Advice needed; Algebra 2 and Geometry at Deal MS

[Anonymous]

Hi - my DS qualified to take algebra 2 and geometry as a 8th grader at Deal. That’s two math classes with the kicker that he will have one extra period that begins at 8 am. He is not thrilled about the early start and the extra work. As an expat I am new to the US education system so asking for help on whether the extra class is beneficial for him in the long run ? I can’t afford private school so that’s not an option. We will stay in DCPS, or try for a charter

[Anonymous]

If he doesn't want to do it, don't do it.

There are ways to accelerate in high school if he decides he wants to (two math classes, or summer school, or an online class).

But Geometry in 8th and Algebra 2 in 9th is good.

The best thing is for him to have a happy and successful year.

[Anonymous]

I don’t think it’s needed.

[Anonymous]

Unless he loves math, there's no reason to accelerate that much. There's no reason to take calculus in 10th grade.

[Anonymous]

Don't push.

Kids often get into trouble with this program because the ability to do Algebra 1 well in 7th grade has very little correlation with the ability/aptitude/desire to do post-calculus math in 11th grade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Unless he loves math, there's no reason to accelerate that much. There's no reason to take calculus in 10th grade.

Yup. My kid loves math, and we still chose not to double up in middle school. Took Calc BC in 11th, mvc/linear at a university in 12th, and is majoring in math at a top 20 school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't push.

Kids often get into trouble with this program because the ability to do Algebra 1 well in 7th grade has very little correlation with the ability/aptitude/desire to do post-calculus math in 11th grade.

Not to mention that it’s hard to take post-calc math in 11th in DCPS. University dual enrollment really only works with senior-year schedules, when kids have free periods. So calc in 11th, DE in 12th is the smoothest path. Some kids do calc in 10th, stats in 11th, then DE in 12th, but a year gap between calc and college math is not helpful.

[Anonymous]

My kid did it, and there was absolutley no good reason to do so. Kid has graduated from college (computer engineering), so we have some hindsight perspective.

[Anonymous]

Weird. We were told at this year's open house that the school wasn't able to offer Algebra 2 to anyone.

[Anonymous]

Thank you all- this was super helpful. I was just wondering if there is any real advantage for this in High School. Seems like the only advantage is he will get to take calculus earlier... but in the end he will still be on the same track as most kids who take AP classes in High School (Jackson Reed would be his HS).

[Anonymous]

Your kid should do it so that they are in a class with other high performing kids. Kids with behavioral problems impede the learning process of everyone in the classroom. Being in a more advanced class might be a way to avoid that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Your kid should do it so that they are in a class with other high performing kids. Kids with behavioral problems impede the learning process of everyone in the classroom. Being in a more advanced class might be a way to avoid that.

It doesn’t work like that, though. It’s not a separate track. Precalc at JR will have some 9th graders whose parents forced them against their will to get up at dawn for this “0 period” class, and it will also have seniors who are just getting to precalc, and everyone in between.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your kid should do it so that they are in a class with other high performing kids. Kids with behavioral problems impede the learning process of everyone in the classroom. Being in a more advanced class might be a way to avoid that.

It doesn’t work like that, though. It’s not a separate track. Precalc at JR will have some 9th graders whose parents forced them against their will to get up at dawn for this “0 period” class, and it will also have seniors who are just getting to precalc, and everyone in between.

Correct. And it has no impact on their MS classes, either, which are organized by team.

[Anonymous]

Also agree there is no reason to do it if your child isn’t interested. It really doesn’t matter in the long run.

—DCPS math teacher

[Anonymous]

I would only do this if your kid absolutely loves math. Some kids who don’t accelerate are bored in HS. But I mean your kid watches math videos and teaches themselves math for fun (yes there are more of these kids than one might think!). If not, don’t bother doing it.