8th grader taking 9th grade classes

[Anonymous]

Our rising 8th grader is enrolled in 3 ninth grade classes (math, science, and social studies). Since we live in NY, he’ll have to take the Regents exams at the end of the year. Placement depends on how you do on certain standardized tests.

He’s a smart kid but has adhd and can be spacey, disorganized, unmotivated, unfocused etc. We often have issues where we discover that he missed a quiz or several hw assignments and never made them up and now it’s too late. It’s frustrating as his parent and neither of us have the time or inclination to stay on top of him and direct his homework and studying on a nightly basis. We’re still trying to figure out the right medicine and dosage. Since these are ninth grade classes, he’ll have to send them on his college transcripts.

In our situation, would you want him to take the more challenging classes? Most likely he’ll get Bs or A-s in class and As on the finals. I don’t think colleges care if you have adhd. They’ll just look at the Bs.

He’s not gunning for Harvard or the like but I would like him to go to college. What do you think?

[Anonymous]

He doesn't HAVE to take the Regents. He doesn't need a regents diploma.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:He doesn't HAVE to take the Regents. He doesn't need a regents diploma.

OP says he’s likely to do getter on the tests than the classes though. So in that sense taking them would help.

Side note: I thought NY switched to all Regents diplomas 20 years ago. Can you get a vocational one anymore?

[Anonymous]

Grades matter but so does course rigor. Colleges want to see students challenging themselves, which is why a B in an AP class is better than an A in a regular class.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He doesn't HAVE to take the Regents. He doesn't need a regents diploma.

OP says he’s likely to do getter on the tests than the classes though. So in that sense taking them would help.

Side note: I thought NY switched to all Regents diplomas 20 years ago. Can you get a vocational one anymore?

I assure you, there is a way to get a high school diploma for kids not capable of taking/passing Regents exams in NY.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Grades matter but so does course rigor. Colleges want to see students challenging themselves, which is why a B in an AP class is better than an A in a regular class.

They also like to see improvement. so low grades from 8th grade, then he gets the right medication and starts to get better grades is a good thing on a transcript.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Grades matter but so does course rigor. Colleges want to see students challenging themselves, which is why a B in an AP class is better than an A in a regular class.

This is not true.

[Anonymous]

My daughter had A-/Bs on HS classes in MS. She is just a junior but taking those classes early let her get way ahead in HS and take the most rigorous curriculum (her math and science class were 75% seniors). I can't say for sure, but I think the benefit of those classes is higher than the downsides to a couple Bs in MS.

[Anonymous]

In that situation, no I would not. Classes like that are for the brilliant kids who are bored in regular classes, not the kids who get Bs.

[Anonymous]

Your son doesn’t sound emotionally ready to handle the high school classes. Give him another year to mature and work on his learning to organize his time and school work.

[Anonymous]

You must work on his organization and motivation, OP. Whether he takes these particular classes or not, he simply cannot be a successful student and “spacey” about assignments.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Grades matter but so does course rigor. Colleges want to see students challenging themselves, which is why a B in an AP class is better than an A in a regular class.

This is not true.

that is absolutely true.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Grades matter but so does course rigor. Colleges want to see students challenging themselves, which is why a B in an AP class is better than an A in a regular class.

This is not true.

that is absolutely true.

I doubt eight grade classes are weighted though.

[Anonymous]

Personally, I would put him in the most challenging classes. The truth is he’s unlikely to change in a year and if you wait until next year, he’ll be getting A- and Bs in the regular schedule, instead of the most challenging classes. The other thing I would do is spring for an organizational tutor. Have them meet with your kid at least once before classes start to set up folders and notebooks and, if possible, once a week to help them stay on top of their work. If you give permission, they could even contact teachers. Their job would be to help your kid stay organized and, if needed, show them how to study and adjust studying needs for high school level where there are usually more textbooks and the kids need to memorize more and write under increased time pressure.

- mother of three add kids who eventually went to top colleges

[Anonymous]

1256 poster here - and if anyone says this is too much hand holding, remember this is 8th grade. Eighth grade is all about learning to deal with high school level demands.