Algebra SOL question

[Anonymous]

Thanks again! You are very helpful.

Needless to say, I am not a math brain (barely made it through trig)

What is the difference between the two junior year calculus classes?

Right now my middle schooler is interested in stem fields. But that could change as I think the real passion and talent is in the humanities Stem is the focus now because that is what everyone in his circle is into here in fcps. If a kid starts on this advanced math track, but changes a focus later in high school, how does that play out senior year with the calculus class vs the elective? Can they choose something else entirely like and arts or history class or does it have to be a stem class or a different math class?

What a 12 or 13 year old wants to focus on is not necessarily what an older teen might want.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks again! You are very helpful.

Needless to say, I am not a math brain (barely made it through trig)

What is the difference between the two junior year calculus classes?

Right now my middle schooler is interested in stem fields. But that could change as I think the real passion and talent is in the humanities Stem is the focus now because that is what everyone in his circle is into here in fcps. If a kid starts on this advanced math track, but changes a focus later in high school, how does that play out senior year with the calculus class vs the elective? Can they choose something else entirely like and arts or history class or does it have to be a stem class or a different math class?

What a 12 or 13 year old wants to focus on is not necessarily what an older teen might want.

Technically, once he meets the diploma requirements, he doesn't have to take another math class. However, colleges like to see at least one math course in each HS year (even if the student took HS in MS). If your DC wants to slow it down, he can take the AP Calculus AB Junior year and AP Statistics senior year (or even Probability and Statistics).
It used to be that AP calculus was A for first semester, B for second semester and C for third semester - but I don't think they are like that anymore. BC does cover more material than AB.

The thing that helps the most with electives is taking a language in MS- especially if the student is in band/orchestra/theatre arts/art/or chorus as they eat up one elective each year. PE is only for two year so another elective is freed for Junior and Senior years BUT one of those has be Econ/personal Finance or AP Econ.

[Anonymous]

Thanks. They have so many cool electives in fcps. Wish they could opt out of PE entirely to devote more times to electives.

[Anonymous]

OP, I posted a similar question on the AAP thread a few weeks ago. My DS had his first SOL score that was not pass advanced this year (498). I asked his teacher if he was ready for geometry, and she said, without question. It's one moment in time, and they passed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks. They have so many cool electives in fcps. Wish they could opt out of PE entirely to devote more times to electives.

State law, can't change it. In fact, there has been a push to make PE all four years, it keeps losing in the Legislature, but it keeps coming back.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks. They have so many cool electives in fcps. Wish they could opt out of PE entirely to devote more times to electives.

State law, can't change it. In fact, there has been a push to make PE all four years, it keeps losing in the Legislature, but it keeps coming back.

Four years is crazy.

A student who wants to focus on academics over PE should be able to. Mandatory PE at the high school level is a waste of time and resources.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am not going to argue this with you as you do not know what class my kid is taking and I do.

Please do not respond to this thread anymore as you are not contributing anything helpful. You are just posting to argue. If you are able to explain the answers to my question I welcome it, but I do not want to argue.

Which MS has separate 7th grade and 8th grade Algebra Honors classes?

Most of them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, I posted a similar question on the AAP thread a few weeks ago. My DS had his first SOL score that was not pass advanced this year (498). I asked his teacher if he was ready for geometry, and she said, without question. It's one moment in time, and they passed.

Thanks!

I will check out your thread.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am not going to argue this with you as you do not know what class my kid is taking and I do.

Please do not respond to this thread anymore as you are not contributing anything helpful. You are just posting to argue. If you are able to explain the answers to my question I welcome it, but I do not want to argue.

Which MS has separate 7th grade and 8th grade Algebra Honors classes?

Most of them.

What is the logic behind it? Is it intentional or does it just work out that way because of the other classes 7th and 8th graders take?

Both my DC's has 7th and 8th graders in their Algebra I Honors classes in MS. In HS, it is a big mix too.

[Anonymous]

Sorry for the snarky PPs. Seems like a legit question. 494 is a high pass, even if it's not a pass advanced. Remember the rigor of math SOLs Was recently upgraded, so scores have been lower. Unless DC was not able to pull a B+/B, I wouldn't worry about it. BuT, when in doubt email the teacher and confirm DC is ready for geometry. But hurry-- teachers will be gone for the summer soon.