Math acceleration?

[Anonymous]

Are kids able to start with Algebra 2 in highschool? Can they take Algebra 1 and Geometry in 7th and 8th?

[Anonymous]

Yes, but only the super advanced kids, which IMO is the correct way to have it.

[Anonymous]

Keep in mind that even though people are saying it is watered down..kids are still ending up in mostly the same place by high school. Most kids have taken algebra and a good number geometry. If that is where your son would have been in your old school then he is probably fine in MoCo.

Not true at all. If your kid isn't going to pursue a STEM field in college, then I agree, it doesn't matter. If you think that your kid will pursue a STEM field then MCPS isn't the school system that you want. 2.0 is a local county interpretation of common core and the local curriculum has "redefined" what is in Algebra as well as everything else along the way. Its worse than watered down. It misses big gaps in math foundational skills, fluency, numerical relationships, equations, and the assessment component is gone.

MCPS lovers will rave how wonderful it is that math is so easy now BUT math being easy doesn't produce good outcomes. You need to prepare to hire tutors or basically home school math in the evenings. Sucks but it will take a long time to change.

[Anonymous]

Montgomery County is now one size fits all. The enrichment is basically worthless. Its sad because this used to be the county to go to for math. Now its the county to avoid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Keep in mind that even though people are saying it is watered down..kids are still ending up in mostly the same place by high school. Most kids have taken algebra and a good number geometry. If that is where your son would have been in your old school then he is probably fine in MoCo.

Not true at all. If your kid isn't going to pursue a STEM field in college, then I agree, it doesn't matter. If you think that your kid will pursue a STEM field then MCPS isn't the school system that you want. 2.0 is a local county interpretation of common core and the local curriculum has "redefined" what is in Algebra as well as everything else along the way. Its worse than watered down. It misses big gaps in math foundational skills, fluency, numerical relationships, equations, and the assessment component is gone.

MCPS lovers will rave how wonderful it is that math is so easy now BUT math being easy doesn't produce good outcomes. You need to prepare to hire tutors or basically home school math in the evenings. Sucks but it will take a long time to change.

Agree - if you want good math you have to move to Fairfax - much better system - at least until some PC ex-MCPS superintendent comes in and starts copying Maryland - but I think that won't happen for at least 5-10 years since they are still keeping the current AAP advanced academic system in place with this superintendent.

[Anonymous]

Your child may be put in an accelerated math program. They do exist in MCPS. You will need to ask how your child can get into this class. Otherwise, your school will provide your child with a "deeper" understanding of grade level math.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Keep in mind that even though people are saying it is watered down..kids are still ending up in mostly the same place by high school. Most kids have taken algebra and a good number geometry. If that is where your son would have been in your old school then he is probably fine in MoCo.

I agree. On-grade-level children will take Algebra I in 8th grade and an AP math class in 12th grade. Above-grade level children will take Algebra I in 7th grade and AP math classes in 11th and 12th grades. I don't consider this "watered down".

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/math/math-curriculum-plan.aspx

[Anonymous]

You must take a test to be enrolled in Compacted Math 5/6. Some Elementary schools teach on-site and others send the children for that class to middle-school. Some schools also had fifth graders taking Math 6, but I think this is only for those already in MCPS system. I imagine your best chance is to rent in a neighborhood which has a HGC (highly gifted center) because then you can petition for your child to take the highest math they offer. http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/specialprograms/elementary/highly-gifted-centers.aspx
Good luck

[Anonymous]

Agree - if you want good math you have to move to Fairfax - much better system - at least until some PC ex-MCPS superintendent comes in and starts copying Maryland - but I think that won't happen for at least 5-10 years since they are still keeping the current AAP advanced academic system in place with this superintendent.

+1000

The "deeper" on grade level is a pile of shit. Only fools are falling for this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You must take a test to be enrolled in Compacted Math 5/6. Some Elementary schools teach on-site and others send the children for that class to middle-school. Some schools also had fifth graders taking Math 6, but I think this is only for those already in MCPS system. I imagine your best chance is to rent in a neighborhood which has a HGC (highly gifted center) because then you can petition for your child to take the highest math they offer. http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/specialprograms/elementary/highly-gifted-centers.aspx
Good luck

HGCs follow MCPS math curriculum. Under 2.0, the highest math they teach is compacted math. This is the last year of fifth graders taking math 7. Also, the HGC doesn't make math placement determinations - that is done third grade at the home school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are kids able to start with Algebra 2 in highschool? Can they take Algebra 1 and Geometry in 7th and 8th?

Yes, if they are in compacted math. They finish Math 6 in 5th, take 2.0 IM in sixth, and then algebra and geometry 7th and 8th.

[Anonymous]

My DD has 5th graders in her IM class. There are all sorts of things going on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DD has 5th graders in her IM class. There are all sorts of things going on.

Supposedly, this is the last year this type of acceleration can happen since 5th graders are not under 2.0 on the math front until next year.

[Anonymous]

What do they do in fcps?

[Anonymous]

Mcps doesn't let it's students skip grade but does offer advanced math within the school, usually one grade ahead at both ES and ms level. However, if the student is transferred from other school system, the student will get an assessment and be placed two grade ahead of his/her peer. I knew a few transferred kids who took math two grade above: one boy went to ms for math 6 when he was in 4th grade and one girl was taking geometry with 8th grader when she was in 7th grade. Check with mcps first. Good luck to OP.