Taking classes for high school credit in middle school

[Anonymous]

I dont think I even remotely suggested not allowing students to accerate. But it seems like way too many are accelerating and aren't capable of handling it. As a result apparently the classes in middle school are being 'dumbed" down thus allowing the students to get decent grades on their HS transcripts but not really covering the material adequately. From what I've heard from a couple of private high schools on tours etc. many kids coming in from MCPS who took Alg 1 in 7th or 8th end up having to retake Alg 1 in 9th grade because they can't pass the placement tests

You're right. Fake subject acceleration with an A grade instead of a B. Afterall it's the almighty grade that really matters.

[Anonymous]

A few middle school students I know are well aware that some of the middle school courses are not of the same caliber as the high school Algebra 1 classes and do not bother taking the course in their middle school and go right to the high school to take Algebra 1 or Honors Geometry. These students want the real deal in substance and grade on their high school transcripts.

[Anonymous]

Agree that math acceleration is a great option for kids who are really so inclined. But what actually happens is that many kids are being pushed into it without really grasping the material and then fall behind later or require extensive tutoring because they aren't getting the concepts in class.

Frankly, I simply don't worry about the pressure other parents put on their kids. I have enough challenges raising my own children. If my children are pushed by the school to sit in an accelerated and advanced class that they are ill-prepared for I fortunately have enough sense to put my own foot down. I am involved in my children's education and don't simply outsource this to the school. Since both children were advanced before they even encountered a formal school setting they are accelerated. And the acceleration in math is appropriate. They supplement with math competitions and math club. I'm not worried about gaps or deficiencies. We are grateful that both children have this option in MCPS. We clearly cannot speak for other parents and teachers that do not gauge or throttle appropriate acceleration needs of students and set them up for surprise and failure with inflated grades mascarading as excellent performance and mastery of Algebra 1.