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Originally Posted by aspiece
... [The FiM progression] is what is best for kids and their ability.
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No it isn't. It is OK for some students.
Quote:
Originally Posted by aspiece
I was speaking from my experience with ALL levels of the FIRST Progression.
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That's nice, but it remains your experience. Unless you were explicitly studying each of the entire state's communities and their students, you are probably Ill-qualified to suggest which doors FiM should try to close in any/each locale.
Quote:
Originally Posted by aspiece
Technically, I really don't think anyone is stopping a team to register a team in michigan and compete out of FIM. (Correct me if I'm wrong)
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FiM and the state are collaborating to make it hard (very hard in some cases). This seems especially pernicious because it seems completely unnecessary. I'm curious what benefit the pertinent policies are supposed to produce.
Quote:
Originally Posted by aspiece
With the growth of program in Michigan, there needs to be some standardization across the program for many reasons. I think it is the responsibility of leadership of FIRST to make these decision to help people to do what is best for kids and what works.
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There is standardization already, across the entire planet except FiM; and the rest of the planet is evidence that the changes we are discussing aren't necessary, nor are "best for the kids".
Quote:
Originally Posted by aspiece
I recently did a mini FLL-style event to prepare and train 6 rookie FLL teams. It was really cool and the will be well equipped to compete as rookies in the fall. The program was funded by title I funds and therefore the program was full of underrepresented and disadvantaged youth. I was able to get parents to show up and coach all 6 teams. They met all of the programming challenges I gave them And they were tricky. With intentional training to prepare an FLL team this age group is perfect. I met with them 8 times and they are ready with the basics to compete. ANY school, ANY SES, ANY size can do this. It's been proven. So, I ask, if it can't happen, why? Is there a barrier that needs to be eliminated? Is there some way I can help?
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What does this heartwarming success story have to do with telling other students they can't form a team and
easily compete, if their team contains older students who are also beginners, or want to form an FLL/FTC team for any other reason?
Where I live, I was, and am, a steadfast advocate of allowing/encouraging MS students form VRC teams (or FTC, or whatever), but I would never consider discouraging HS students from also forming VRC teams (or FTC, or FRC, or ....).
It just isn't necessary for me or anyone else to use my opinions to override their intimate knowledge of their local situation, and close that door.
Blake
PS: You don't need me to encourage you to keep doing good. I just hope you won't insist others do their own good deeds the same way you did yours. Giving advice is good. Essentially insisting is not good.