Would you have your 8th grader retake algebra if he got a B in 7th grade?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes!! A B in algebra shows he’s struggling. No kid struggling should be on an advanced math - math starts getting very hard, and there is NO advantage in college to doing algebra in 7th.

You people are insane. A B is fine. I can't imagine doing that to my kid.

You’re not getting my point. The kid wants to be in a super advanced math track, which will certainly get more challenging. Why do that to yourself? There is no benefit except added stress. Algebra 1 in 8th is what I recommend.

[Anonymous]

I didn't. DC is now in 11th grade and has had mostly As in math ever since - one other semester B in AP Calc BC (taking this year). I would say his foundations were just fine even with that one B. But if you're worried about it, try to find out why his grade is a B - is he missing fundamental concepts? Making silly mistakes on tests / not paying enough attention to the question? Not turning in homework? Then go from there.

I definitely wouldn't do it just to boost the GPA. By the time he's a junior, one year grade just won't have that much impact.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You must be kidding. For a B????

An emphatic +1!

[Anonymous]

what does your kid want to do? I wouldn't want my senior to be stressed out by multivariable calculus so I would probably advise they repeat algebra but only if that is what my kid wants to do

[Anonymous]

Mine did, had a low B in 7th and got a high A in 8th. We thought it was more important to have the stronger foundation. Plus his teacher on 7th didn't have a great reputation and was in the middle of Covid.

[Anonymous]

No. As others have said, you will get the 0.5 bump. FCPS generally has poor math teachers. Work with your kid over the summer to make sure they have a solid foundation. Get used to providing outside assistance for math for the remainder of time in FCPS.

[Anonymous]

What’s going to change if your son repeats Algebra 1 next year? As others have said, it’s not the B, it’s the lack of foundation as he goes forward. After Alg 1 is Geo which uses some Alg but is also a great time to shore up concepts. So I wouldn’t have him repeat but I would find him a tutor or enroll in a Kumon/Mathnasium and have them fill in the gaps that he’s missing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DS is currently in 7th grade and has a solid B in Algebra. It is highly unlikely he will pull it up to an A. I don’t want DS starting high school with a 3.0 GPA.

Would you have him retake Algebra in 8th?

This is so NoVA behavior-absolutely crazy.

[Anonymous]

No. He got a B. It’s fine. Move on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes but not because a B is a low grade. 7th grade is young to take Algebra and it is the most important math class he will take. It is the foundation for every other math class and the stronger the foundation the better. I didn’t have my own kids take it in 7th and wanted a slower math progression to have a very solid base before any high school classes. - math teacher

Exactly. Our middle school suggests retaking Algebra 1 if you get a B minus as an 8th grader. I'd definitely do it if your kid is only in 7th. Plenty of time to still get to lots of math and will hopefully set him up for success in later math classes.

[Anonymous]

He can start fresh and get an A in 8th which will look better on his transcript. It’s a no brainer for me.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like algebra is being pushed on students before they are ready. Why rush it?

[Anonymous]

Why does he have a B? Is he getting Cs on all tests and bringing it up with effort grades? Then I'd retake the course. But if he's getting As on tests and has a B because he's forgetting to turn in work (or not doing it), then there is not point to retaking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why does he have a B? Is he getting Cs on all tests and bringing it up with effort grades? Then I'd retake the course. But if he's getting As on tests and has a B because he's forgetting to turn in work (or not doing it), then there is not point to retaking.

Agree with this. Or if it's SBG and opaque or indecipherable grading, then no point in retaking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sounds like algebra is being pushed on students before they are ready. Why rush it?

Status, and they think it’s an advantage for TJ.