Should my kid take Algebra I in 7 grade if the child's strength is not math?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No. Look at what they would take in 12th and count backwards. Do you really want them in a class *beyond* Calculus? Beyond Calculus in 12th, is that necessary? .. just for bragging rights in 7th grade.

The OP doesn't seem to be worried about bragging rights. There are kids who are good at math and enjoy it. Algebra in 7th grade fits them just fine because of their skill and interest. Stop projecting your feelings on things to other people.

OP: What does your child think? If math is not their strength or love and they scored high enough on the IAAT and SOL to be allowed into Algebra in 7th grade, then they are better at math then you are giving them credit for. That said, it is fine for the child to take Math 7 H instead of Algebra. But at this stage, you should talk to your child about their interests. Algebra 1 is a high school class and it is important for the rest of high school math.

Thank you everyone. OP here. NO, not trying to brag here. It was an honest question. DC is not good with time management and organization, and Math is not an easy subject for the child. In the subjects of her strength, DC can be many years ahead of her age. But math is something that does not come naturally for the child. That is why I'm wondering if DC should go for Algebra 1 if as this point.

If your child is being considered for Algebra in 7th grade, she is ahead of the average 6th grader by 2 years. Not being an ass but just pointing out that she is ahead of her peers. It is harder to see that when kids are in Advanced Math or AAP and surrounded by other kids in the same boat. Not all of those kids are going to be in Algebra 1 in 7th either.

I still say talk to her and she what she wants to do. It sounds like she is capable of it but might not be interested in the class. And that is fine. 7th Grade Honors will be challenging and she will be just fine taking Algebra 1 in 8th grade.

[Anonymous]

I'm REALLY glad I didn't push my DC who scored 93rd percentile on Iowa test and Pass advanced on SOL to take algebra in 7th. He did fine in Algebra but Calculus was tough enough that I was glad he took it senior year with his first grades coming after he had been accepted in a school ED .

[Anonymous]

Not related to OP’s question but I was wondering about what other 6th graders are learning now after the SOL. I was surprised to hear from my kid that they are doing algebra worksheets (quadratic equations, factoring trinomials etc).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not related to OP’s question but I was wondering about what other 6th graders are learning now after the SOL. I was surprised to hear from my kid that they are doing algebra worksheets (quadratic equations, factoring trinomials etc).

My 6th grader in AAP says they have been playing math games and doing puzzles since the SOL. I don't understand how the OP already knows how child did on SOL, as they haven't yet released the scores. I asked in a separate post, but they did not respond.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
As usual, math-hating DCUM thinks higher-level math classes are unnecesary and just for bragging rights.

How can we ever progress as a nation when people think this way?!

NP. I took BC Calc my senior year in HS and got a 5 on the AP test. I was able to take Diff EQ my freshmen year of college, majored in EE, and ran out of math classes in college earlier than I wanted to. I don't see the point of taking anything past Calc in high school. Because I love math, not because I hate it.

But my kid also loves math and will be taking Alg I in 7th grade, because that's how they do it here. SMH

AP Statistics is a good option for senior year if they do Calc in Junior year, right? My kid is only in 6th, but that's what I did when I was in HS in MD 20 years ago.

[Anonymous]

^ it's fine. Certainly a course to take sometime. But it's good to be fresh on Calc heading into college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No. Look at what they would take in 12th and count backwards. Do you really want them in a class *beyond* Calculus? Beyond Calculus in 12th, is that necessary? .. just for bragging rights in 7th grade.

The OP doesn't seem to be worried about bragging rights. There are kids who are good at math and enjoy it. Algebra in 7th grade fits them just fine because of their skill and interest. Stop projecting your feelings on things to other people.

OP: What does your child think? If math is not their strength or love and they scored high enough on the IAAT and SOL to be allowed into Algebra in 7th grade, then they are better at math then you are giving them credit for. That said, it is fine for the child to take Math 7 H instead of Algebra. But at this stage, you should talk to your child about their interests. Algebra 1 is a high school class and it is important for the rest of high school math.

Thank you everyone. OP here. NO, not trying to brag here. It was an honest question. DC is not good with time management and organization, and Math is not an easy subject for the child. In the subjects of her strength, DC can be many years ahead of her age. But math is something that does not come naturally for the child. That is why I'm wondering if DC should go for Algebra 1 if as this point.

Why don't you have her do a summer prep or regular class - Landon has some both online and in person. We have done Algebra and Geometry and taking Algebra 2 this summer. Its really helpful. Advanced in MCPS is Algebra in 6th. 7-8th grade for many kids is normal to start Algebra.

[Anonymous]

As usual, math-hating DCUM thinks higher-level math classes are unnecesary and just for bragging rights.

How can we ever progress as a nation when people think this way?!

I think you're referring to me as I was the first poster who mentioned "bragging rights". My daughter has a chemistry doctorate. I certainly encouraged her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No. Look at what they would take in 12th and count backwards. Do you really want them in a class *beyond* Calculus? Beyond Calculus in 12th, is that necessary? .. just for bragging rights in 7th grade.

The OP doesn't seem to be worried about bragging rights. There are kids who are good at math and enjoy it. Algebra in 7th grade fits them just fine because of their skill and interest. Stop projecting your feelings on things to other people.

OP: What does your child think? If math is not their strength or love and they scored high enough on the IAAT and SOL to be allowed into Algebra in 7th grade, then they are better at math then you are giving them credit for. That said, it is fine for the child to take Math 7 H instead of Algebra. But at this stage, you should talk to your child about their interests. Algebra 1 is a high school class and it is important for the rest of high school math.

Thank you everyone. OP here. NO, not trying to brag here. It was an honest question. DC is not good with time management and organization, and Math is not an easy subject for the child. In the subjects of her strength, DC can be many years ahead of her age. But math is something that does not come naturally for the child. That is why I'm wondering if DC should go for Algebra 1 if as this point.

Why don't you have her do a summer prep or regular class - Landon has some both online and in person. We have done Algebra and Geometry and taking Algebra 2 this summer. Its really helpful. Advanced in MCPS is Algebra in 6th. 7-8th grade for many kids is normal to start Algebra.

Why do the FCPS parents on this forum then dissuade parents from letting their kids do Algebra in 7th grade? I don't understand that. I frequently keep seeing some posters saying not to let kids do Algebra 1 unless they got >96% in iaat.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No. Look at what they would take in 12th and count backwards. Do you really want them in a class *beyond* Calculus? Beyond Calculus in 12th, is that necessary? .. just for bragging rights in 7th grade.

The OP doesn't seem to be worried about bragging rights. There are kids who are good at math and enjoy it. Algebra in 7th grade fits them just fine because of their skill and interest. Stop projecting your feelings on things to other people.

OP: What does your child think? If math is not their strength or love and they scored high enough on the IAAT and SOL to be allowed into Algebra in 7th grade, then they are better at math then you are giving them credit for. That said, it is fine for the child to take Math 7 H instead of Algebra. But at this stage, you should talk to your child about their interests. Algebra 1 is a high school class and it is important for the rest of high school math.

Thank you everyone. OP here. NO, not trying to brag here. It was an honest question. DC is not good with time management and organization, and Math is not an easy subject for the child. In the subjects of her strength, DC can be many years ahead of her age. But math is something that does not come naturally for the child. That is why I'm wondering if DC should go for Algebra 1 if as this point.

Why don't you have her do a summer prep or regular class - Landon has some both online and in person. We have done Algebra and Geometry and taking Algebra 2 this summer. Its really helpful. Advanced in MCPS is Algebra in 6th. 7-8th grade for many kids is normal to start Algebra.

Why do the FCPS parents on this forum then dissuade parents from letting their kids do Algebra in 7th grade? I don't understand that. I frequently keep seeing some posters saying not to let kids do Algebra 1 unless they got >96% in iaat.

Because every year there are kids who struggle with Algebra 1 and they either drop down to Math 7 H or struggle through with a tutor. Algebra 1 is a foundational to advanced math so it is not a good class for kids to struggle through. Teachers on the site have suggested that the IAAT percentile should be higher. Toss in that kids who have been successful with math and then struggle mightily with Algebra 1 can lose confidence in math and stop enjoying it. There is nothing wrong with take Algebra in 8th grade.

At the very least, it is a class that parents should make sure that their kids want to take and are prepared for the heavier work load.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No. Look at what they would take in 12th and count backwards. Do you really want them in a class *beyond* Calculus? Beyond Calculus in 12th, is that necessary? .. just for bragging rights in 7th grade.

The OP doesn't seem to be worried about bragging rights. There are kids who are good at math and enjoy it. Algebra in 7th grade fits them just fine because of their skill and interest. Stop projecting your feelings on things to other people.

OP: What does your child think? If math is not their strength or love and they scored high enough on the IAAT and SOL to be allowed into Algebra in 7th grade, then they are better at math then you are giving them credit for. That said, it is fine for the child to take Math 7 H instead of Algebra. But at this stage, you should talk to your child about their interests. Algebra 1 is a high school class and it is important for the rest of high school math.

Thank you everyone. OP here. NO, not trying to brag here. It was an honest question. DC is not good with time management and organization, and Math is not an easy subject for the child. In the subjects of her strength, DC can be many years ahead of her age. But math is something that does not come naturally for the child. That is why I'm wondering if DC should go for Algebra 1 if as this point.

Why don't you have her do a summer prep or regular class - Landon has some both online and in person. We have done Algebra and Geometry and taking Algebra 2 this summer. Its really helpful. Advanced in MCPS is Algebra in 6th. 7-8th grade for many kids is normal to start Algebra.

This is a misstatement. In both FCPS and MCPS, a handful of students take Algebra in 6th. Then a percentage takes it in 7th, more in 8th, and the majority in 9th.

I'm not sure if posters who overstate like this are honestly oblivious? Or something else?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No. Look at what they would take in 12th and count backwards. Do you really want them in a class *beyond* Calculus? Beyond Calculus in 12th, is that necessary? .. just for bragging rights in 7th grade.

The OP doesn't seem to be worried about bragging rights. There are kids who are good at math and enjoy it. Algebra in 7th grade fits them just fine because of their skill and interest. Stop projecting your feelings on things to other people.

OP: What does your child think? If math is not their strength or love and they scored high enough on the IAAT and SOL to be allowed into Algebra in 7th grade, then they are better at math then you are giving them credit for. That said, it is fine for the child to take Math 7 H instead of Algebra. But at this stage, you should talk to your child about their interests. Algebra 1 is a high school class and it is important for the rest of high school math.

Thank you everyone. OP here. NO, not trying to brag here. It was an honest question. DC is not good with time management and organization, and Math is not an easy subject for the child. In the subjects of her strength, DC can be many years ahead of her age. But math is something that does not come naturally for the child. That is why I'm wondering if DC should go for Algebra 1 if as this point.

Why don't you have her do a summer prep or regular class - Landon has some both online and in person. We have done Algebra and Geometry and taking Algebra 2 this summer. Its really helpful. Advanced in MCPS is Algebra in 6th. 7-8th grade for many kids is normal to start Algebra.

Why do the FCPS parents on this forum then dissuade parents from letting their kids do Algebra in 7th grade? I don't understand that. I frequently keep seeing some posters saying not to let kids do Algebra 1 unless they got >96% in iaat.

Because every year there are kids who struggle with Algebra 1 and they either drop down to Math 7 H or struggle through with a tutor. Algebra 1 is a foundational to advanced math so it is not a good class for kids to struggle through. Teachers on the site have suggested that the IAAT percentile should be higher. Toss in that kids who have been successful with math and then struggle mightily with Algebra 1 can lose confidence in math and stop enjoying it. There is nothing wrong with take Algebra in 8th grade.

At the very least, it is a class that parents should make sure that their kids want to take and are prepared for the heavier work load.

My question was in comparison to MCPS. PP said it is normal in MCPS for kids to do Algebra 1 in 7th grade.

[Anonymous]

My kids are grown now but I remember very clearly the sixth grade meeting where the counselor said that the kids who should be taking Algebra I in 7th grade should "eat, sleep, and breath math."

Neither of my kids took Algebra until 8th grade. One elected to take BC calc in 12th grade while the other took AB. They are totally fine and very successful now!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No. Look at what they would take in 12th and count backwards. Do you really want them in a class *beyond* Calculus? Beyond Calculus in 12th, is that necessary? .. just for bragging rights in 7th grade.

The OP doesn't seem to be worried about bragging rights. There are kids who are good at math and enjoy it. Algebra in 7th grade fits them just fine because of their skill and interest. Stop projecting your feelings on things to other people.

OP: What does your child think? If math is not their strength or love and they scored high enough on the IAAT and SOL to be allowed into Algebra in 7th grade, then they are better at math then you are giving them credit for. That said, it is fine for the child to take Math 7 H instead of Algebra. But at this stage, you should talk to your child about their interests. Algebra 1 is a high school class and it is important for the rest of high school math.

Thank you everyone. OP here. NO, not trying to brag here. It was an honest question. DC is not good with time management and organization, and Math is not an easy subject for the child. In the subjects of her strength, DC can be many years ahead of her age. But math is something that does not come naturally for the child. That is why I'm wondering if DC should go for Algebra 1 if as this point.

Why don't you have her do a summer prep or regular class - Landon has some both online and in person. We have done Algebra and Geometry and taking Algebra 2 this summer. Its really helpful. Advanced in MCPS is Algebra in 6th. 7-8th grade for many kids is normal to start Algebra.

Why do the FCPS parents on this forum then dissuade parents from letting their kids do Algebra in 7th grade? I don't understand that. I frequently keep seeing some posters saying not to let kids do Algebra 1 unless they got >96% in iaat.

Probably because they didn't choose it for their kids and want to justify their decision. I have no idea why. We are in MCPS and I'm always shocked to read in this board how the kids in APP preform vs. our regular kids in non-APP programs.

If you think its best for your child, go for it. My child started in 6th and is doing fine. I probably would have waited till 7th but he wanted to do it our compromise was to prep some each summer, which has been really helpful. I know several kids who started in 6th and they are all doing fine. Many more starting in 7th and also doing fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No. Look at what they would take in 12th and count backwards. Do you really want them in a class *beyond* Calculus? Beyond Calculus in 12th, is that necessary? .. just for bragging rights in 7th grade.

The OP doesn't seem to be worried about bragging rights. There are kids who are good at math and enjoy it. Algebra in 7th grade fits them just fine because of their skill and interest. Stop projecting your feelings on things to other people.

OP: What does your child think? If math is not their strength or love and they scored high enough on the IAAT and SOL to be allowed into Algebra in 7th grade, then they are better at math then you are giving them credit for. That said, it is fine for the child to take Math 7 H instead of Algebra. But at this stage, you should talk to your child about their interests. Algebra 1 is a high school class and it is important for the rest of high school math.

Thank you everyone. OP here. NO, not trying to brag here. It was an honest question. DC is not good with time management and organization, and Math is not an easy subject for the child. In the subjects of her strength, DC can be many years ahead of her age. But math is something that does not come naturally for the child. That is why I'm wondering if DC should go for Algebra 1 if as this point.

Why don't you have her do a summer prep or regular class - Landon has some both online and in person. We have done Algebra and Geometry and taking Algebra 2 this summer. Its really helpful. Advanced in MCPS is Algebra in 6th. 7-8th grade for many kids is normal to start Algebra.

This is a misstatement. In both FCPS and MCPS, a handful of students take Algebra in 6th. Then a percentage takes it in 7th, more in 8th, and the majority in 9th.

I'm not sure if posters who overstate like this are honestly oblivious? Or something else?

There are more than a handful in MCPS. Its offered at some regular MS - I know of at least six and they all have at least 15-30 students starting in 6th. More common is 7 or 8th. Except kids with learning disabilities or other struggles, they don't start in 9th and that is much less common. Most kids I know are doing it in 6th or 7th. Most are smart kids, but probably not geniuses. Mine isn't a genius but smart and doing well in starting in 6th. Normal is not 9th grade anymore in MCPS.