Another Prospective MA resident with questions! (Boston, Quincy: middle-class, home, neighborhood)

[professorsenator]

Originally Posted by Katrina91001

You're absolutely correct to question if there is really a difference between test scores that deviate by a few points. It's not a big deal. .

This is not necessarily true. Just 4 or 5 points can represent a significant difference in percentile ranking.

And while it's true that test scores are highly correlated with SES, the fact is that SES is positively related to educational attainment and success. There are always exceptions, of course: the brilliant kid from a poor background; the well-to-do knucklehead. But statistically speaking, it is perfectly reasonable and rational for individuals to try to get into the town with the highest SES profile they can as a means of increasing their children's chance of educational success.

[Katrina91001]

Yes, I suppose that my background teaching in "the hood" makes almost anything else seem pretty good by comparison. I'm certainly not one to speak on schools in MA as I have only taught in CA, and our system has tons of problems. I've been at the same Title I school for the past 14 years. 95% of our students are Latino, so we have many English-language learners. Most of our kids were never read to as youngsters, have very limited vocabulary, and receive little support at home. We have very large class sizes, and it's tough for the teachers to provide intervention to all the children who need it. For instance, out of my 34 fifth graders, I only have eight who scored at the proficient in Language Arts on the previous year's state test. I'm trying to help these kids catch up while also being responsible for teaching ELD, writing, math, science, history, P.E., art, character education, health, and so forth.

I suppose my perspective is that academic success has many factors, not all of them related directly to the particular school one's child attends. Peers and the environment have a huge impact on students, but in our case, it's mostly negative. For instance, we have a 50% drop-out rate at our main high school. We have the highest teen pregnancy rate our part of L.A. county. Most of my students' parents either dropped out of high school themselves or they got a minimal education in Mexico and are functionally illiterate. I have taught many bright, amazing kids. One of my former students got a scholarship to Yale, but he is the exception. It's just as common to hear about one of your former students who got shot in a drive-by.

So, yes, the school, the environment, and families matter. I suppose I would also try to move into a town with the best-rated schools, but your schools look pretty good in comparison to ours. That's the main aspect drawing me to MA, and of course, your lovely seasons. I miss that.

[professorsenator]

Originally Posted by Katrina91001

So, yes, the school, the environment, and families matter. I suppose I would also try to move into a town with the best-rated schools, but your schools look pretty good in comparison to ours. That's the main aspect drawing me to MA, and of course, your lovely seasons. I miss that.

Fair enough. Your report "from the trenches" adds significant context to your views.

It is unfortunate that so many kids grow up in homes that are distinctly anti-intellectual. I also find it puzzling, too, since it's so obvious that educational attainment is the primary means of upward social mobility in the U.S. Then again, I have a Ph.D. and what's obvious to me may not be the same to others. You'll find a very wide gamut of views in Mass., but overall this is a state that values education.

[Katrina91001]

Thank you for reading my tirade. I got off the topic, but I'm just so fed up with the educational system here in CA.

In response to children growing up in homes that are distinctly anti-intellectual, I was pretty shocked as well. When I first started teaching, I thought the absence of books in my students' homes was due to finances, but now I see that it's all about having a different value system. Until NCLB can address that, we're still going to see an achievement gap. Anyway, I love the kids in the hood, but I'm tired of being blamed for society's ills. I want to work where education is truly valued.

So, I have a couple more questions. Does anyone know what the typical elementary class size is in MA? Does it vary from district to district, or is it fairly consistent across the state? Regarding the dreaded excise tax, what percentage of the purchase price of the car would one expect to pay? Does the tax remain the same for the life of the car or does it decrease like yearly registration fees? Anything else I should know? How about some of your favorite towns near the South Shore? Thanks to you locals for your opinions.

[professorsenator]

Originally Posted by Katrina91001

Thank you for reading my tirade. I got off the topic, but I'm just so fed up with the educational system here in CA.

So, I have a couple more questions. Does anyone know what the typical elementary class size is in MA? Does it vary from district to district, or is it fairly consistent across the state? Regarding the dreaded excise tax, what percentage of the purchase price of the car would one expect to pay? Does the tax remain the same for the life of the car or does it decrease like yearly registration fees? Anything else I should know? How about some of your favorite towns near the South Shore? Thanks to you locals for your opinions.

Don't know the typical class size.

The excise tax is an ad valorem tax (i.e. a tax based upon the value of something, just like a real estate property tax). Values are determined by the National Automobile Dealers Association Official Used Car Guide (NADA) and then multiplied by the age of the car in years. Over time the tax declines as the value of the car declines.

For more info, CIS: Motor Vehicle Excise Information

According to this web site, the excise tax is standard across the state. This is either relatively new or I was incorrect when I stated it varied from town to town (or maybe it does but I'm misreading it).

Most folks just get an annual bill from their town, swear and curse, and then write a check.

[CaseyB]

It's $25.00 per $1000.

[Katrina91001]

Ouch! Hence the swearing.

Any thoughts on Bristol County? Are there some nice beaches/good towns in that area?

Thanks.

[CaseyB]

The excise tax drops considerably after the first couple of years. They base it on a percentage of the car's value. Something like 90% the first year, then 60, then 40. By the time you have a 6 year old car, you're not paying much.

Marion and Mattapoisett are very nice towns in Bristol County. Horseneck beach in Westport is the major beach in that area.

[Katrina91001]

Thanks, I'll check out Marion and Mattapoisett on the web. Always nice to get recommendations from locals. I can't tell much about the neighborhoods just by seeing photos of homes for sale. What about Somerset and Swansea? Some of the listings had huge wooded lots that looked pretty sweet. Are the towns nice? Thanks for your time.

[rc0018]

Originally Posted by Katrina91001

Hi rc0018,

If anything, make sure they still have art and music education, and are not spending an inordinate amount of time on test prep. I'm sure you've done the right things to set your children up for success, reading to them as youngsters and so forth. Relax and choose the town with the most appeal for you.

You bring up a great point - is there a way to find out if the school district has a healthy arts and music department? Very good advice - I'm trying to relax about it!

I also have a PhD and other multiple degrees, my wife has an MBA in Corporate finance so education is a big deal for us. I also play the violin and my wife sang in various choirs all through to college, so we are also big on the arts... BUT I've been an avid soccer and hockey player, so I also want my kids to be physically active, too. I guess I just want it all (BIG cake and eat it, too!)

As for SES factors...I have to agree in many respects. I grew up in Corpus Christi and understand much of what you are talking about.

On other concerns on things about children - I have a few anxiety attacks about my kids fitting in. They are 1/2 Chinese (from me) and 1/4 English - 1/4 Scots (from mom) so I hope that doesn't make too much of a big deal. Growing up in a mainly hispanic setting - there were some grades where I was the only Asian kid in the grade - it was never a bad experience, but I probably just over worry.
ahh- well I've gone and rambled...
sorry!
Ray