AP Intensive Pathway Overview (formerly known as LEAPES)
AP Intensive Science is the most advanced science curriculum pathway in Manhasset. Half of the students in grade 6 advanced math will be excluded due to the desire to maintain one class section capped at 24 students. Below is the AP Intensive Pathway.
2023 AP Intensive Science Placement Rubric
Before COVID, there was an evaluation based on a science test, student essay and CogAT score. There was no teacher recommendation or committee review process.
When testing stopped during COVID, administrators moved to an informal essay and teacher recommendation model along with "whatever scores were available" (i,e. math tests, state science test, NWEA). After remote learning ended, the district still did not reinstated the former selection model. In October 2023, Terry McGrath, the District Coordinator for Science, said the rubric used in the past was not available to the public. It is not clear why the selection process is a secret.
One parent was able to obtain the rubric used in 2023, and it is shown below.
Source: Presentation to parents in 2023.
AP Intensive Science Placement Issues
Similar to the math placement rubric, the teacher recommendation criteria is overweighted and inaccurate. Students with A's and A+'s on all science and math assessments are being denied access to an appropriate and enriching pathway due to unreasonably weighted teacher input.
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The teacher recommendation was the most important criteria and excluded high performing students.
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Teacher recommendations were based on emails written by two teachers (homeroom and science teacher) and were subjectively evaluated by administrators. This differs from statements from Ms. McGrath, District Director of Science, who stated that 3 teacher evaluations would be considered - math, science and one 5th or 6th grade teacher of the student's choosing.
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All students are given 4 points for the essay. It is not a real selection metric despite claims by administrators.
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Parents are not given feedback on the rubric above. Students are denied without explanation.
Flawed Student Placement Example
The rubric below reflects one student actually denied access to the AP Intensive Science Pathway for the 2023-2024 school year. This child has a 99th percentile on COGAT, has earned As and A+s in his double accelerated math class (with a strong upward trend) and has earned 4s and 5s on his science tests. He was denied. His science teacher feedback resulted in 0 points based on an ad hoc compilation by Ms. McGrath and outweighed all other positive, objective performance criteria.
Why was he denied? Parents were given no information and spent months getting the rubric below. This child is just ONE example. Other parents have reported similar stories.
This situation raises many questions.
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Was this student denied because of his performance or lack of space in a class that only allows for one section of students?
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Why is the district hiding this feedback from parents?
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Why isn't there a standard or rubric to which the feedback can be compared?
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Why isn't this a transparent process?
This parent was denied access to the teacher's feedback. The parents appealed to the Superintendent and the Board.
A program like this should have clearly defined selection criteria. The process should be transparent and should rely on objective measures, not one teacher's opinion.
New Placement Rubric
Based on an email dated 2/27/24, the district has decided to change the advanced science selection process for 2024. Administrators can change the selection process as desired since there is no existing Board approved policy. Advanced math placement policies are different because those policies were approved by the board in 2020 and require that the Board follow a specific process to change (including a unanimous vote).
Click here for details on the new advanced science selection process.
About Manhasset Excellence
Manhasset Excellence aspires to ensure excellence in Manhasset Schools by promoting flexibility and transparency in advanced placement programs. We hope to educate the Manhasset community about the selection process for the 6th grade advanced math program in hopes that a better understanding about the policy and its implementation will allow parents and the 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.