Benefits of taking Algebra 1 in 6th grade

[Anonymous]

I would not, unless there is a lot of structure to support the inevitable immaturity of a 6th grader. While he may be able to handle the mathematical concepts, the transition to middle school (assuming it's middle school) is MASSIVE, especially for a kid with ADHD and having the class count for a high school gpa while he's dealing with multiple classes/differing expectations is a lot.

My school only has 7th/8th graders, but the 7th graders who are most successful in algebra 1 are those who are super organized and proactive in seeking support when they are confused. The advanced classes have 30+ kids in them and a quiet kiddo will slide under the radar if they don't fuss when they're confused.

That said, you know your kid best.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I remember a FCPS teacher, who moonlights at one of the enrichment class, said certain advanced math class in middle school actually count as high school classes so the grade is counted as high school GPA. If a child is not doing well on these advanced math classes, he suggest the child drop the class instead of earning a B that will follow him all the way to college application.

I am not sure if Algebra is one of those classes, you should ask the school about it. If it is counted as high school class then be careful, but maybe you can have him try and drop it if he's not doing well.

Colleges do not care about classes taken in middle school, even if it's algebra 1 or geometry

[Anonymous]

There are benefits for taking Algebra in 6th or earlier if your kid is organized, motivated, has already mastered all of pre-algebra, and wants to skip ahead. I doubt there is much benefit to pushing a kid ahead who has poor executive function, isn't a self starter, and needs to cram pre-algebra in the summer beforehand.

[Anonymous]

Knew a kid who took algebra 1 in 6th grade, with ADHD and executive function problems. Did very well. One difference is he was very interested in math, had won awards in elementary. Now going to AET. Nearly went to MathCounts Nationals.

[Anonymous]

He’s not ready. You have to cram pre-algebra into Jun-August. Bad idea.

[Anonymous]

[quote=Anonymous]My rising 6th grader has been recommended for Algebra 1 in 6 th grade. He’ll have to cover prealgebra in the summer by himself. He can do this, but I’m trying to think through the impacts of this decision through high school.
Pros: he is very much a stem kid and this well he useful for him in college. He is very achievement oriented so this is a huge motivator for him.
Cons: has ADHD and poor executive functioning. Gets overwhelmed easily, not a self starter and not the kind to do math for fun.

Should we sign up for this triple advanced track or stick to the regular double advanced track? What are the implications for college admissions. He is Asian male for what it’s worth. Also, we live in Howard county but posting here for greater responses.
[/quote].

Hello, did you end up doing the Algebra 1 in 6th grade and how did it work out? We are in the same situation but feel like kid is struggling a little bit as we opted for that. Want to make a decision before the drop date.

[Anonymous]

I'm also very interested in knowing how it's going for people. A local facebook group has parents who are in general consensus that it's going terribly for most as the topics being taught don't appear to be the right topics for the unit (based on math teachers who have responded), the lack of background knowledge is killer, and the pace is untenable. Anyone else care to share their experience? We opted NOT to do it and it's sounding like we made the right decision.

[Anonymous]

If you or your student are unsure about taking Algebra 1 in 6th grade, just opt out without hesitation. Many advanced 6th graders are well-prepared for the challenge, and FCPS designed this program primarily with them in mind, while still leaving it open to others. However, there is no obligation to join. Math doesn’t come naturally to everyone in the same way, and that’s perfectly okay.

[Anonymous]

You know your DC well and you already see there’re problems ( adhd, has to self learning prealgebra during summer, he may lack solid foundation for math track). Choose what’s good for your DC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm also very interested in knowing how it's going for people. A local facebook group has parents who are in general consensus that it's going terribly for most as the topics being taught don't appear to be the right topics for the unit (based on math teachers who have responded), the lack of background knowledge is killer, and the pace is untenable. Anyone else care to share their experience? We opted NOT to do it and it's sounding like we made the right decision.

What's the link for this FB group?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm also very interested in knowing how it's going for people. A local facebook group has parents who are in general consensus that it's going terribly for most as the topics being taught don't appear to be the right topics for the unit (based on math teachers who have responded), the lack of background knowledge is killer, and the pace is untenable. Anyone else care to share their experience? We opted NOT to do it and it's sounding like we made the right decision.

It is going as expected, DC is thriving, has the right prerequisite background, and the unit topics move at an appropriate pace.

You made the decision to opt out because it wasn’t the right fit for your child, which is completely valid. But why bad mouth the entire program when many advanced students enjoy and benefit from this accelerated program?