What math in fifth grade leads to Algebra 1 in sixth grade?

[Anonymous]

We are new to MCPS; the kid is strong in math, entering fifth grade. We are in a W high school pyramid. What kind of math in fifth grade leads to Algebra 1 in sixth grade, assuming there is such path? What types of math tracks are available in fifth grade and how do kids qualify for those?

[Anonymous]

Pump the brakes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Pump the brakes.

This is not the automotive forum.

[Anonymous]

I’m not familiar with MCPS but pre algebra is usually what they take before Algebra 1.

So whatever the course is named make sure it has a solid pre algebra foundation.

Check out Kahn Academy or Matthelp to get a feel for what they need to know before Algebra 1.

[Anonymous]

There is no official "path" it is varied and at the discretion of the math team and counselors at each middle school.
If you mentioned what specific schools you were in then maybe you'll get more specific feedback.
Normally the "accelerated" track for grade 5 would be Compact 5/6. But this puts you on an official track for Algebra by 7th grade (and calculus by 11th). To be officially on track to take algebra by 6th you would need to look out for if your school offers AIM 6 or AMP 6+ (whatever they are calling it these days) at the 5th grade level. This is probably rare and if offered at all, likely only at a CES school.

Frost has specifically been mentioned here that they bump a handful or two students each year to algebra in 6th based on MAP score and teacher evaluation during the first couple weeks of school. There is no official support or catchup offered. Its up to the student to figure out and cover any gaps in curriculum that they missed by not taking AIM 6.

[Anonymous]

Thank you.

The child is zoned for Tilden. What is a CES school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are new to MCPS; the kid is strong in math, entering fifth grade. We are in a W high school pyramid. What kind of math in fifth grade leads to Algebra 1 in sixth grade, assuming there is such path? What types of math tracks are available in fifth grade and how do kids qualify for those?

You're in the right pyramid which will make this easier. Some ES offter AIM in 5th which will lead to Algebra in 6th. Other MS like Frost will allow any student who scores 250+ on their MAP-M to take Algebra in 6th. If you honestly believe your child is ready, I'd reach out to their school MS councilor. At some schools you will need ask or even push to make this happen, but W feeders are typically receptive unlike many other areas in the county.

[Anonymous]

And typically your child should be in at least compacted 5/6 in 5tth.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:And typically your child should be in at least compacted 5/6 in 5tth.

How do they determine who goes into compacted math in 5th grade?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And typically your child should be in at least compacted 5/6 in 5tth.

How do they determine who goes into compacted math in 5th grade?

Whoever is in contacted math in 4th grade.

[Anonymous]

CES schools are elementary magnet schools. Traditionally "gifted" kids from around the cluster but MCPS has watered it down to target kids who are statistical outliers for their home school.
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/specialprograms/elementary/center-enriched-studies/
For WJ the CES school Chevy Chase.
The curriculum has generally emphasized more intensive reading/writing. Math is largely the same unless there may be a cohort of exceptionally accelerated kids.

At the end of 3rd grade kids are evaluated based on their test scores to see if they make it into the CES lottery. These same scores are used to determine if they should be tracked into the compacted math track which covers grades 4,5,6 math in just two years. This compacted math track puts a kid into AIM in 6th and algebra in 7th.
The curriculum as to whats covered in each grade is on the MCPS website. Since you are coming from outside, please be aware that MCPS curriculum doesn't always align with everyone else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:CES schools are elementary magnet schools. Traditionally "gifted" kids from around the cluster but MCPS has watered it down to target kids who are statistical outliers for their home school.
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/specialprograms/elementary/center-enriched-studies/
For WJ the CES school Chevy Chase.
The curriculum has generally emphasized more intensive reading/writing. Math is largely the same unless there may be a cohort of exceptionally accelerated kids.

At the end of 3rd grade kids are evaluated based on their test scores to see if they make it into the CES lottery. These same scores are used to determine if they should be tracked into the compacted math track which covers grades 4,5,6 math in just two years. This compacted math track puts a kid into AIM in 6th and algebra in 7th.
The curriculum as to whats covered in each grade is on the MCPS website. Since you are coming from outside, please be aware that MCPS curriculum doesn't always align with everyone else.

CES today is a lottery so not gifted at all and never had anything to do with math education.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And typically your child should be in at least compacted 5/6 in 5tth.

How do they determine who goes into compacted math in 5th grade?

Whoever is in contacted math in 4th grade.

It is based on standardized test scores and teacher recs in 3rd. If I had to guess around 220+ on the MAP-M or strong teacher rec.

[Anonymous]

Why do you want this for your child?

An accelerated path in MCPS is Algebra in 7th, Calculus in 11th.

Why do you feel this path would not work for your child?

TBH, you need to worry more about this year. Have you spoken to the elementary school about your child placing into Compacted 5/6? That comes first.

[Anonymous]

You would have to take AIM in 5th, which would need to be offered virtually or by busing to the middle school. Then you’d have the same issue in 8th with Algebra 2.