Algebra appeal after SOL results for Grade 6 ?

[Anonymous]

My 6th grade child got an 87 IAAT and 525 SOL. All 4s in math and everything else… Teacher loves him and he’s a top 5 student in his math class. Do you think still appeal despite the Iowa ? How do we do that? We will ask the teacher to appeal for him but I remember him saying kids should get 550 or higher. My child is super upset on his SOL despite having a good score because he was aiming for the 550…

[Anonymous]

Not with that IAAT.

[Anonymous]

OP, have you looked at what math your DC will take as a Senior in High School? Do that and work backwards. No reason to take Algebra in 6th Grade, except for some child/parent unhealthy ego obsession.

And .. but his friends will be taking it, is not a good enough reason.

[Anonymous]

OP here. 7th grade algebra. Not 6th grade… he is going to middle school. He panicked big time in the IAAT and literally skipped questions entirely. He is otherwise an awesome math student.

[Anonymous]

There will be plenty of pressure: tests, projects, a full schedule. Freezing-up taking a test happens. Trust the process. It's great that he's a good math student!

[Anonymous]

.. it's not saying he isn't an awesome math student!

[Anonymous]

Can someone explain why kids need to take algebra in 7th? I took Algebra in 9th and AP Calculus in 12th and have a phD in mechanical engineering. Not sure what taking Algebra in 7th would have done to change my schooling and career path?

[Anonymous]

OP here. You are correct. I also took Algebra in 9th and am in engineer. If he doesn’t, it’s fine but my question is, has anyone appealed it and gotten in? If he does, I have no doubt he will do really well since he panics more on standardized tests and aces in class.

[Anonymous]

Our teachers said nothing about 550 being a benchmark to shoot for, just pass advanced. Talk to the teacher and ask if you should appeal - they’ll know.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. You are correct. I also took Algebra in 9th and am in engineer. If he doesn’t, it’s fine but my question is, has anyone appealed it and gotten in? If he does, I have no doubt he will do really well since he panics more on standardized tests and aces in class.

6th AAP teacher. I think it depends on middle school. Some tend to be more flexible with borderline scores. I had two students last year who got similar scores as your son and I told parents to appeal and they let them in. The kids did great in Algebra one and based off their performance in class and their strong work ethic I felt Algebra was the right placement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. You are correct. I also took Algebra in 9th and am in engineer. If he doesn’t, it’s fine but my question is, has anyone appealed it and gotten in? If he does, I have no doubt he will do really well since he panics more on standardized tests and aces in class.

6th AAP teacher. I think it depends on middle school. Some tend to be more flexible with borderline scores. I had two students last year who got similar scores as your son and I told parents to appeal and they let them in. The kids did great in Algebra one and based off their performance in class and their strong work ethic I felt Algebra was the right placement.

That’s good to know. Thank you. Did you also write them a letter or anything or did parents just appeal? Thx

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. You are correct. I also took Algebra in 9th and am in engineer. If he doesn’t, it’s fine but my question is, has anyone appealed it and gotten in? If he does, I have no doubt he will do really well since he panics more on standardized tests and aces in class.

6th AAP teacher. I think it depends on middle school. Some tend to be more flexible with borderline scores. I had two students last year who got similar scores as your son and I told parents to appeal and they let them in. The kids did great in Algebra one and based off their performance in class and their strong work ethic I felt Algebra was the right placement.

That’s good to know. Thank you. Did you also write them a letter or anything or did parents just appeal? Thx

I told them to just contact middle school and that if the middle school wanted feedback from me, I would gladly give it. I have never been contacted. Now, I will say I only tell parents to appeal if I truly think they belong in Algebra I. For me, that means all 4’s, strong computation, picks up skills quickly, but most importantly, a strong work ethic. I have several kids this year who did well in math but I don’t think are emotionally ready for a high school class in 7th grade. I would reach out to teacher and see what they think.

[Anonymous]

OP here. His teacher had said he has incredible work ethic, is an incredibly hard worker and picks up concepts very easily and quickly. So hoping that will help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My 6th grade child got an 87 IAAT and 525 SOL. All 4s in math and everything else… Teacher loves him and he’s a top 5 student in his math class. Do you think still appeal despite the Iowa ? How do we do that? We will ask the teacher to appeal for him but I remember him saying kids should get 550 or higher. My child is super upset on his SOL despite having a good score because he was aiming for the 550…

Mine got in with 86 on IAAT and 550 SOL.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My 6th grade child got an 87 IAAT and 525 SOL. All 4s in math and everything else… Teacher loves him and he’s a top 5 student in his math class. Do you think still appeal despite the Iowa ? How do we do that? We will ask the teacher to appeal for him but I remember him saying kids should get 550 or higher. My child is super upset on his SOL despite having a good score because he was aiming for the 550…

Mine got in with 86 on IAAT and 550 SOL.

That’s great! What did you say in the email? Did you appeal or were you automatically placed?