APS 8th grade: algebra 1 intensified vs not intensified

[Anonymous]

Our 8th grader has been placed in Algebra 1 intensified. He had asked to be in Algebra 1 not intensified in the spring during course selections, but elected intensified for all other classes where it was an option. He saw a big difference between his 6th and 7th grade classes at DHMS when intensified started this year, enjoying the intensified classes much more. However, he's not a math kid (love english, history/civics, languages...). It looks like he placed in Algebra 1 intensified only because of the standardized assessment scores, not because of his quarterly grades, which hovered around a B- with a lot of work to get there (I think he retook every test). He does work with a math tutor weekly. We would plan to keep the tutor whether it's Alg 1 intensified or not intensified. The question is...if he asks to be placed into the non-intensified class, is he doing himself any harm in the future? Will he be behind in terms of classes he should take in high school, for college consideration... I don't want him closing any doors now with this decision when we have the ability to help him and when he responds well to being pushed, but, again, he's not a math kid in his heart and he's otherwise working hard in his other classes.

[Anonymous]

They made a law stating anyone getting above a certain score has to be placed in intensified based on SOL. You will be getting a letter soon letting you know how to opt out. He won't be doing himself harm to opt out. If he does super well in Alg I, he can still stake intensified geo next year if he wants to. -APS admin

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They made a law stating anyone getting above a certain score has to be placed in intensified based on SOL. You will be getting a letter soon letting you know how to opt out. He won't be doing himself harm to opt out. If he does super well in Alg I, he can still stake intensified geo next year if he wants to. -APS admin

I disagree. My son did that and was so behind when he got to Int Alg2/Trig, it took a lot of work to get caught up. I think it’s easier to get off the advanced track the try to get in later.

[Anonymous]

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[Anonymous]

If he's working that hard in pre-algebra, it sounds like he doesn't want to be on the advanced track. It's totally fine to opt out if he's sure. But as pp mentioned, it's harder to get back on the advanced track once you've stepped back.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our 8th grader has been placed in Algebra 1 intensified. He had asked to be in Algebra 1 not intensified in the spring during course selections, but elected intensified for all other classes where it was an option. He saw a big difference between his 6th and 7th grade classes at DHMS when intensified started this year, enjoying the intensified classes much more. However, he's not a math kid (love english, history/civics, languages...). It looks like he placed in Algebra 1 intensified only because of the standardized assessment scores, not because of his quarterly grades, which hovered around a B- with a lot of work to get there (I think he retook every test). He does work with a math tutor weekly. We would plan to keep the tutor whether it's Alg 1 intensified or not intensified. The question is...if he asks to be placed into the non-intensified class, is he doing himself any harm in the future? Will he be behind in terms of classes he should take in high school, for college consideration... I don't want him closing any doors now with this decision when we have the ability to help him and when he responds well to being pushed, but, again, he's not a math kid in his heart and he's otherwise working hard in his other classes.

I would not place him in intensified math if his math grades were a B- while working with a tutor. I agree with others that it is harder to jump into the honors/AP/IB track if a student takes regular Algebra vs intensified but you need to be worried about what the best fit is now. It is ok to take honors/AP/IB classes in the humanities and not in math or science if that is a reflection of your child's strengths. I don't think a B- in Algebra 1 intensified is better for your kid then an A in Algebra 1, I suspect that it is a wash.

[Anonymous]

You should talk to the Math coach at the school. Easier to switch from Intensified to non-intensified mid year than the other way around, FWIW.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our 8th grader has been placed in Algebra 1 intensified. He had asked to be in Algebra 1 not intensified in the spring during course selections, but elected intensified for all other classes where it was an option. He saw a big difference between his 6th and 7th grade classes at DHMS when intensified started this year, enjoying the intensified classes much more. However, he's not a math kid (love english, history/civics, languages...). It looks like he placed in Algebra 1 intensified only because of the standardized assessment scores, not because of his quarterly grades, which hovered around a B- with a lot of work to get there (I think he retook every test). He does work with a math tutor weekly. We would plan to keep the tutor whether it's Alg 1 intensified or not intensified. The question is...if he asks to be placed into the non-intensified class, is he doing himself any harm in the future? Will he be behind in terms of classes he should take in high school, for college consideration... I don't want him closing any doors now with this decision when we have the ability to help him and when he responds well to being pushed, but, again, he's not a math kid in his heart and he's otherwise working hard in his other classes.

I would not place him in intensified math if his math grades were a B- while working with a tutor. I agree with others that it is harder to jump into the honors/AP/IB track if a student takes regular Algebra vs intensified but you need to be worried about what the best fit is now. It is ok to take honors/AP/IB classes in the humanities and not in math or science if that is a reflection of your child's strengths. I don't think a B- in Algebra 1 intensified is better for your kid then an A in Algebra 1, I suspect that it is a wash.

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