success."

During a webinar posted on YouTube in December, a member of the "essential concepts" committee claimed that the new framework would exclude traditional classes like Algebra 1 and Geometry.

Committee member Ian Shenk, who focused on grades 8-10, said: "Let me be totally clear, we are talking about taking Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 – those three courses that we've known and loved ... and removing them from our high school mathematics program, replacing them with essential concepts for grade eight, nine, and 10."

He added that the concepts courses wouldn't eliminate algebraic ideas but rather interweave multiple strands of mathematics throughout the courses. Those included data analysis, mathematical modeling, functions and algebra, spatial reasoning and probability.

The changes were just the latest of many to prompt concern from parents in the state, which has seen in-fighting over controversial ideas surrounding equity and race.

A Loudoun parent who spoke on the condition of anonymity worried that the changes would "lower standards for all students in the name of equity."

"These changes will have a profound impact on students who excel in STEM related curriculum, weakening our country's ability to compete in a global marketplace for years to come," the parent told Fox News on Thursday.

Ian Prior, a Loudoun parent and former Trump administration official, similarly panned the move as a way to "stifle advancement for gifted students and set them back as they prepare for advanced mathematics in college. This is critical race theory in action and parents should be outraged."

Pyle didn't provide an immediate answer to concerns that the new model would hold kids back. It's unclear how exactly the differentiation would occur. When asked for more details, Pyle said, "Differentiated instruction is designed to provide the appropriate levels of challenge and academic rigor for each student."

The changes come as the state also considered eliminating advanced high school diplomas in an attempt to improve equity.

In a lengthy statement to Fox News, Pyle touted the changes as an avenue to "deeper learning."

"For many years, parents and the system have valued and rewarded speed via acceleration and 'covering content' rather than depth of understanding. The Virginia Mathematics Pathway Initiative shifts to a focus on and value for deeper learning through differentiated instruction on grade level that will promote student development of critical thinking, authentic application and problem solving skills," Pyle said.

Pyle added that VMPI "aims to support increased differentiated learning opportunities within a heterogeneous learning environment, that will promote greater access to advanced mathematical learning for all students before high school graduation.

"Shifting to deeper learning through differentiated instruction, implementation of VMPI will promote student development of critical thinking, authentic application and problem solving skills.

"Offering an inclusive learning environment that engages and challenges students of varied levels of understanding and different interests will be a focus of the common mathematics pathways proposed in grades K-10 ... These pathways seek to restructure mathematics education by focusing instruction on reasoning, real world problem solving, communication and connections while shifting away from an emphasis on computation and routine problem practice."

Later in the statement, he adds: "VMPI implementation teams continue to work on addressing these considerations while moving forward to improve equity in mathematics opportunities for all students. VMPI Community meetings being offered this spring are intended to provide initial information regarding the initiative, but also be a venue in which feedback can be collected."

It's unclear how these changes would affect each school district, but VDOE said it's currently gathering feedback regarding public concerns.

"The VMPI implementation team (VDOE, college and university staff, and school division staff) is currently working to seek feedback to help ensure local implementation practices address concerns like the shift from acceleration to deeper learning," said Pyle.
Few will read your full post. Of those that do, few will realize the incredible importance of it for both future US economic competitiveness and allowing gifted youth to reach their full potential.

Like you, I got a "5" on the AP Calculus test in high school. It helped me skip three expensive courses in college which I did not need, and enter the professional workforce a semester earlier than otherwise.

When we lower standards, we will naturally get a decrease in performance. The converse is also true.

PS: Back in 2019, The College Board which administers the SAT test added secret scoring to the SAT that is a function of the test taker's "social-economic adversity." I.e, the person't genetics and address.


The US has gone nuts, and China is rejoicing as we divide ourselves, put ourselves out of work, put ourselves at a competitive disadvantage due to climate issues, defund and demonize our law enforcement, decriminalize everything, lower standards of performance, and change from educating our youth to indoctrinating them.

Regards,
Jim
Because High IQs Create All the Ruling Class's Wealth, the Plutocrats Intentionally Make It So That Smartkids Will Be Treated Like Freaks and Losers

Superior students must be treated the same way that superior athletes are now. Yes, that includes the same admiration by the other students and the privilege of dating the prettiest girls. Analyze how this can be done. Divide the classes into teams and quiz frequently. The highest-scoring team will get Friday off; the lowest has to come in on Saturday. So the smartest kid on the team will receive the same peer-group admiration as some jock who hits the game-winning homer or makes the game-saving catch.
> Superior students must be treated the same way that superior athletes are now. Yes, that includes the same admiration by the other students and the privilege of dating the prettiest girls. Analyze how this can be done. Divide the classes into teams and quiz frequently. The highest-scoring team will get Friday off; the lowest has to come in on Saturday. So the smartest kid on the team will receive the same peer-group admiration as some jock who hits the game-winning homer or makes the game-saving catch.

Agreed that superior performance should be rewarded. Probably more appropriate for parents to do the rewarding or penalizing, as appropriate.

Example for me, realizing not everyone has the financial resources that I do...
My kids were promised that if they got As and Bs in college, drove junkers (an old minivan and and a 20-year-old truck), got no accidents or tickets, I would pay 90% of a brand new car. They both have new vehicles as a result.

Even better is to instill in children that they should work hard and strive to excel, as it will benefit them for the rest of their lives. Plus there are those other benefits you mention, like getting the girls because you are so smart and will go far in life, not to mention the simple personal satisfaction.

Bottom line is that if you reward superior performance, you tend to get more of it. The converse is also true.

Regards,
Jim
 

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