Equitable access to advanced math

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For those asking for advanced math opportunities, FCPS already offers AAP math, and further with principal approval, 6th graders can enroll in Algebra 1 or go for summer geometry as rising 8th grader. Are you saying even more advanced math options should be provided?

Algebra in 6th grade is rare, 30 kids most years and only at a few schools. The path to Algebra in 6th is not publicly shared and is fully dependent on a test in 6th grade. People are saying that the path is too strict and needs to be made public.

DS had a 145 on the Q section of the CoGAT, has SOL scores that have never been lower then 550 in math, to include a perfect score, and iReady percentiles in the 99th percentile every time he has taken the iReady. No one discussed Algebra in 6th grade with us. He hit every bench mark for Algebra in 6th grade but our school is not one of the ones that actively looks for kids that fit the profile and we did not know that the path existed.

A ver small number students take Algebra 1 in 6th, definitely less than 1%. You can’t really ask the district to make programs and pour resources into something that so few students would benefit from.

In your case, you probably accelerated your kid with at home and outside enrichment, seems to me it’s more of your responsibility to figure out a path for advanced math placement, instead of complaining he wasn’t placed in 6th in Algebra. There are so many options available, just be nice and understanding when dealing with the school administrators, they most likely will work something out for your kid. Making demands and asking district wide policies and programs is definitely not the way to go.

Where did I complain about it in my post? We did not say anything to the school or complain to the administration. I was unaware that there was a path for Algebra in 6th grade until I read about it here in 5th grade because the county does not make that information public knowledge. The point is that there was at least one kid who met all of the criteria that is suppose to exist who was not offered the opportunity to accelerate at school because the school does not offer that opportunity. And he is not likely the only one that is not given the chance.

We did not prep for the NNAT or the CoGAT and we did not attend math enrichment until the COVID year, so 4th grade for my son. His NNAT and CoGAT scores were his ability, his iReady percentiles were in the 99th percentile in 1-4th grade, before we started RSM. We started RSM because he was bored with math at school, it is what we saw during online learning that prompted our choice to offer it to him.

His K Teacher commented on his math ability and had him working on first grade material in K. Every Teacher he had commented on his math ability and told us that there was no way he wouldn’t end up in Advanced Math. Had he been at one of the handful os schools that look for the benchmarks, there would have been a discussion to advance him or not. Now he is a 6th grader and he scored an 18 on the AMC8, participates in a ton of other math competitions, and studies math outside of school and RSM for fun.

If the County has a policy, and they do, then it should be applied uniformly, and it isn’t. And there is nothing wrong with pointing that out.

Can you link to the policy the district didn’t follow?

Not accessible to URM parents. Only the privileged know how to get their 6th graders in Algebra 1. Must be publicly available so you dont have to come here and ask.

Ok, so you’re just making things up. You said the district has a policy and they’re not applying it uniformly, now you can’t find it because you’re URM. It’s not a policy, it’s left to the school and they can implement it if there are resources, a sufficient number of student to form a class etc.

What specifically are you complaining about?

They are not forming a class of Algebra 1 students in 6th grade. The kids either go to the MS to take the class or they take it online. The kids in 6th grade are dispersed around the County.

Did you ask that they test your student and place him in Algebra? You seem to be upset that they didn’t read your mind and foresee that you might be upset in the future that some kids take Algebra earlier than yours. We’re talking about 30 kids district wide out of 14000 that do Algebra in 6th, it’s usually parents advocating for their kids because it’s so rare, likely the schools won’t know what to do with them.

The point is that smart kids of uninvolved or incompetent parents ("unprivileged" or "URM" because that poster is extremely racist about the ability of URM people to care for their kids) can't get themselves into the advanced classes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Some of these principals and other administrators are more interested in equity and the idea of pushing algebra to 8th or 9th grade and would act against 6th or 7th grade algebra. A person on Loudoun County's curriculum staff said they supported eliminating tracking for equity reasons.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For those asking for advanced math opportunities, FCPS already offers AAP math, and further with principal approval, 6th graders can enroll in Algebra 1 or go for summer geometry as rising 8th grader. Are you saying even more advanced math options should be provided?

Algebra in 6th grade is rare, 30 kids most years and only at a few schools. The path to Algebra in 6th is not publicly shared and is fully dependent on a test in 6th grade. People are saying that the path is too strict and needs to be made public.

DS had a 145 on the Q section of the CoGAT, has SOL scores that have never been lower then 550 in math, to include a perfect score, and iReady percentiles in the 99th percentile every time he has taken the iReady. No one discussed Algebra in 6th grade with us. He hit every bench mark for Algebra in 6th grade but our school is not one of the ones that actively looks for kids that fit the profile and we did not know that the path existed.

A ver small number students take Algebra 1 in 6th, definitely less than 1%. You can’t really ask the district to make programs and pour resources into something that so few students would benefit from.

In your case, you probably accelerated your kid with at home and outside enrichment, seems to me it’s more of your responsibility to figure out a path for advanced math placement, instead of complaining he wasn’t placed in 6th in Algebra. There are so many options available, just be nice and understanding when dealing with the school administrators, they most likely will work something out for your kid. Making demands and asking district wide policies and programs is definitely not the way to go.

Where did I complain about it in my post? We did not say anything to the school or complain to the administration. I was unaware that there was a path for Algebra in 6th grade until I read about it here in 5th grade because the county does not make that information public knowledge. The point is that there was at least one kid who met all of the criteria that is suppose to exist who was not offered the opportunity to accelerate at school because the school does not offer that opportunity. And he is not likely the only one that is not given the chance.

We did not prep for the NNAT or the CoGAT and we did not attend math enrichment until the COVID year, so 4th grade for my son. His NNAT and CoGAT scores were his ability, his iReady percentiles were in the 99th percentile in 1-4th grade, before we started RSM. We started RSM because he was bored with math at school, it is what we saw during online learning that prompted our choice to offer it to him.

His K Teacher commented on his math ability and had him working on first grade material in K. Every Teacher he had commented on his math ability and told us that there was no way he wouldn’t end up in Advanced Math. Had he been at one of the handful os schools that look for the benchmarks, there would have been a discussion to advance him or not. Now he is a 6th grader and he scored an 18 on the AMC8, participates in a ton of other math competitions, and studies math outside of school and RSM for fun.

If the County has a policy, and they do, then it should be applied uniformly, and it isn’t. And there is nothing wrong with pointing that out.

Can you link to the policy the district didn’t follow?

Not accessible to URM parents. Only the privileged know how to get their 6th graders in Algebra 1. Must be publicly available so you dont have to come here and ask.

Ok, so you’re just making things up. You said the district has a policy and they’re not applying it uniformly, now you can’t find it because you’re URM. It’s not a policy, it’s left to the school and they can implement it if there are resources, a sufficient number of student to form a class etc.

What specifically are you complaining about?

They are not forming a class of Algebra 1 students in 6th grade. The kids either go to the MS to take the class or they take it online. The kids in 6th grade are dispersed around the County.

Did you ask that they test your student and place him in Algebra? You seem to be upset that they didn’t read your mind and foresee that you might be upset in the future that some kids take Algebra earlier than yours. We’re talking about 30 kids district wide out of 14000 that do Algebra in 6th, it’s usually parents advocating for their kids because it’s so rare, likely the schools won’t know what to do with them.

The point is that smart kids of uninvolved or incompetent parents ("unprivileged" or "URM" because that poster is extremely racist about the ability of URM people to care for their kids) can't get themselves into the advanced classes.

Out of the 30 kids capable of taking algebra in 6th, how many have uninvolved or incompetent parents? Likely you’re the only person having this issue. If indeed your student got 18 on AMC8 in 6th grade, the regular algebra class would not be very useful to him. That’s a score indicative of algebra mastery to say the least.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For those asking for advanced math opportunities, FCPS already offers AAP math, and further with principal approval, 6th graders can enroll in Algebra 1 or go for summer geometry as rising 8th grader. Are you saying even more advanced math options should be provided?

Algebra in 6th grade is rare, 30 kids most years and only at a few schools. The path to Algebra in 6th is not publicly shared and is fully dependent on a test in 6th grade. People are saying that the path is too strict and needs to be made public.

DS had a 145 on the Q section of the CoGAT, has SOL scores that have never been lower then 550 in math, to include a perfect score, and iReady percentiles in the 99th percentile every time he has taken the iReady. No one discussed Algebra in 6th grade with us. He hit every bench mark for Algebra in 6th grade but our school is not one of the ones that actively looks for kids that fit the profile and we did not know that the path existed.

A ver small number students take Algebra 1 in 6th, definitely less than 1%. You can’t really ask the district to make programs and pour resources into something that so few students would benefit from.

In your case, you probably accelerated your kid with at home and outside enrichment, seems to me it’s more of your responsibility to figure out a path for advanced math placement, instead of complaining he wasn’t placed in 6th in Algebra. There are so many options available, just be nice and understanding when dealing with the school administrators, they most likely will work something out for your kid. Making demands and asking district wide policies and programs is definitely not the way to go.

Where did I complain about it in my post? We did not say anything to the school or complain to the administration. I was unaware that there was a path for Algebra in 6th grade until I read about it here in 5th grade because the county does not make that information public knowledge. The point is that there was at least one kid who met all of the criteria that is suppose to exist who was not offered the opportunity to accelerate at school because the school does not offer that opportunity. And he is not likely the only one that is not given the chance.

We did not prep for the NNAT or the CoGAT and we did not attend math enrichment until the COVID year, so 4th grade for my son. His NNAT and CoGAT scores were his ability, his iReady percentiles were in the 99th percentile in 1-4th grade, before we started RSM. We started RSM because he was bored with math at school, it is what we saw during online learning that prompted our choice to offer it to him.

His K Teacher commented on his math ability and had him working on first grade material in K. Every Teacher he had commented on his math ability and told us that there was no way he wouldn’t end up in Advanced Math. Had he been at one of the handful os schools that look for the benchmarks, there would have been a discussion to advance him or not. Now he is a 6th grader and he scored an 18 on the AMC8, participates in a ton of other math competitions, and studies math outside of school and RSM for fun.

If the County has a policy, and they do, then it should be applied uniformly, and it isn’t. And there is nothing wrong with pointing that out.

Can you link to the policy the district didn’t follow?

Not accessible to URM parents. Only the privileged know how to get their 6th graders in Algebra 1. Must be publicly available so you dont have to come here and ask.

Ok, so you’re just making things up. You said the district has a policy and they’re not applying it uniformly, now you can’t find it because you’re URM. It’s not a policy, it’s left to the school and they can implement it if there are resources, a sufficient number of student to form a class etc.

What specifically are you complaining about?

They are not forming a class of Algebra 1 students in 6th grade. The kids either go to the MS to take the class or they take it online. The kids in 6th grade are dispersed around the County.

Did you ask that they test your student and place him in Algebra? You seem to be upset that they didn’t read your mind and foresee that you might be upset in the future that some kids take Algebra earlier than yours. We’re talking about 30 kids district wide out of 14000 that do Algebra in 6th, it’s usually parents advocating for their kids because it’s so rare, likely the schools won’t know what to do with them.

The point is that smart kids of uninvolved or incompetent parents ("unprivileged" or "URM" because that poster is extremely racist about the ability of URM people to care for their kids) can't get themselves into the advanced classes.

Out of the 30 kids capable of taking algebra in 6th, how many have uninvolved or incompetent parents? Likely you’re the only person having this issue. If indeed your student got 18 on AMC8 in 6th grade, the regular algebra class would not be very useful to him. That’s a score indicative of algebra mastery to say the least.

I can't make heads or taiks out of the confused mix of ideas in that paragraph. You seem to have missed that students not invited to Algebra in 6th are not among the 30 enrolled in Algebra in 6th.

But the AMC 8 is an (enriched) prealgebra test. Mastery of Algebra, including quadratics, is domain of the AMC 10.

https://maa.org/math-competitions/amc-8

Scoring 18/25 shows solid prealgebra skills, mature careful work, and quickness/fluency.

6th graders in Algebra 1 class are exactly the sort of people who score about 18. (I know several of them!).


And anyway, if as you say, these students have already mastered algebra, why would you think they should be in pre-algebra class instead?!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For those asking for advanced math opportunities, FCPS already offers AAP math, and further with principal approval, 6th graders can enroll in Algebra 1 or go for summer geometry as rising 8th grader. Are you saying even more advanced math options should be provided?

Algebra in 6th grade is rare, 30 kids most years and only at a few schools. The path to Algebra in 6th is not publicly shared and is fully dependent on a test in 6th grade. People are saying that the path is too strict and needs to be made public.

DS had a 145 on the Q section of the CoGAT, has SOL scores that have never been lower then 550 in math, to include a perfect score, and iReady percentiles in the 99th percentile every time he has taken the iReady. No one discussed Algebra in 6th grade with us. He hit every bench mark for Algebra in 6th grade but our school is not one of the ones that actively looks for kids that fit the profile and we did not know that the path existed.

A ver small number students take Algebra 1 in 6th, definitely less than 1%. You can’t really ask the district to make programs and pour resources into something that so few students would benefit from.

In your case, you probably accelerated your kid with at home and outside enrichment, seems to me it’s more of your responsibility to figure out a path for advanced math placement, instead of complaining he wasn’t placed in 6th in Algebra. There are so many options available, just be nice and understanding when dealing with the school administrators, they most likely will work something out for your kid. Making demands and asking district wide policies and programs is definitely not the way to go.

Where did I complain about it in my post? We did not say anything to the school or complain to the administration. I was unaware that there was a path for Algebra in 6th grade until I read about it here in 5th grade because the county does not make that information public knowledge. The point is that there was at least one kid who met all of the criteria that is suppose to exist who was not offered the opportunity to accelerate at school because the school does not offer that opportunity. And he is not likely the only one that is not given the chance.

We did not prep for the NNAT or the CoGAT and we did not attend math enrichment until the COVID year, so 4th grade for my son. His NNAT and CoGAT scores were his ability, his iReady percentiles were in the 99th percentile in 1-4th grade, before we started RSM. We started RSM because he was bored with math at school, it is what we saw during online learning that prompted our choice to offer it to him.

His K Teacher commented on his math ability and had him working on first grade material in K. Every Teacher he had commented on his math ability and told us that there was no way he wouldn’t end up in Advanced Math. Had he been at one of the handful os schools that look for the benchmarks, there would have been a discussion to advance him or not. Now he is a 6th grader and he scored an 18 on the AMC8, participates in a ton of other math competitions, and studies math outside of school and RSM for fun.

If the County has a policy, and they do, then it should be applied uniformly, and it isn’t. And there is nothing wrong with pointing that out.

Can you link to the policy the district didn’t follow?

Not accessible to URM parents. Only the privileged know how to get their 6th graders in Algebra 1. Must be publicly available so you dont have to come here and ask.

Ok, so you’re just making things up. You said the district has a policy and they’re not applying it uniformly, now you can’t find it because you’re URM. It’s not a policy, it’s left to the school and they can implement it if there are resources, a sufficient number of student to form a class etc.

What specifically are you complaining about?

They are not forming a class of Algebra 1 students in 6th grade. The kids either go to the MS to take the class or they take it online. The kids in 6th grade are dispersed around the County.

in neighboring counties, 6th graders are already in middle school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Take a look at the E3 pilot. And Tina Mazzacane works for FCPS and was a major force for VMPI. 'Practice of putting kids in inferior classes must end'.

That doesn’t mean “reduce math for all”. That was an effort to expand options. Killed by Republican propaganda.

That is not true at all.

Parents across the political and racial spectrum opposed VMPI because it was terrible policy and would have severely damaged the quality of public education in Virginia.

Agreed. VMPI did have a component that was focused on potentially expanding math options at the 11th and 12th grade levels, but it was also stated that they wanted to deemphasize calculus in HS and up until 11th grade were going to have classes where everyone taking the same classes, no acceleration/different levels. When there was an outcry about that, they tried to backpedal and say they wouldn't prohibit districts from acceleration, but it couldn't recover and got killed with the Younkin administration.

Untrue. They always included AP/IB and never said districts couldn’t accelerate kids. Someone mentioned detracking was a trend in math and (politically motivated) people falsely claimed VADOE was going to “ban” acceleration. Even if that were true, they hadn’t even come up with a proposal yet for public review.

The “public outcry” was a political machination. Maybe some gullible people joined in but at the root it was a GOP attack on education.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For those asking for advanced math opportunities, FCPS already offers AAP math, and further with principal approval, 6th graders can enroll in Algebra 1 or go for summer geometry as rising 8th grader. Are you saying even more advanced math options should be provided?

Algebra in 6th grade is rare, 30 kids most years and only at a few schools. The path to Algebra in 6th is not publicly shared and is fully dependent on a test in 6th grade. People are saying that the path is too strict and needs to be made public.

DS had a 145 on the Q section of the CoGAT, has SOL scores that have never been lower then 550 in math, to include a perfect score, and iReady percentiles in the 99th percentile every time he has taken the iReady. No one discussed Algebra in 6th grade with us. He hit every bench mark for Algebra in 6th grade but our school is not one of the ones that actively looks for kids that fit the profile and we did not know that the path existed.

A ver small number students take Algebra 1 in 6th, definitely less than 1%. You can’t really ask the district to make programs and pour resources into something that so few students would benefit from.

In your case, you probably accelerated your kid with at home and outside enrichment, seems to me it’s more of your responsibility to figure out a path for advanced math placement, instead of complaining he wasn’t placed in 6th in Algebra. There are so many options available, just be nice and understanding when dealing with the school administrators, they most likely will work something out for your kid. Making demands and asking district wide policies and programs is definitely not the way to go.

Where did I complain about it in my post? We did not say anything to the school or complain to the administration. I was unaware that there was a path for Algebra in 6th grade until I read about it here in 5th grade because the county does not make that information public knowledge. The point is that there was at least one kid who met all of the criteria that is suppose to exist who was not offered the opportunity to accelerate at school because the school does not offer that opportunity. And he is not likely the only one that is not given the chance.

We did not prep for the NNAT or the CoGAT and we did not attend math enrichment until the COVID year, so 4th grade for my son. His NNAT and CoGAT scores were his ability, his iReady percentiles were in the 99th percentile in 1-4th grade, before we started RSM. We started RSM because he was bored with math at school, it is what we saw during online learning that prompted our choice to offer it to him.

His K Teacher commented on his math ability and had him working on first grade material in K. Every Teacher he had commented on his math ability and told us that there was no way he wouldn’t end up in Advanced Math. Had he been at one of the handful os schools that look for the benchmarks, there would have been a discussion to advance him or not. Now he is a 6th grader and he scored an 18 on the AMC8, participates in a ton of other math competitions, and studies math outside of school and RSM for fun.

If the County has a policy, and they do, then it should be applied uniformly, and it isn’t. And there is nothing wrong with pointing that out.

Can you link to the policy the district didn’t follow?

Not accessible to URM parents. Only the privileged know how to get their 6th graders in Algebra 1. Must be publicly available so you dont have to come here and ask.

Ok, so you’re just making things up. You said the district has a policy and they’re not applying it uniformly, now you can’t find it because you’re URM. It’s not a policy, it’s left to the school and they can implement it if there are resources, a sufficient number of student to form a class etc.

What specifically are you complaining about?

They are not forming a class of Algebra 1 students in 6th grade. The kids either go to the MS to take the class or they take it online. The kids in 6th grade are dispersed around the County.

Did you ask that they test your student and place him in Algebra? You seem to be upset that they didn’t read your mind and foresee that you might be upset in the future that some kids take Algebra earlier than yours. We’re talking about 30 kids district wide out of 14000 that do Algebra in 6th, it’s usually parents advocating for their kids because it’s so rare, likely the schools won’t know what to do with them.

The point is that smart kids of uninvolved or incompetent parents ("unprivileged" or "URM" because that poster is extremely racist about the ability of URM people to care for their kids) can't get themselves into the advanced classes.

Should FCPS get involved to solve the familial issues, such as getting absentee fathers to return to the family home and become involved in their children’s education?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For those asking for advanced math opportunities, FCPS already offers AAP math, and further with principal approval, 6th graders can enroll in Algebra 1 or go for summer geometry as rising 8th grader. Are you saying even more advanced math options should be provided?

Algebra in 6th grade is rare, 30 kids most years and only at a few schools. The path to Algebra in 6th is not publicly shared and is fully dependent on a test in 6th grade. People are saying that the path is too strict and needs to be made public.

DS had a 145 on the Q section of the CoGAT, has SOL scores that have never been lower then 550 in math, to include a perfect score, and iReady percentiles in the 99th percentile every time he has taken the iReady. No one discussed Algebra in 6th grade with us. He hit every bench mark for Algebra in 6th grade but our school is not one of the ones that actively looks for kids that fit the profile and we did not know that the path existed.

A ver small number students take Algebra 1 in 6th, definitely less than 1%. You can’t really ask the district to make programs and pour resources into something that so few students would benefit from.

In your case, you probably accelerated your kid with at home and outside enrichment, seems to me it’s more of your responsibility to figure out a path for advanced math placement, instead of complaining he wasn’t placed in 6th in Algebra. There are so many options available, just be nice and understanding when dealing with the school administrators, they most likely will work something out for your kid. Making demands and asking district wide policies and programs is definitely not the way to go.

Where did I complain about it in my post? We did not say anything to the school or complain to the administration. I was unaware that there was a path for Algebra in 6th grade until I read about it here in 5th grade because the county does not make that information public knowledge. The point is that there was at least one kid who met all of the criteria that is suppose to exist who was not offered the opportunity to accelerate at school because the school does not offer that opportunity. And he is not likely the only one that is not given the chance.

We did not prep for the NNAT or the CoGAT and we did not attend math enrichment until the COVID year, so 4th grade for my son. His NNAT and CoGAT scores were his ability, his iReady percentiles were in the 99th percentile in 1-4th grade, before we started RSM. We started RSM because he was bored with math at school, it is what we saw during online learning that prompted our choice to offer it to him.

His K Teacher commented on his math ability and had him working on first grade material in K. Every Teacher he had commented on his math ability and told us that there was no way he wouldn’t end up in Advanced Math. Had he been at one of the handful os schools that look for the benchmarks, there would have been a discussion to advance him or not. Now he is a 6th grader and he scored an 18 on the AMC8, participates in a ton of other math competitions, and studies math outside of school and RSM for fun.

If the County has a policy, and they do, then it should be applied uniformly, and it isn’t. And there is nothing wrong with pointing that out.

Can you link to the policy the district didn’t follow?

Not accessible to URM parents. Only the privileged know how to get their 6th graders in Algebra 1. Must be publicly available so you dont have to come here and ask.

Ok, so you’re just making things up. You said the district has a policy and they’re not applying it uniformly, now you can’t find it because you’re URM. It’s not a policy, it’s left to the school and they can implement it if there are resources, a sufficient number of student to form a class etc.

What specifically are you complaining about?

They are not forming a class of Algebra 1 students in 6th grade. The kids either go to the MS to take the class or they take it online. The kids in 6th grade are dispersed around the County.

Did you ask that they test your student and place him in Algebra? You seem to be upset that they didn’t read your mind and foresee that you might be upset in the future that some kids take Algebra earlier than yours. We’re talking about 30 kids district wide out of 14000 that do Algebra in 6th, it’s usually parents advocating for their kids because it’s so rare, likely the schools won’t know what to do with them.

The point is that smart kids of uninvolved or incompetent parents ("unprivileged" or "URM" because that poster is extremely racist about the ability of URM people to care for their kids) can't get themselves into the advanced classes.

Should FCPS get involved to solve the familial issues, such as getting absentee fathers to return to the family home and become involved in their children’s education?

No, FCPS should stay the heck of out trying to solve the world's problems. (i.e. "the poor will always be with us") County residents do not have the resources to eliminate differences among students, and it is ludicrous to try to force equitable academic outcomes. Do what is fair and appropriate and meet the kids where they are. Measure success by changes in achievement; don't expect all kids to have perfect home lives. And stop equating minorities with poor parenting because that's painting with too broad a brush (i.e. "racist" as noted).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For those asking for advanced math opportunities, FCPS already offers AAP math, and further with principal approval, 6th graders can enroll in Algebra 1 or go for summer geometry as rising 8th grader. Are you saying even more advanced math options should be provided?

Algebra in 6th grade is rare, 30 kids most years and only at a few schools. The path to Algebra in 6th is not publicly shared and is fully dependent on a test in 6th grade. People are saying that the path is too strict and needs to be made public.

DS had a 145 on the Q section of the CoGAT, has SOL scores that have never been lower then 550 in math, to include a perfect score, and iReady percentiles in the 99th percentile every time he has taken the iReady. No one discussed Algebra in 6th grade with us. He hit every bench mark for Algebra in 6th grade but our school is not one of the ones that actively looks for kids that fit the profile and we did not know that the path existed.

A ver small number students take Algebra 1 in 6th, definitely less than 1%. You can’t really ask the district to make programs and pour resources into something that so few students would benefit from.

In your case, you probably accelerated your kid with at home and outside enrichment, seems to me it’s more of your responsibility to figure out a path for advanced math placement, instead of complaining he wasn’t placed in 6th in Algebra. There are so many options available, just be nice and understanding when dealing with the school administrators, they most likely will work something out for your kid. Making demands and asking district wide policies and programs is definitely not the way to go.

Where did I complain about it in my post? We did not say anything to the school or complain to the administration. I was unaware that there was a path for Algebra in 6th grade until I read about it here in 5th grade because the county does not make that information public knowledge. The point is that there was at least one kid who met all of the criteria that is suppose to exist who was not offered the opportunity to accelerate at school because the school does not offer that opportunity. And he is not likely the only one that is not given the chance.

We did not prep for the NNAT or the CoGAT and we did not attend math enrichment until the COVID year, so 4th grade for my son. His NNAT and CoGAT scores were his ability, his iReady percentiles were in the 99th percentile in 1-4th grade, before we started RSM. We started RSM because he was bored with math at school, it is what we saw during online learning that prompted our choice to offer it to him.

His K Teacher commented on his math ability and had him working on first grade material in K. Every Teacher he had commented on his math ability and told us that there was no way he wouldn’t end up in Advanced Math. Had he been at one of the handful os schools that look for the benchmarks, there would have been a discussion to advance him or not. Now he is a 6th grader and he scored an 18 on the AMC8, participates in a ton of other math competitions, and studies math outside of school and RSM for fun.

If the County has a policy, and they do, then it should be applied uniformly, and it isn’t. And there is nothing wrong with pointing that out.

Can you link to the policy the district didn’t follow?

Not accessible to URM parents. Only the privileged know how to get their 6th graders in Algebra 1. Must be publicly available so you dont have to come here and ask.

Ok, so you’re just making things up. You said the district has a policy and they’re not applying it uniformly, now you can’t find it because you’re URM. It’s not a policy, it’s left to the school and they can implement it if there are resources, a sufficient number of student to form a class etc.

What specifically are you complaining about?

They are not forming a class of Algebra 1 students in 6th grade. The kids either go to the MS to take the class or they take it online. The kids in 6th grade are dispersed around the County.

Did you ask that they test your student and place him in Algebra? You seem to be upset that they didn’t read your mind and foresee that you might be upset in the future that some kids take Algebra earlier than yours. We’re talking about 30 kids district wide out of 14000 that do Algebra in 6th, it’s usually parents advocating for their kids because it’s so rare, likely the schools won’t know what to do with them.

The point is that smart kids of uninvolved or incompetent parents ("unprivileged" or "URM" because that poster is extremely racist about the ability of URM people to care for their kids) can't get themselves into the advanced classes.

DP here. That's not the point. Parent advocacy is not an issue here. FCPS has a program and criteria for the Algebra in 6th grade path. Some principals follow the program and place children without the parents needing to lift a finger. At other schools, the principal is not willing to allow the acceleration, even for kids who qualify. On top of that, FCPS hasn't released the criteria to parents, so even involved and competent parents may not be aware that this is a thing they could request.

[Anonymous]

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you seem to be misinformed. Many counties across US have kids completing algebra 1 comfortably in 6th grade. multiple sections across many middle schools in LoCo.

It is not that many. You have a lot of kids taking summer geometry after 7th grade and thus lots of algebra 2 kids in 8th grade.
The numbers were a little higher before, but then Loudoun implemented VMPI ahead of the state and the numbers dropped along with closing of school's reducing test scores.

That’s because people don’t know how it’s done.

The kid has to score 145 on the cogat math, then do a screener pre IAAT, then take the IAAT then the sol.

Neighbor’s child scored a couple of points off on ln the quant CogAT, and by the time they thought the child was ready for Algebra I and inquired there was no time to retake the CogAT.

Totally NOT transparent.

The people that are in the know plan for this ahead of time. Others suck it up with summer classes.

Still others are fine with a child being 2 years ahead of the math curriculum and not three. I suspect that most fall into this category. DS could have handled algebra in 6th but is fine taking it next year. I wouldn’t want him taking the class virtually and I don’t think getting up early to be on the bus to MS and then having to be transported to his ES is a great work around.

The point is not that some parents don’t want to accelerate their child, but that the criteria is hidden and only serves the ones that know. Just because you know, doesn’t mean that you’ll take the opportunity. It actually helps you make an informed decision.

Fair point.

No it's not. The criteria to take Algebra in 6th grade isn't hidden. It's very high and the class is inappropriate for the vast majority of students, whether or not they are URM.

+1. My current 6th grader scored in the 97th percentile on the IOWA. Doing great in math, but absolutely not ready for Algebra 1 Honors this year - next year is fine.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:What FCPS needs is a policy similar to what texas has implemented to encourage students to take on advanced math in middle school. The texas state law now requires school districts and charter schools to automatically enroll fifth graders who score in the top 40% on the state standardized math test in advanced math in sixth grade. Families can opt their children out of the advanced class if they choose.

"research has found that students who take four years of math in high school are twice as likely to get a postsecondary credential, such as a certificate, an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree. Students whose fourth year of math is a college-aligned course are six times as likely to get a postsecondary credential."

https://www.kut.org/education/2023-06-28/kids-are-probably-better-at-math-than-they-think-a-new-texas-law-could-help-them-realize-it

Reminder that this whole stupid thread is based on a persistent, ignorant OP who refuses to understand that prealgebra in 7th grade is not the same as Algebra 1 in 6th grade, and FCPS already does what is being " proposed" .

It seems like you're the one fervently arguing that 6th graders cannot grasp Algebra 1, despite the fact that our immediate neighboring school system consistently enrolls qualified 6th graders in Algebra 1 with flawless learning outcomes.

There is a difference between enrolling 1% of 6th graders in algebra 1 and enrolling 100% of 6th graders in algebra 1.

granting top 1 or 1.5% with opportunity to advanced math of algebra 1 in 6th grade across all schools, is equitable. isn't it?

The opportunity sure. Unfortunately FCPS's idea of equity is to reduce math for all.

No it isn't. FCPS isn't doing that.

Take a look at the E3 pilot. And Tina Mazzacane works for FCPS and was a major force for VMPI. 'Practice of putting kids in inferior classes must end'.

That doesn’t mean “reduce math for all”. That was an effort to expand options. Killed by Republican propaganda.

The "expanded" options were very similar to what is failing badly in San Fran. For example they were trying to teach a Data Analysis class that didn't have stats or calculus as a pre-req, which is basically meaningless and unhelpful. When even the Washington Post isn't giving your ideas a great review, you know it's not Republican propaganda killing it.

[Anonymous]

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you seem to be misinformed. Many counties across US have kids completing algebra 1 comfortably in 6th grade. multiple sections across many middle schools in LoCo.

It is not that many. You have a lot of kids taking summer geometry after 7th grade and thus lots of algebra 2 kids in 8th grade.
The numbers were a little higher before, but then Loudoun implemented VMPI ahead of the state and the numbers dropped along with closing of school's reducing test scores.

That’s because people don’t know how it’s done.

The kid has to score 145 on the cogat math, then do a screener pre IAAT, then take the IAAT then the sol.

Neighbor’s child scored a couple of points off on ln the quant CogAT, and by the time they thought the child was ready for Algebra I and inquired there was no time to retake the CogAT.

Totally NOT transparent.

The people that are in the know plan for this ahead of time. Others suck it up with summer classes.

Still others are fine with a child being 2 years ahead of the math curriculum and not three. I suspect that most fall into this category. DS could have handled algebra in 6th but is fine taking it next year. I wouldn’t want him taking the class virtually and I don’t think getting up early to be on the bus to MS and then having to be transported to his ES is a great work around.

The point is not that some parents don’t want to accelerate their child, but that the criteria is hidden and only serves the ones that know. Just because you know, doesn’t mean that you’ll take the opportunity. It actually helps you make an informed decision.

Fair point.

No it's not. The criteria to take Algebra in 6th grade isn't hidden. It's very high and the class is inappropriate for the vast majority of students, whether or not they are URM.

+1. My current 6th grader scored in the 97th percentile on the IOWA. Doing great in math, but absolutely not ready for Algebra 1 Honors this year - next year is fine.

My current 6th grader is more than ready for algebra 1, and acing in the class, but we had to go through a hundred hurdles to get them placed.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Many school systems gatekeep a bit too much for advanced math. In FCPS, there are a lot of kids who would be quite capable of 6th grade Algebra, but made one or two careless mistakes on a test taken in 2nd grade, and thus don't meet the CogAT cutoff.

Iready is given every year and has a very high ceiling. FCPS should be looking into acceleration options for the kids who are far into the 99th percentile. Many of these kids spend all of their early and mid ES years learning nothing at all in their school math class.

Keeping equity bs aside, can you imagine the progress FCPS would be making on math excellence front if thousands of students were taught the next level instead?

My impression is that if a kid is far into the 99th percentile on iready and demonstrates at the beginning-of-year math testing that they already know everything that is to be taught that year, FCPS does absolutely nothing for that kid. They could push them into a higher grade level class. They could at least provide extra push in enrichment or exempt the kid from the regular class and instead let them do AoPS/Beast academy. But for the most part, they do absolutely nothing and let the kid be bored out of their minds for the year. The very small handful of kids who are skipped ahead in FCPS were fortunate enough to have teachers and principals who wanted them to learn at the right level.

Were you, as a kid, regularly just pushed to skip a grade in math? I did it twice - it's not easy nor something that should be done lightly. Friends whose kids were principal placed in advanced math (and therefore skipped a grade) have all talked about how challenging it is. Some kids were indeed thriving in the regular advanced math track after not having it by second semester, but some dropped back to regular math.

Accelerating is one thing, entirely skipping a grade is another.
-parent whose kid regularly scores 99th percentile on iReady but definitely isn't ready to just start skipping math years

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Many school systems gatekeep a bit too much for advanced math. In FCPS, there are a lot of kids who would be quite capable of 6th grade Algebra, but made one or two careless mistakes on a test taken in 2nd grade, and thus don't meet the CogAT cutoff.

Iready is given every year and has a very high ceiling. FCPS should be looking into acceleration options for the kids who are far into the 99th percentile. Many of these kids spend all of their early and mid ES years learning nothing at all in their school math class.

Keeping equity bs aside, can you imagine the progress FCPS would be making on math excellence front if thousands of students were taught the next level instead?

My impression is that if a kid is far into the 99th percentile on iready and demonstrates at the beginning-of-year math testing that they already know everything that is to be taught that year, FCPS does absolutely nothing for that kid. They could push them into a higher grade level class. They could at least provide extra push in enrichment or exempt the kid from the regular class and instead let them do AoPS/Beast academy. But for the most part, they do absolutely nothing and let the kid be bored out of their minds for the year. The very small handful of kids who are skipped ahead in FCPS were fortunate enough to have teachers and principals who wanted them to learn at the right level.

Were you, as a kid, regularly just pushed to skip a grade in math? I did it twice - it's not easy nor something that should be done lightly. Friends whose kids were principal placed in advanced math (and therefore skipped a grade) have all talked about how challenging it is. Some kids were indeed thriving in the regular advanced math track after not having it by second semester, but some dropped back to regular math.

Accelerating is one thing, entirely skipping a grade is another.
-parent whose kid regularly scores 99th percentile on iReady but definitely isn't ready to just start skipping math years

DP. I really wonder how school went for these posters as children. Were they skipped ahead and it went well for them? Did they take advanced math classes with or without parent pushing and it was right for them, or was it too easy?

On the thread about skipping math classes at TJ, what is the end goal? Why is it preferable to take a math class at AOPS than in school? Why is it preferable for a student to take a math class twice, once at AOPS and then again in school, rather than just once in school? Is that how those parents did school when they were children? Or if it wasn't, did they feel left out or failed by their parents? Or did they just have a regular childhood but want something else for their children?

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:For those asking for advanced math opportunities, FCPS already offers AAP math, and further with principal approval, 6th graders can enroll in Algebra 1 or go for summer geometry as rising 8th grader. Are you saying even more advanced math options should be provided?

It's a lot more complicated than that. Very few people meet the FCPS benchmarks to enroll in Algebra I in 6th grade, regardless of the principal's approval.

What are they? Can you someone please describe the process how it works or worked?

It has already been listed in this thread and on numerous other threads in this forum. But I'll do it again.

To take Algebra I in 6th grade, the kid must:
Score 145 or higher on the CogAT Quant section
Score a 575 or higher on their 4th grade SOL
have the support of their 4th grade AAP/advanced math teacher.

Then, if they meet all of these at the end of 4th grade, Gatehouse will conduct additional testing. Kids who meet those benchmarks will be jumped up to 6th grade AAP math when in 5th grade.

In 5th grade, they need a 91st percentile or higher score on the IAAT as well as a pass advanced on the 7th grade Math SOL to be eligible for Algebra in 6th grade.

This is the process we had to go through, and it's ridiculous the number of barriers that are enforced for basic elementary math learning.