MS Acceleration Question

[Anonymous]

Does anyone know what is better for highly abled students when it comes to IAM math vs. Algebra 1 in 6th grade? Most of the topics in IAM Math are already done in 5th grade compact math. I feel that the DS is going to be bored with IAM math as they are done with pre-algebra. Is there any parent who has sent their kids for Algebra 1 in 6th grade? How difficult/challenging are the curriculum? What are the pros and cons of going for Algebra 1 in 6th? Thank you for sharing your experience.

[Anonymous]

It's AIM, not IAM, just FYI.

Whether your child can take Algebra I in 6th grade is pretty much up to the school. Some MS administrators let kids test in, some only allow kids who already completed AIM, and some never allow it under any circumstances.

Before you get too engaged in this idea, it's worth finding out what category your MS falls into.

[Anonymous]

If this is possible, I would still advise against it, because this gets you to Calculus BC by 10th grade and there are limited math course options after that. There's just no reason to accelerate so much, even if the student is a little bored in middle school math.

[Anonymous]

From what I’ve observed of my child’s AIM class this year, what is covered in AIM is not the same as what was covered in compacted math. So even if there’s some overlap in topics, AIM will not just be a review of compacted math.

[Anonymous]

^^ so much this.

The other problem with so much acceleration is they get to their junior and senior years and there's no more MCPS math to take they have to take at Montoomey College.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:From what I’ve observed of my child’s AIM class this year, what is covered in AIM is not the same as what was covered in compacted math. So even if there’s some overlap in topics, AIM will not just be a review of compacted math.

This. It’s a valuable class.

[Anonymous]

Compact Math is designed to feed into AIM. This is the intended path. Unless your kid is getting extreme outside enrichment beyond Compact Math, AIM is the appropriate class.

[Anonymous]

See also this thread https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1061859.page
Our MS school doesn't offer AIM, Compacted Math kids get placed in AMP 7+ in 6th grade (checked with counselor and yes, it is a W feeder.)

[Anonymous]

The experience and the outcome depends on the kid...
Our DC is very good at math. this year he is in 6th grade and is finishing Algebra 1. He found the class fun and interesting. Most of his friends were 7th graders from that class. This is one class were he felt most like himself. He got a solid A. For context... He has always had very high MAP-M scores. This the spring he got over 280.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The experience and the outcome depends on the kid...
Our DC is very good at math. this year he is in 6th grade and is finishing Algebra 1. He found the class fun and interesting. Most of his friends were 7th graders from that class. This is one class were he felt most like himself. He got a solid A. For context... He has always had very high MAP-M scores. This the spring he got over 280.

Our MS simply said that 6th graders can only be in AMP6+ or AMP7+, even though my (current) 5th grader's last MAP-M score was 266.

[Anonymous]

Is your child coming from private? Is that why you say he's "done" with pre-algebra or are you supplementing outside of school?

If you are coming from private you could consider not doing AIM but I wouldn't recommend it because it's such a foundational class.

Also, only a few schools will even entertain your question. Most will tell you it's a requirement.

[Anonymous]

My child did compacted math in CES and is in AIM this year. He enjoys the class and is not bored, but has a great teacher. Other than review in first few weeks, the material is not a repeat of compacted math.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If this is possible, I would still advise against it, because this gets you to Calculus BC by 10th grade and there are limited math course options after that. There's just no reason to accelerate so much, even if the student is a little bored in middle school math.

I would disagree with this. Let your kid continue the progress at the same pace. Schools will have to enrich the students at their level. Keep fighting for your child's right to enrichment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:^^ so much this.

The other problem with so much acceleration is they get to their junior and senior years and there's no more MCPS math to take they have to take at Montoomey College.

True but then these kids go to MC for math when other do math at HS

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Compact Math is designed to feed into AIM. This is the intended path. Unless your kid is getting extreme outside enrichment beyond Compact Math, AIM is the appropriate class.

Are there any disadvantages to moving at same pace into higher maths?