FCPS advanced math options

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi All - as we wait to hear decisions for third grade full time AAP, I was wondering if you could help me understand the FCPS advanced math options.

DC is in second grade, tested in to pool. If DC is not admitted to level IV, what are the options for advanced math? Base school has level III services. Setting elementary school aside, I think at least come middle school, DC should be able to take the "highest" math classes. Is the only option for that through the AAP program or can you still take the highest math classes in middle school if not in AAP? I believe you need to take the highest maths starting in middle school to be able to continue through the highest maths like Calc etc in HS. If I'm wrong about this, please let me know.

Thank you!

I'm puzzled why you're worried what your current second grader will be taking in 5 years. Why "should" your child be able to take the highest math class in 7th and 8th grade? Aren't you thinking way, way, way ahead of yourself here?

I agree that it is crazy! But the responses here seem to show that you need advanced math in elementary to be able to take algebra in MS which is a requirement for Calc in HS.

In general I was not planning to appeal or reapply to AAP if DC is not admitted, but given DC's math abilities, if DC could not take algebra in middle school without being in AAP that would factor into a decision to appeal or reapply if not admitted initially.

Why are you spending time thinking about what math your child will be taking in high school?

Because I dropped out of advanced math in 6th grade then as a result of that decision could not take calc in HS so I am vaguely aware that you need to start down that track early. I don't actually care what math DC takes in HS but I want it to be DC's choice and not because when DC was too young to decide, *I* made an inadvertent mistake re: AAP due to lack of understanding of the later math track.

[Anonymous]

There are kids in my kids algebra class in 7th that were not aap kids. I'm sure they passed the IAAT test and passed advance math sol. A teacher recommendation can help too. As long as you take algebra in 8th like we all did in the old days, the track still hits calculus senior year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi All - as we wait to hear decisions for third grade full time AAP, I was wondering if you could help me understand the FCPS advanced math options.

DC is in second grade, tested in to pool. If DC is not admitted to level IV, what are the options for advanced math? Base school has level III services. Setting elementary school aside, I think at least come middle school, DC should be able to take the "highest" math classes. Is the only option for that through the AAP program or can you still take the highest math classes in middle school if not in AAP? I believe you need to take the highest maths starting in middle school to be able to continue through the highest maths like Calc etc in HS. If I'm wrong about this, please let me know.

Thank you!

I'm puzzled why you're worried what your current second grader will be taking in 5 years. Why "should" your child be able to take the highest math class in 7th and 8th grade? Aren't you thinking way, way, way ahead of yourself here?

I agree that it is crazy! But the responses here seem to show that you need advanced math in elementary to be able to take algebra in MS which is a requirement for Calc in HS.

In general I was not planning to appeal or reapply to AAP if DC is not admitted, but given DC's math abilities, if DC could not take algebra in middle school without being in AAP that would factor into a decision to appeal or reapply if not admitted initially.

Why are you spending time thinking about what math your child will be taking in high school?

Because I dropped out of advanced math in 6th grade then as a result of that decision could not take calc in HS so I am vaguely aware that you need to start down that track early. I don't actually care what math DC takes in HS but I want it to be DC's choice and not because when DC was too young to decide, *I* made an inadvertent mistake re: AAP due to lack of understanding of the later math track.

Relax. It isn't your mistake if he doesn't get the chance. You submitted an application. Seriously, it's a long haul and you are focused on something so far off.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are kids in my kids algebra class in 7th that were not aap kids. I'm sure they passed the IAAT test and passed advance math sol. A teacher recommendation can help too. As long as you take algebra in 8th like we all did in the old days, the track still hits calculus senior year.

All of the decent elementary schools offer an advance math track.

It is the advanced math that matters here, not AAP/non AAP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi All - as we wait to hear decisions for third grade full time AAP, I was wondering if you could help me understand the FCPS advanced math options.

DC is in second grade, tested in to pool. If DC is not admitted to level IV, what are the options for advanced math? Base school has level III services. Setting elementary school aside, I think at least come middle school, DC should be able to take the "highest" math classes. Is the only option for that through the AAP program or can you still take the highest math classes in middle school if not in AAP? I believe you need to take the highest maths starting in middle school to be able to continue through the highest maths like Calc etc in HS. If I'm wrong about this, please let me know.

Thank you!

I'm puzzled why you're worried what your current second grader will be taking in 5 years. Why "should" your child be able to take the highest math class in 7th and 8th grade? Aren't you thinking way, way, way ahead of yourself here?

I agree that it is crazy! But the responses here seem to show that you need advanced math in elementary to be able to take algebra in MS which is a requirement for Calc in HS.

In general I was not planning to appeal or reapply to AAP if DC is not admitted, but given DC's math abilities, if DC could not take algebra in middle school without being in AAP that would factor into a decision to appeal or reapply if not admitted initially.

Why are you spending time thinking about what math your child will be taking in high school?

Because I dropped out of advanced math in 6th grade then as a result of that decision could not take calc in HS so I am vaguely aware that you need to start down that track early. I don't actually care what math DC takes in HS but I want it to be DC's choice and not because when DC was too young to decide, *I* made an inadvertent mistake re: AAP due to lack of understanding of the later math track.

Relax. It isn't your mistake if he doesn't get the chance. You submitted an application. Seriously, it's a long haul and you are focused on something so far off.

OP, I think it's great you are getting information about this, no matter how far off. There is no cost to asking these questions, so I'm not sure why people are so focused on questioning why you are asking this early. I think it's important to ask these questions this early because FCPS has chosen to start tracking kids, especially in math, this early. Starting in 3rd the AAP and advanced math kids work a grade level above regular math track kids, so if your kid doesn't start in 3rd he or she will have to play catch up at some point to take algebra 1 in 7th, if by then your child wants to. I know someone who assumed her kid could take the IAAT in 6th as a regular track math student, and didn't figure out that wasn't the case until when the test was being administered. I think it's great that you are thinking ahead and keeping options open for your child. Best for you and your child to make an informed decision rather than blindly stumbling into being told that your child doesn't have the option because you didn't do xyz year's earlier. I started my kids' college fund before they started school, I don't see why this is any different. Also, if your kid is really strong in math and science, and may ultimately be interested in TJ, 7th grade algebra 1 honors is really important, as very few kids without it are admitted. Keeping options open for your child by being informed is great, not sure why people seem to be discouraging it. And it's never too early to start thinking, it's just information.

[Anonymous]

I really appreciate everyone's advice! And look, it would certainly behoovve me to relax in pretty much all situations . 5:39 above describes my feelings, and I also mostly relax by having my bases / options covered and feeling comfortable that if DC is not admitted to AAP, it will be fine re: future math even if I don't appeal or reapply.

I still think I will need to talk to base school to confirm the ES math track, but I think it seems that can wait until I see how things shake out in April. But, I think I'm also going to keep with my original plan of not engaging in any appeals prep now.

Thanks again everyone!

[Anonymous]

You are very welcome. It can be hard to find straight information about how these advanced classes work.

[Anonymous]

I found this and the beginning gives the specifics for mathematics programs and requirements.

http://www2.fcps.edu/LakeBraddockSS/ms_counsel/pdfs/2015-16AAPParentNight.pdf

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I found this and the beginning gives the specifics for mathematics programs and requirements.

http://www2.fcps.edu/LakeBraddockSS/ms_counsel/pdfs/2015-16AAPParentNight.pdf

Thank you! It's probably the same for all schools, but we are LBSS pyramid too!