Help me understand the new math pathways

[Anonymous]

I half listened to the board presentation yesterday and am confused what the pathways will look like from here. I understand they're eliminating the algebra 1 - geometry - algebra 2 pathway because of the new state requirements but what does that actually look like in practice. And more specifically, for my 4th grader in compacted math, what will be her options -- will she still be able to get to Calculus in 11th?

[Anonymous]

You don't understand because MCPS hasn't actually built out the courses underneath the four pathways they shared at the BOE yet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I half listened to the board presentation yesterday and am confused what the pathways will look like from here. I understand they're eliminating the algebra 1 - geometry - algebra 2 pathway because of the new state requirements but what does that actually look like in practice. And more specifically, for my 4th grader in compacted math, what will be her options -- will she still be able to get to Calculus in 11th?

Unless they slow down the compaction before algebra or make a two-year pre-calc pathway, she will be in calculus in 10th.

[Anonymous]

Has MCPS explained why they're doing a 2-year Integrated Math sequence, rather than 3-year? Has anyone on the BOE asked?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Has MCPS explained why they're doing a 2-year Integrated Math sequence, rather than 3-year? Has anyone on the BOE asked?

It is a new state requirement. It's out of their control.

[Anonymous]

That's not what I understood. I know that the IM concept is state-mandated, but I actually thought the state recommended doing it as a 3-year sequence.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Has MCPS explained why they're doing a 2-year Integrated Math sequence, rather than 3-year? Has anyone on the BOE asked?

It is a new state requirement. It's out of their control.

They should be able to offer Geometry or a 3rd year filler class.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That's not what I understood. I know that the IM concept is state-mandated, but I actually thought the state recommended doing it as a 3-year sequence.

No, MSDE is recommending the two-year structure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That's not what I understood. I know that the IM concept is state-mandated, but I actually thought the state recommended doing it as a 3-year sequence.

But if I’m mistaken, and the condensed sequence is state-mandated, it’s even more nuts. Other MD countries will be even less prepared for the drastic increase in students taking Calc in 10th.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That's not what I understood. I know that the IM concept is state-mandated, but I actually thought the state recommended doing it as a 3-year sequence.

But if I’m mistaken, and the condensed sequence is state-mandated, it’s even more nuts. Other MD countries will be even less prepared for the drastic increase in students taking Calc in 10th.

MCPS isn't prepared for the ones they have now as if you take calc in 10th, your option is dual enrollment and there are criteria and MC doesn't accept all students even if you get an A in the class, so there will not be enough classes to graduate except if you do AB, BC and then Stat's which is silly then to rush things.

[Anonymous]

The new math pathway will ensure kids capable of MV calculus will be in the same class and those who can’t handle division in 8th grade.

[Anonymous]

I thought that math state scores have been abysmal in MCPS so why condense 3 years of math into 2? Everyone is complaining that the majority of hs students have developed no intuitive mathematical reasoning and are unable to do basic math. Changes to the math curriculum are needed but is this the right approach?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That's not what I understood. I know that the IM concept is state-mandated, but I actually thought the state recommended doing it as a 3-year sequence.

Correct. MSDE said to do it in 3 years, but MCPS wants all kids to do it in 2.

I have a 5th grader in compacted math going to Loeiderman next year and emailed their Math RT. All compacted math kids go to pre algebra in grade 6. Grades 7 and 8 will be IM 1 and IM 2 which are the equivalent of Alg 1 and 2 plus Geometry. 9th grade is pre calculus and 10th grade is AP calc. No idea what happens in grades 11 and 12.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I thought that math state scores have been abysmal in MCPS so why condense 3 years of math into 2? Everyone is complaining that the majority of hs students have developed no intuitive mathematical reasoning and are unable to do basic math. Changes to the math curriculum are needed but is this the right approach?

Because MCPS sucks! They don’t look at their own data to make informed decisions. They have already been pushing kids too far too fast and didn’t change anything.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That's not what I understood. I know that the IM concept is state-mandated, but I actually thought the state recommended doing it as a 3-year sequence.

Correct. MSDE said to do it in 3 years, but MCPS wants all kids to do it in 2.

I have a 5th grader in compacted math going to Loeiderman next year and emailed their Math RT. All compacted math kids go to pre algebra in grade 6. Grades 7 and 8 will be IM 1 and IM 2 which are the equivalent of Alg 1 and 2 plus Geometry. 9th grade is pre calculus and 10th grade is AP calc. No idea what happens in grades 11 and 12.

This is absolutely false. MSDE is forcing all Maryland counties to do it in two years. MCPS does many things wrong but this one is MSDE's fault.

(The theory behind it, I believe, is that they want to get high schoolers past algebra quicker so they can focus in on subjects that are more interesting and relevant to them if they're not on a calc track.)