2024 AP Intensive Science Placement Process
The 2024 advanced science placement process has changed from prior years. The new process was described in Ms. Tallarine's email dated February 28, 2024.
According to the letter, "a small number of double accelerated mathematics students who are also interested in the AP Intensive Pathway in Science may qualify to apply to the program.
History
Historically, there has been only one class of approximately 25 students at the middle school for the AP Intensive Pathway. This group is derived by taking the two advanced math classes and whittling it down by 50% to accommodate one class.
Historically, nearly all students admitted to this science program remain in the program throughout high school.
The top of the class is at graduation is almost always comprised of this group of students due to the GPA weight given to AP classes. Click here to understand. Guidance counselors describe this program as the most rigorous available, and these students have a significant advantage in the college application process.
Opportunity for Access and Flexibility
There are many no-cost options that could improve access and flexibility around our AP science classes. Manhasset Excellence would like the administrators to consider the following changes.
-
Create at least two sections of AP Intensive Science in the middle school. This requires no additional cost as students are being shifted within existing teaching staff and the curriculum exists. Deserving students are being denied based on unnecessary class section limits.
-
Allow non-advanced math students to apply to the program with the option to drop down to Chemistry Honors if Algebra 2 not taken
-
Consider more flexibility in the AP science options including AP Bio in grade 9 or 10 for performing students
-
Reduce the GPA weight associated with AP classes
-
Only count classes taken in high school in the high school GPA
History on Placement Procedures
Before 2020, the advanced science placement was based on scores on science assessments (science tests, a science final, Grade 4 NYS science test) and a reasoning test (InView, which is similar to a CogAT).
During COVID, the district was unable to offer a science test and to rely on the canceled NYS science test from 4th grade. Therefore, the selection process changed to an ad hoc method of scores (including the NWEA scores that we were told would not be used for placement) and teacher recommendations as described here.
Starting in 2024, the selection process has changed once again. The email from Ms. Tallarine stated that "only a small number of students in the double accelerated mathematics pathway qualify for the AP Intensive Science Pathway." Students will be selected based on:
-
A secure exam that asses skills from 7th grade science and Regents Earth Science (on science content these students have not been taught in school)
-
A committee of 6th grade science teachers, math specialists, secondary school teacher and the Coordinator of Science (who has just resigned)
-
Classroom grades for math and science
-
Teacher feedback on observable behaviors in various measures (whatever that means)
An excerpt from the email is below.
Challenges with 2024 Placement Process
The new science selection program has flaws similar to the 2023 math placement process.
-
The secure exam tests on 7th and 9th grade science material that students have not been taught. Access requires outside tutoring which increases inequity. Why are we fostering a culture of tutoring instead of in school teaching?
-
What score on the secure exam tests qualifies one for admission?
-
Teacher feedback on observable behaviors is subjective. How is this feedback being collected? What are the "various measures" being observed. Click here for the Renzulli rating form used for advanced math selection and the many issues associated with teacher rating scales. They may use a similar Renzulli form for science like this one.
-
Will the committee meet or will selection be reduced to a "point total" as was done in the math selection process and the science selection process in prior years? The math process specifically called for a committee and that policy requirement was ignored.
Opportunity for Transparency
When introducing a new science selection process, the district has an opportunity to provide transparency to provide clarity and minimize controversy.
-
Required test scores for admission should be pre-determined and publicized
-
Share the format for which teacher feedback is evaluated before it is given
-
Allow parents to see the evaluation commentary on why a student was or was not selected; adopt a "not reason, no denial" policy.
About Manhasset Excellence
Manhasset Excellence aspires to ensure excellence in Manhasset Schools by promoting flexibility and transparency in advanced placement programs. We are educating the Manhasset community about the selection process for the 6th grade advanced math program in hopes that a complete understanding about the policy and its implementation will allow parents and administrators to work together to establish better placement processes for all subjects in the future. Information presented is estimated based on available information from the Board, administrators, the math department and parent feedback.