‘B’ in algebra - 8th grade. Wwyd?

[Anonymous]

DC is concerned about the B on their high school transcript. I know there are options to have it expunged, etc., but I’m interested in whether you would encourage your child to repeat the course. I have no objection to the grade itself, I just wonder if they would be better served by reaching full competence before moving to higher level maths.

[Anonymous]

Troll post.

[Anonymous]

No, I would get a tutor if it was that important to my kid and move on.

[Anonymous]

Getting it expunged may not be an option, even if you wanted to. Our district won’t. But even so, it doesn’t make a difference. Colleges will reconfigure GPA with their own formula and it will not include any class before high school.

As to what to do now. I don’t think repeating is necessary and I definitely wouldn’t waste all of 9th grade in Alg I again. Get a weekly tutor right now- for the next 3 months. Outschool or Wyzant are perfect for this. That should likely solve any minor issues she is having and build up confidence. If still a B at the end of the year, maybe do an algebra online course over the summer- but I would plan on having her in Geometry next year

[Anonymous]

B shows that your child does not master the concepts. THAT is the concern. Math builds on itself, especially Algebra, which is the critical cornerstone of calculus later on in high school.

Your child needs a tutor, perhaps over the summer, to solidify their math understanding. That's non-negotiable, otherwise they will not do well in high school math. Whether or not you choose to expunge the grade is a pointless discussion unless you commit to getting your child help with their math skills, because that B in 8th grade will be the least of your problems if you don't.

I would not repeat the class. Individual (not group) tutoring is the way to go for in-depth understanding. There's too much risk of goofing off and not paying attention in a group setting, whether in or outside of school. Make sure to get a well-reviewed tutor who has lots of experience teaching algebra.

[Anonymous]

Just be happy that he is on track to take calc as a senior (or junior, depending on what acceleration is available.) That is better than getting an A in algebra in 9th grade but not getting to calc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:B shows that your child does not master the concepts. THAT is the concern. Math builds on itself, especially Algebra, which is the critical cornerstone of calculus later on in high school.

Your child needs a tutor, perhaps over the summer, to solidify their math understanding. That's non-negotiable, otherwise they will not do well in high school math. Whether or not you choose to expunge the grade is a pointless discussion unless you commit to getting your child help with their math skills, because that B in 8th grade will be the least of your problems if you don't.

I would not repeat the class. Individual (not group) tutoring is the way to go for in-depth understanding. There's too much risk of goofing off and not paying attention in a group setting, whether in or outside of school. Make sure to get a well-reviewed tutor who has lots of experience teaching algebra.

Yes, thank you for recognizing that the lack of mastery is my concern. They’ve already had a weekly tutor all year. Maybe a Mathnasium-type program would reinforce concepts better?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Troll post.

What makes you think this isn’t a very real dilemma for lots of families?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Troll post.

What makes you think this isn’t a very real dilemma for lots of families?

Then that's even sadder, fretting over a 'B' in middle school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Getting it expunged may not be an option, even if you wanted to. Our district won’t. But even so, it doesn’t make a difference. Colleges will reconfigure GPA with their own formula and it will not include any class before high school.

As to what to do now. I don’t think repeating is necessary and I definitely wouldn’t waste all of 9th grade in Alg I again. Get a weekly tutor right now- for the next 3 months. Outschool or Wyzant are perfect for this. That should likely solve any minor issues she is having and build up confidence. If still a B at the end of the year, maybe do an algebra online course over the summer- but I would plan on having her in Geometry next year

Meant repeating next year *not necessary. A B means she IS competent, but not perfect. She’d benefit from a tutor this year and perhaps some summer work. But don’t have her repeat next year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:B shows that your child does not master the concepts. THAT is the concern. Math builds on itself, especially Algebra, which is the critical cornerstone of calculus later on in high school.

Your child needs a tutor, perhaps over the summer, to solidify their math understanding. That's non-negotiable, otherwise they will not do well in high school math. Whether or not you choose to expunge the grade is a pointless discussion unless you commit to getting your child help with their math skills, because that B in 8th grade will be the least of your problems if you don't.

I would not repeat the class. Individual (not group) tutoring is the way to go for in-depth understanding. There's too much risk of goofing off and not paying attention in a group setting, whether in or outside of school. Make sure to get a well-reviewed tutor who has lots of experience teaching algebra.

Yes, thank you for recognizing that the lack of mastery is my concern. They’ve already had a weekly tutor all year. Maybe a Mathnasium-type program would reinforce concepts better?

That is problematic. You need to change tutors and perhaps do more intensive sessions. Both my kids had numerous tutors; some of them weren't up to the task, so we found others. We've done in-person at Prep Matters in Bethesda (close to our home) and we found some on Wyzant (online). It's hit and miss, and you mustn't be afraid of switching quickly if you or your child thinks the tutor isn't explaining things effectively.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Troll post.

What makes you think this isn’t a very real dilemma for lots of families?

Then that's even sadder, fretting over a 'B' in middle school.

As another poster commented, the 'B', isn't the issue. It's the mastery or lack of mastery of the concepts that are the foundation for the higher level math concepts.

[Anonymous]

How is she being taught? Is it mainly through Zearn and such programs? Do you see homework or tests, as in the actual problems and work and where her mistakes are? Is there any paper work and direct instruction being done?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Getting it expunged may not be an option, even if you wanted to. Our district won’t. But even so, it doesn’t make a difference. Colleges will reconfigure GPA with their own formula and it will not include any class before high school.

As to what to do now. I don’t think repeating is necessary and I definitely wouldn’t waste all of 9th grade in Alg I again. Get a weekly tutor right now- for the next 3 months. Outschool or Wyzant are perfect for this. That should likely solve any minor issues she is having and build up confidence. If still a B at the end of the year, maybe do an algebra online course over the summer- but I would plan on having her in Geometry next year

Would it make a difference if the student got a B in 7th grade algebra? So they could repeat it in middle school and not “waste” 9th grade as you say?

[Anonymous]

Get a tutor a few days a week.