Massachusett teacher's, a question. Is the curriculum the same state-wide?

[Disney1fan2002]

I was curious about something. This morning, laying in bed with some insomnia going on, I started thinking about our last few months in Plymouth. That my DS was in 2nd grade, and here we have DD in 2nd grade, and he is in 4th grade. (2nd grade was the last grade in Plymouth, he started 3rd grade here)

I remembered he did his 1st research project in 2nd grade. the folder even said "my 1st research project". He did it on Lions. It occured to me, I don't think my DD is even close to doing a research project. I know it is still early in the year, and it could be something they do after winter or spring break...but if 2nd grader's are doing research projects in Plymouth, would they be doing them in other towns as well?

Just curious, is all.

 

[aprincessmom]

I'm not a teacher but I can tell you DD and her cousin have very different daily curricula and lesson plans. DD started doing research projects in 2nd grade and they have continued. This year, 4th grade, she will have 3 long-term research projects (about 4 weeks to plan, research, and complete). My nephew, her cousin, has never had one and he is in 3rd grade in another school system.

Also, his school prepares their students for MCAs much differently than DD's school does. DD's school has lots of practice tests (especially for 3rd graders who are taking it for the first time) to allow them to get used to the type of environment they have to take the test in -- helps calm them so that by the time the test comes, it's no big deal to them. They also have two nights for parents to come in and learn about the tests, see examples of the test and explain what they mean, how they are taken and how to prepare you children for test taking.

My nephew's school hasn't even mentioned them to the parents yet, let alone given the kids sample tests.

So every school is different in my experience.