Personal opinions on Maryland schools? (Baltimore, Towson: income, work, middle-class)

[kwhitt]

If you've read my other post you know I was in MD last week. It's a beautiful state! I really liked the annapolis and columbia areas..what I saw of them..time just flew by! My interview for Anne Arundel went well and the next step will be interviewing at specific schools but I don't know which schools in the county I should aim for. Anyone care to comment about the schools you have had experience with/in in the Anne Arundel county system? I'm applying to Howard county next and others as I learn about them so please feel free to share any other public school experiences from the state as well Specifically, I'm looking at the art programs at elementary, middle and high school levels. Thanks!

[autimom4ever]

Well.. I'm sure you are well versed on the No Child Left Behind Act.

Maryland is one of the top pubic school systems and they want to keep it that way. In my opinion, at any expense.

Many parents may like that... But I don't.
I don't like the pushing our kids get to suceed, suceed, suceed.

Don't get me wrong, I believe in learning but I also believe in letting kids be kids.

So, if you want my opinion about the public schools. Get ready to be pushed to do the best. I only know this about Montgomery County.. I can't speak for any other county.

I hope this helps some.
and
It's just MY opinion (one person)

[Ex-Ithacan]

The only personal relationship I've had with any Maryland school districts is Prince George county and Calvert county.
I worked at a middle school in PG for one year (though my wife and her family attended the system). The school I worked at has since been torn down, and good riddance. I was involved with a couple of physical and verbal altercations there. I was cut once, and stopped a student from putting a pencil in the ear of the vice principal (the police were called on that incident). From the war stories I heard in the teacher's lounge, this wasn't uncommon. Of course this was over ten years ago, so there is the possibility that things have changed in that neighborhood. And to be fair there are some very good schools in PG, but I think it may not be worth the risk.

My daughter attends Calvert schools (graduating this year). Very good system with many helpful staff/teachers. Not perfect, but what system is that great? I've heard good things about Howard county and parts of Anne Arundel too. Good luck on whatever choice you make.

[Oldiebutgoodie26]

When I taught in Baltimore County ('01-'05), it was ALL about testing. I was in a lower-performing, lower income school, and the kids had almost no basic skills in the fifth grade. Yet, they were expected to perform like the middle-class kids from Towson. If you are going to teach in MD public schools, be prepared to teach to a test, and have your reputation/teaching abilities based on those results. If I had to do it over, I would have only worked in a high-performing school. Like autimom4ever wrote, be prepared to push the kids through the school system- whether they are ready or not. I dealt with inflating grades and social promotions as a rule when I taught in MD.

Hmmmmm....wonder why "special education/Learning Support" teachers are in such demand now?

[kwhitt]

Thanks for your comments I can't say I'm fond of the testing either. Kids learn at different rates and they are often tested on things they won't learn till later in the year, etc, etc. Unfortunately, this is how schools are in Michigan too. What did you think about the teaching staff in the schools you or your children attended? What were the kids like in the school? How were the subs treated? ...I'm looking for a school that will be a good fit for my teaching style and personality...especially my personality. I've been through situations where it wasn't a good fit and many where it was a good fit and I understand the importance now of being able to relate to your co-workers and your kids. I want to find a school where I can look forward to walking into the building every day.

[Gabrielle]

Howard County: Centennial - great!! Howard High - not so good.

[autimom4ever]

The teachers have no room to be imaginative anymore.
Because they are pushed so much they seem to be like robots in my eyes.

Many are not happy but they keep on going...for the kids.