Opportunities
We need ensure selection into our advanced placement programs is equitable, accurate and transparent. We need greater flexibility to accommodate student needs as they grow.
Increasing Flexibility
Currently, there is no differentiation of students in math before grade 6. Many students would benefit from greater academic enrichment earlier in elementary school. In 2023, approximately 50% of the 5th grade class scored at or above the 90th percentile on a national aptitude test (CogAT), yet the district had offered them no meaningful math enrichment until that point.
We need enrichment in earlier grades similar to the ELA model. In addition, if we maintain the current admission policy for 6th grade advanced math, we should provide students with the in-school instruction needed to score well on the placement exam at the end of grade 5 (the "secure exam"). If you are not familiar with the selection process, click here.
We need greater flexibility after grade 6 as well. Students who are not placed in advanced math in grade 6 need options to test into the advanced pathways.
Increasing Access
Differentiation occurs in grade 6 through the advanced math program, the gateway to future advanced courses in both math and science. However, it is not accessible to all who deserve it. In 2023, we had 110 students who scored over the 90th percentile on CogAT, yet we offered only 56 students access to our advanced program. Why are we excluding capable students from this enrichment? Furthermore, we chose students based on poorly conceived policies that were inconsistently applied.
Who cannot access the advanced math programs?
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Many students aren't even included in the evaluation process (due to the arbitrary CogAT threshold).
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Some students are denied due to lack of outside tutoring (as secure exam tests material not taught).
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Some students are denied due to an inaccurate/biased teacher rating (attributable to flawed data collection).
Click here to understand the existing gaps in advanced placement selection.
The Solution
We need greater flexibility and transparency to ensure that we are selecting and supporting students appropriately. Parents have offered ideas but administrators have been unwilling to engage.
The solution should combine easy and immediate modifications with long-term plans that optimize placement and education. The full range of options and solutions should be explored by a committee of administrators and parents so that both immediate and long term solutions can be implemented. Click here for more details on goals and proposed solutions.
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.