Preying on Potomac Parents - MCPS and the Practice PSAT

I had trouble finding a title for this post. Alternate titles included "Caveat Emptor Prospective PSAT Parents" "Pickpockets in Potomac" or "Would you pass the 'Parent inSecurity Aptitude Test?'"

I am sure most of you who are reading the list know about the PSAT administered by the College Board. It's the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test, given to 11th graders, as a pretest for the SAT, or Scholastic Aptitude Test, used in the college admission process. If you want to read more about taking these tests, see the College Board Website for details. Aside from indicating a student's strengths and identifying areas of weakness, the scores are used in the NMSQT - the National Merit Scholarship program.

Here in MCPS, where everyone is above average, our kids take the exam in ninth and tenth grade too - on the theory that it's good to practice for a practice exam. Someone must have read Malcolm Gladwell's "Outliers" and is offering our students an opportunity to get their 10,000 hours of practice.

But, given this is Montgomery County, it's also home to some of the more affluent members of society. Parents who are willing to pay to be sure to give their kids every advantage possible.

So, in a bit of educational creativity, the head of the guidance department sent the following letter home to parents of current ninth graders at Wootton High School. (Technically, the school is in Rockville, zip code 20850, although they like to consider themselves part of Potomac.)

Capital Educators

Now, if your household received this letter, wouldn't you assume that this program is worthwhile?

Parents need to know that the PSAT for 10th graders doesn't really serve any student related purpose. Parents also need to know that student scores on PSATs are related to maturity level, knowledge gained through additional schooling, and many other factors. I suspect that college admissions staff would agree with me that there is little point in stressing yourselves or your students over a test that doesn't have much individual value when given in 10th grade.

Unless you are in Potomac. Then you think you are buying an advantage.

And if you are a teacher at a school in Potomac. Then you think you can get some profit by brokering a "partnership."


My advice to parents? Don't be fooled by this attempt to play into your insecurities. Wait until your child is closer to applying to colleges, see what he or she needs, and, if you really need to supplement, do so in a manner that fits your needs and your finances. You have plenty of options - including free practice tests offered by other educational services, free online courses offered through MCPS and lower cost options, including the course offered through Montgomery College or the SAT workbook/software available through your local bookstores. Most knowledgeable schools will provide the information, but fall short of a Wootton type recommendation. Here is the disclaimer posted by Mary Hull of Richard Montgomery concerning Revolution Prep:

This material is neither sponsored nor endorsed by the BOE of MCPS, the
superintendent, or this school. Please make your own decision when using this
information/resource.

Note also that schools in the less affluent sections of our county are already taking advantage of these options. See, for example, what students are told at Blair, Watkins Mill, and Blake.

If my arguments fail to persuade you that PSAT practice for 10th graders is not worthwhile - then please - at least ask the guidance department why this particular company. Did the department research the companies and get comparative pricing? What does the partnership involve? Is it really in your students best interest or is this course in the best interest of another entity - like the school guidance department?

Finally, what you and Wootton staff don't know is that under MCPS conflict of interest rules, MCPS employees can not: endorse nor recommend a business firm or an individual for services, or a specific product. See http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/policy/pdf/gcara.pdf

And what happens to violators:

An alleged violation of this regulation is cause for an immediate investigation by the deputy superintendent of schools. If it is determined that an employee has violated this regulation, the employee may be suspended and/or terminated . . . .

Will MCPS's Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Lacey, take action? Probably not, it's Wootton, the requirements are old and musty (2002), and we all know the rules don't apply to schools in MCPS where the test scores are above average and government is no longer part of the curriculum.

Even if Dr. Lacey doesn't step in, parents should empower themselves. Just say no to PSAT prep classes for 10th graders, and let your current ninth grader enjoy school without worrying about college prep classes.



Montgomery County Public Schools Conflict of Interest Regulation