Help me understand the new math pathways
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
Correct. MSDE is mandating the new Math standards that include the replacement of the three-year Algebra 1, Geometry & Algebra 2 sequence with a two-year Integrated Algebra 1 & 2 sequence. ("Integrated" meaning, among other things, that aspects of Geometry are covered within the Algebra courses.) However, there will be content currently in the Algebra 1/Geometry/Algebra 2 curriculum that is not in the new Integrated Algebra 1/Integrated Algebra 2 curriculum -- they are not really compacting the three current courses into a 2-year acceleration, but achieving that 2 years (vs. 3 that some other states have adopted) by removing several standards. A small bit of that may be moved back to earlier years with the new overall curriculum (whatever is adopted that parallels the current elementary/middle curriculum though one of Math 8, AMP7+ or PreAlgebra). , The majority, though of that which will be removed (e.g., much of Trigonometry currently in Algebra 2, some Stats, etc.) either will be left out altogether (i.e., in some of the new 4 post-Algebra pathways, as these were conceived, in part, not to encompass such content that has become esoteric in the sense that much of the modern working world does not seek its mastery) or integrated into later coursework (i.e., for other pathways, like Calculus, where a PreCalculus curriculum then might need to be expanded to cover those concepts). |
Anonymous
| So if my fifth grader this year is in pre algebra next year, what are her next few math courses in the sequence? |
Anonymous
| This leaves bright kids who want advanced not accelerated math (and I do draw a distinction) fewer options in middle school. |
Anonymous
Integrated Algebra 1 and 2 in 7th and 8th, and then the following classes are a bit TBD both because MSDE is still developing their rules about them and because MCPS will then have to figure out how to respond, but it may well be pre-calc in 9th and calc in 10th unless MSDE allows and MCPS creates a second course to be taken in-between IA2 and calc. |
Anonymous
|
Current 6th graders in pre algebra are on the regular old pathway?
Algebra 1 7th Geometry 8th Algebra 2 9th ? |
Anonymous
Thank you! |
Anonymous
Yes. Those taking Algebra 1 next year, in whichever grade, would be the last to follow that three course sequence. |
Anonymous
| So there is no more Geometry? What is the rationale? |
Anonymous
The rationale is to mix algebra and geometry together rather than separating them out, which lots of states have done and makes sense. But other states keep it as a mixed 3 years rather than cut it to 2. Maryland says only 2 years worth of content is actually important. |
Anonymous
When do they have the testing for Algebra? If a kid gets a low score in Algebra in MS, can they repeat it? |
Anonymous
Likely the same rationale that removed Trigonometry |
Anonymous
No: state requires a two-year sequence. |
Anonymous
Just remember that the integrated courses not compacted. They move at grade level. Some standards are moved to 8th grade and some are skipped. For those who don’t do the calc track, that seems fine. But for those on the calc track, they will not be ready for precalc, so MCPS had better add a course to cover the missing standards or make orecalc longer than a year. |
Anonymous
This is incorrect. MSDE is requiring a two-year sequence. They want pathways that do not involve calculus and don’t think all the standards are necessary for these students. The calculus track will need an extra course. |
Anonymous
| You would think MCPS would figure this out before pushing out their program changes. All of their draft program pathways show students taking IM 1 and 2 in HS followed by a 2 year HS math course. However, MCPS knows exactly how many students are currently enrolled in compacted math and will complete IM 1 and 2 in MS. More flash advertising from MCPS! |