Equitable access to advanced math

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For those asking for advanced math opportunities, FCPS already offers AAP math, and further with principal approval, 6th graders can enroll in Algebra 1 or go for summer geometry as rising 8th grader. Are you saying even more advanced math options should be provided?

It's a lot more complicated than that. Very few people meet the FCPS benchmarks to enroll in Algebra I in 6th grade, regardless of the principal's approval.

What are they? Can you someone please describe the process how it works or worked?

It has already been listed in this thread and on numerous other threads in this forum. But I'll do it again.

To take Algebra I in 6th grade, the kid must:
Score 145 or higher on the CogAT Quant section
Score a 575 or higher on their 4th grade SOL
have the support of their 4th grade AAP/advanced math teacher.

Then, if they meet all of these at the end of 4th grade, Gatehouse will conduct additional testing. Kids who meet those benchmarks will be jumped up to 6th grade AAP math when in 5th grade.

In 5th grade, they need a 91st percentile or higher score on the IAAT as well as a pass advanced on the 7th grade Math SOL to be eligible for Algebra in 6th grade.

This is the process we had to go through, and it's ridiculous the number of barriers that are enforced for basic elementary math learning.

My dad is a professor in STEM discipline. He didn't take any calculus until undergrad and routinely laughs at my wanting Algebra 1 in 7th grade and Calc BC in 11th (the track I took) to be an option for my kids.

Anyone who says Algebra 1 in 5th is "basic elementary math learning" is a troll or so seriously divorced from reality that a meaningful conversation is not possible. Do you people even remember high school math...at all? Do you remember how much it takes to learn Algebra 2 for even decently bright, hard working kids?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For those asking for advanced math opportunities, FCPS already offers AAP math, and further with principal approval, 6th graders can enroll in Algebra 1 or go for summer geometry as rising 8th grader. Are you saying even more advanced math options should be provided?

It's a lot more complicated than that. Very few people meet the FCPS benchmarks to enroll in Algebra I in 6th grade, regardless of the principal's approval.

What are they? Can you someone please describe the process how it works or worked?

It has already been listed in this thread and on numerous other threads in this forum. But I'll do it again.

To take Algebra I in 6th grade, the kid must:
Score 145 or higher on the CogAT Quant section
Score a 575 or higher on their 4th grade SOL
have the support of their 4th grade AAP/advanced math teacher.

Then, if they meet all of these at the end of 4th grade, Gatehouse will conduct additional testing. Kids who meet those benchmarks will be jumped up to 6th grade AAP math when in 5th grade.

In 5th grade, they need a 91st percentile or higher score on the IAAT as well as a pass advanced on the 7th grade Math SOL to be eligible for Algebra in 6th grade.

This is the process we had to go through, and it's ridiculous the number of barriers that are enforced for basic elementary math learning.

This statement is ridiculous. There are no barriers to basic elementary math learning.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For those asking for advanced math opportunities, FCPS already offers AAP math, and further with principal approval, 6th graders can enroll in Algebra 1 or go for summer geometry as rising 8th grader. Are you saying even more advanced math options should be provided?

It's a lot more complicated than that. Very few people meet the FCPS benchmarks to enroll in Algebra I in 6th grade, regardless of the principal's approval.

What are they? Can you someone please describe the process how it works or worked?

It has already been listed in this thread and on numerous other threads in this forum. But I'll do it again.

To take Algebra I in 6th grade, the kid must:
Score 145 or higher on the CogAT Quant section
Score a 575 or higher on their 4th grade SOL
have the support of their 4th grade AAP/advanced math teacher.

Then, if they meet all of these at the end of 4th grade, Gatehouse will conduct additional testing. Kids who meet those benchmarks will be jumped up to 6th grade AAP math when in 5th grade.

In 5th grade, they need a 91st percentile or higher score on the IAAT as well as a pass advanced on the 7th grade Math SOL to be eligible for Algebra in 6th grade.

This is the process we had to go through, and it's ridiculous the number of barriers that are enforced for basic elementary math learning.

And my guess is your child is not an URM. That's what is unjust, barriers established that only college educated parents can crack through. Barriers to exclude URMs from advanced math. So much for equity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Some of these principals and other administrators are more interested in equity and the idea of pushing algebra to 8th or 9th grade and would act against 6th or 7th grade algebra. A person on Loudoun County's curriculum staff said they supported eliminating tracking for equity reasons.

equity more than often involves reducing everyone to the same floor. Never involves enabling the under represented to enroll in advanced math.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For those asking for advanced math opportunities, FCPS already offers AAP math, and further with principal approval, 6th graders can enroll in Algebra 1 or go for summer geometry as rising 8th grader. Are you saying even more advanced math options should be provided?

It's a lot more complicated than that. Very few people meet the FCPS benchmarks to enroll in Algebra I in 6th grade, regardless of the principal's approval.

What are they? Can you someone please describe the process how it works or worked?

It has already been listed in this thread and on numerous other threads in this forum. But I'll do it again.

To take Algebra I in 6th grade, the kid must:
Score 145 or higher on the CogAT Quant section
Score a 575 or higher on their 4th grade SOL
have the support of their 4th grade AAP/advanced math teacher.

Then, if they meet all of these at the end of 4th grade, Gatehouse will conduct additional testing. Kids who meet those benchmarks will be jumped up to 6th grade AAP math when in 5th grade.

In 5th grade, they need a 91st percentile or higher score on the IAAT as well as a pass advanced on the 7th grade Math SOL to be eligible for Algebra in 6th grade.

This is the process we had to go through, and it's ridiculous the number of barriers that are enforced for basic elementary math learning.

And my guess is your child is not an URM. That's what is unjust, barriers established that only college educated parents can crack through. Barriers to exclude URMs from advanced math. So much for equity.

Serious question: what do you believe the advanced math track is? What do you believe a standard math track is? What about remedial?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:Many school systems gatekeep a bit too much for advanced math. In FCPS, there are a lot of kids who would be quite capable of 6th grade Algebra, but made one or two careless mistakes on a test taken in 2nd grade, and thus don't meet the CogAT cutoff.

Iready is given every year and has a very high ceiling. FCPS should be looking into acceleration options for the kids who are far into the 99th percentile. Many of these kids spend all of their early and mid ES years learning nothing at all in their school math class.

Keeping equity bs aside, can you imagine the progress FCPS would be making on math excellence front if thousands of students were taught the next level instead?

My impression is that if a kid is far into the 99th percentile on iready and demonstrates at the beginning-of-year math testing that they already know everything that is to be taught that year, FCPS does absolutely nothing for that kid. They could push them into a higher grade level class. They could at least provide extra push in enrichment or exempt the kid from the regular class and instead let them do AoPS/Beast academy. But for the most part, they do absolutely nothing and let the kid be bored out of their minds for the year. The very small handful of kids who are skipped ahead in FCPS were fortunate enough to have teachers and principals who wanted them to learn at the right level.

Were you, as a kid, regularly just pushed to skip a grade in math? I did it twice - it's not easy nor something that should be done lightly. Friends whose kids were principal placed in advanced math (and therefore skipped a grade) have all talked about how challenging it is. Some kids were indeed thriving in the regular advanced math track after not having it by second semester, but some dropped back to regular math.

Accelerating is one thing, entirely skipping a grade is another.
-parent whose kid regularly scores 99th percentile on iReady but definitely isn't ready to just start skipping math years

I did not have the opportunity to skip a grade in math. I spent all of Algebra 2 reading fiction books under the desk, not paying the slightest bit of attention, and still acing the course. I got perfect scores on the ACT math and SAT math in 8th grade. The regular path was not challenging enough.

I have one kid who did Algebra I in 7th grade. I have another who took it in 4th. Both of them were appropriately placed, and neither of them found any step of the way overly challenging. My 4th grade Algebra I kid felt that 8th grade AP Calculus was the first time that school math was even slightly challenging. Kids have a range of giftedness, motivation, and temperament that may make acceleration appropriate or inappropriate. There is no obvious answer.

Also, PP, is your kid just at the 99th percentile cut, or are they far above it? My 7th grade Algebra I kid was right around the 99th percentile cut. My other one was off the charts. Not all 99th percentile scores are equal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For those asking for advanced math opportunities, FCPS already offers AAP math, and further with principal approval, 6th graders can enroll in Algebra 1 or go for summer geometry as rising 8th grader. Are you saying even more advanced math options should be provided?

It's a lot more complicated than that. Very few people meet the FCPS benchmarks to enroll in Algebra I in 6th grade, regardless of the principal's approval.

What are they? Can you someone please describe the process how it works or worked?

It has already been listed in this thread and on numerous other threads in this forum. But I'll do it again.

To take Algebra I in 6th grade, the kid must:
Score 145 or higher on the CogAT Quant section
Score a 575 or higher on their 4th grade SOL
have the support of their 4th grade AAP/advanced math teacher.

Then, if they meet all of these at the end of 4th grade, Gatehouse will conduct additional testing. Kids who meet those benchmarks will be jumped up to 6th grade AAP math when in 5th grade.

In 5th grade, they need a 91st percentile or higher score on the IAAT as well as a pass advanced on the 7th grade Math SOL to be eligible for Algebra in 6th grade.

This is the process we had to go through, and it's ridiculous the number of barriers that are enforced for basic elementary math learning.

My dad is a professor in STEM discipline. He didn't take any calculus until undergrad and routinely laughs at my wanting Algebra 1 in 7th grade and Calc BC in 11th (the track I took) to be an option for my kids.

Anyone who says Algebra 1 in 5th is "basic elementary math learning" is a troll or so seriously divorced from reality that a meaningful conversation is not possible. Do you people even remember high school math...at all? Do you remember how much it takes to learn Algebra 2 for even decently bright, hard working kids?

Sure. Back in the day, people didn't take Calculus in high school. I hope your dad realizes that nowadays, kids who don't take Calc BC in high school won't even be admitted to the STEM programs at his college. He's very out of touch with current admissions practices if he's laughing at you for wanting your kid on a track that would make it possible for you kid to be admitted into decent STEM programs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For those asking for advanced math opportunities, FCPS already offers AAP math, and further with principal approval, 6th graders can enroll in Algebra 1 or go for summer geometry as rising 8th grader. Are you saying even more advanced math options should be provided?

It's a lot more complicated than that. Very few people meet the FCPS benchmarks to enroll in Algebra I in 6th grade, regardless of the principal's approval.

What are they? Can you someone please describe the process how it works or worked?

It has already been listed in this thread and on numerous other threads in this forum. But I'll do it again.

To take Algebra I in 6th grade, the kid must:
Score 145 or higher on the CogAT Quant section
Score a 575 or higher on their 4th grade SOL
have the support of their 4th grade AAP/advanced math teacher.

Then, if they meet all of these at the end of 4th grade, Gatehouse will conduct additional testing. Kids who meet those benchmarks will be jumped up to 6th grade AAP math when in 5th grade.

In 5th grade, they need a 91st percentile or higher score on the IAAT as well as a pass advanced on the 7th grade Math SOL to be eligible for Algebra in 6th grade.

This is the process we had to go through, and it's ridiculous the number of barriers that are enforced for basic elementary math learning.

My dad is a professor in STEM discipline. He didn't take any calculus until undergrad and routinely laughs at my wanting Algebra 1 in 7th grade and Calc BC in 11th (the track I took) to be an option for my kids.

Anyone who says Algebra 1 in 5th is "basic elementary math learning" is a troll or so seriously divorced from reality that a meaningful conversation is not possible. Do you people even remember high school math...at all? Do you remember how much it takes to learn Algebra 2 for even decently bright, hard working kids?

Sure. Back in the day, people didn't take Calculus in high school. I hope your dad realizes that nowadays, kids who don't take Calc BC in high school won't even be admitted to the STEM programs at his college. He's very out of touch with current admissions practices if he's laughing at you for wanting your kid on a track that would make it possible for you kid to be admitted into decent STEM programs.

Sure and I've told him that.

But there's still a difference between the track I'm asking for (which is pretty widely available, honestly) and acting like all kids should be offered an even more advanced track which is much less widely available. There's an even bigger difference between what I'm talking about and acting like Algebra 1 is "basic elementary math." Kids for whom Algebra 1 is basic aren't average, I'm sorry. That's like saying all NBA players are merely average for basketball.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For those asking for advanced math opportunities, FCPS already offers AAP math, and further with principal approval, 6th graders can enroll in Algebra 1 or go for summer geometry as rising 8th grader. Are you saying even more advanced math options should be provided?

It's a lot more complicated than that. Very few people meet the FCPS benchmarks to enroll in Algebra I in 6th grade, regardless of the principal's approval.

What are they? Can you someone please describe the process how it works or worked?

It has already been listed in this thread and on numerous other threads in this forum. But I'll do it again.

To take Algebra I in 6th grade, the kid must:
Score 145 or higher on the CogAT Quant section
Score a 575 or higher on their 4th grade SOL
have the support of their 4th grade AAP/advanced math teacher.

Then, if they meet all of these at the end of 4th grade, Gatehouse will conduct additional testing. Kids who meet those benchmarks will be jumped up to 6th grade AAP math when in 5th grade.

In 5th grade, they need a 91st percentile or higher score on the IAAT as well as a pass advanced on the 7th grade Math SOL to be eligible for Algebra in 6th grade.

This is the process we had to go through, and it's ridiculous the number of barriers that are enforced for basic elementary math learning.

My dad is a professor in STEM discipline. He didn't take any calculus until undergrad and routinely laughs at my wanting Algebra 1 in 7th grade and Calc BC in 11th (the track I took) to be an option for my kids.

Anyone who says Algebra 1 in 5th is "basic elementary math learning" is a troll or so seriously divorced from reality that a meaningful conversation is not possible. Do you people even remember high school math...at all? Do you remember how much it takes to learn Algebra 2 for even decently bright, hard working kids?

Your father, like many Boomers, doesn't understand how the modern world is more advanced and competitive.

Also, back then, advanced students like my parents didn't take calculus in high school... because they skipped and graduated high school a year early. Modern students don't skip, if they have access to advanced curriculum at high school. Which is good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For those asking for advanced math opportunities, FCPS already offers AAP math, and further with principal approval, 6th graders can enroll in Algebra 1 or go for summer geometry as rising 8th grader. Are you saying even more advanced math options should be provided?

It's a lot more complicated than that. Very few people meet the FCPS benchmarks to enroll in Algebra I in 6th grade, regardless of the principal's approval.

What are they? Can you someone please describe the process how it works or worked?

It has already been listed in this thread and on numerous other threads in this forum. But I'll do it again.

To take Algebra I in 6th grade, the kid must:
Score 145 or higher on the CogAT Quant section
Score a 575 or higher on their 4th grade SOL
have the support of their 4th grade AAP/advanced math teacher.

Then, if they meet all of these at the end of 4th grade, Gatehouse will conduct additional testing. Kids who meet those benchmarks will be jumped up to 6th grade AAP math when in 5th grade.

In 5th grade, they need a 91st percentile or higher score on the IAAT as well as a pass advanced on the 7th grade Math SOL to be eligible for Algebra in 6th grade.

This is the process we had to go through, and it's ridiculous the number of barriers that are enforced for basic elementary math learning.

My dad is a professor in STEM discipline. He didn't take any calculus until undergrad and routinely laughs at my wanting Algebra 1 in 7th grade and Calc BC in 11th (the track I took) to be an option for my kids.

Anyone who says Algebra 1 in 5th is "basic elementary math learning" is a troll or so seriously divorced from reality that a meaningful conversation is not possible. Do you people even remember high school math...at all? Do you remember how much it takes to learn Algebra 2 for even decently bright, hard working kids?

Sure. Back in the day, people didn't take Calculus in high school. I hope your dad realizes that nowadays, kids who don't take Calc BC in high school won't even be admitted to the STEM programs at his college. He's very out of touch with current admissions practices if he's laughing at you for wanting your kid on a track that would make it possible for you kid to be admitted into decent STEM programs.

Sure and I've told him that.

But there's still a difference between the track I'm asking for (which is pretty widely available, honestly) and acting like all kids should be offered an even more advanced track which is much less widely available. There's an even bigger difference between what I'm talking about and acting like Algebra 1 is "basic elementary math." Kids for whom Algebra 1 is basic aren't average, I'm sorry. That's like saying all NBA players are merely average for basketball.

I agree with you. I don't think there's any benefit of pushing for an even more advanced track than 7th grade Algebra if the kid is thriving in the 7th grade Algebra track. But, I don't see the point in adding barriers or gatekeeping for kids who are eminently capable of greater acceleration and who are bored out of their minds in their current track. If a kid is scoring 3+ years above grade level in iready, FCPS should treat the kid like an outlier whose needs must be addressed on a case-by-case basis. For some kids, acceleration is the right answer. For others, it might not be.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For those asking for advanced math opportunities, FCPS already offers AAP math, and further with principal approval, 6th graders can enroll in Algebra 1 or go for summer geometry as rising 8th grader. Are you saying even more advanced math options should be provided?

It's a lot more complicated than that. Very few people meet the FCPS benchmarks to enroll in Algebra I in 6th grade, regardless of the principal's approval.

What are they? Can you someone please describe the process how it works or worked?

It has already been listed in this thread and on numerous other threads in this forum. But I'll do it again.

To take Algebra I in 6th grade, the kid must:
Score 145 or higher on the CogAT Quant section
Score a 575 or higher on their 4th grade SOL
have the support of their 4th grade AAP/advanced math teacher.

Then, if they meet all of these at the end of 4th grade, Gatehouse will conduct additional testing. Kids who meet those benchmarks will be jumped up to 6th grade AAP math when in 5th grade.

In 5th grade, they need a 91st percentile or higher score on the IAAT as well as a pass advanced on the 7th grade Math SOL to be eligible for Algebra in 6th grade.

This is the process we had to go through, and it's ridiculous the number of barriers that are enforced for basic elementary math learning.

My dad is a professor in STEM discipline. He didn't take any calculus until undergrad and routinely laughs at my wanting Algebra 1 in 7th grade and Calc BC in 11th (the track I took) to be an option for my kids.

Anyone who says Algebra 1 in 5th is "basic elementary math learning" is a troll or so seriously divorced from reality that a meaningful conversation is not possible. Do you people even remember high school math...at all? Do you remember how much it takes to learn Algebra 2 for even decently bright, hard working kids?

Sure. Back in the day, people didn't take Calculus in high school. I hope your dad realizes that nowadays, kids who don't take Calc BC in high school won't even be admitted to the STEM programs at his college. He's very out of touch with current admissions practices if he's laughing at you for wanting your kid on a track that would make it possible for you kid to be admitted into decent STEM programs.

Sure and I've told him that.

But there's still a difference between the track I'm asking for (which is pretty widely available, honestly) and acting like all kids should be offered an even more advanced track which is much less widely available. There's an even bigger difference between what I'm talking about and acting like Algebra 1 is "basic elementary math." Kids for whom Algebra 1 is basic aren't average, I'm sorry. That's like saying all NBA players are merely average for basketball.

I agree with you. I don't think there's any benefit of pushing for an even more advanced track than 7th grade Algebra if the kid is thriving in the 7th grade Algebra track. But, I don't see the point in adding barriers or gatekeeping for kids who are eminently capable of greater acceleration and who are bored out of their minds in their current track. If a kid is scoring 3+ years above grade level in iready, FCPS should treat the kid like an outlier whose needs must be addressed on a case-by-case basis. For some kids, acceleration is the right answer. For others, it might not be.

Maybe my problem with not understanding some posters is that, at our school, kids are pushed pretty well and accelerated pretty well. No principal is saying, "Hey, you meet all the criteria for Algebra 1 in 6th, but I don't want to so you can't." People are acting like it's super common in FCPS for that kind of thing to happen, or like the Algebra 1 in 6th track is super hidden. But no one has proof. And the one poster who is specifically saying it's hidden from URM certainly hasn't provided proof. Plus people are speaking as if it's common to be prepared for that track, and I really don't think it is. Maybe common in small, very selective circles of friends, but not common county-wide.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For those asking for advanced math opportunities, FCPS already offers AAP math, and further with principal approval, 6th graders can enroll in Algebra 1 or go for summer geometry as rising 8th grader. Are you saying even more advanced math options should be provided?

It's a lot more complicated than that. Very few people meet the FCPS benchmarks to enroll in Algebra I in 6th grade, regardless of the principal's approval.

What are they? Can you someone please describe the process how it works or worked?

It has already been listed in this thread and on numerous other threads in this forum. But I'll do it again.

To take Algebra I in 6th grade, the kid must:
Score 145 or higher on the CogAT Quant section
Score a 575 or higher on their 4th grade SOL
have the support of their 4th grade AAP/advanced math teacher.

Then, if they meet all of these at the end of 4th grade, Gatehouse will conduct additional testing. Kids who meet those benchmarks will be jumped up to 6th grade AAP math when in 5th grade.

In 5th grade, they need a 91st percentile or higher score on the IAAT as well as a pass advanced on the 7th grade Math SOL to be eligible for Algebra in 6th grade.

This is the process we had to go through, and it's ridiculous the number of barriers that are enforced for basic elementary math learning.

My dad is a professor in STEM discipline. He didn't take any calculus until undergrad and routinely laughs at my wanting Algebra 1 in 7th grade and Calc BC in 11th (the track I took) to be an option for my kids.

Anyone who says Algebra 1 in 5th is "basic elementary math learning" is a troll or so seriously divorced from reality that a meaningful conversation is not possible. Do you people even remember high school math...at all? Do you remember how much it takes to learn Algebra 2 for even decently bright, hard working kids?

Your father, like many Boomers, doesn't understand how the modern world is more advanced and competitive.

Also, back then, advanced students like my parents didn't take calculus in high school... because they skipped and graduated high school a year early. Modern students don't skip, if they have access to advanced curriculum at high school. Which is good.

The really gifted ones skipped more than a year. Katherine Johnson, for example, graduated from high school and started college at age 14. She probably didn't take calculus in high school, but she almost certainly took it as a 14 or 15 year old.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:
you seem to be misinformed. Many counties across US have kids completing algebra 1 comfortably in 6th grade. multiple sections across many middle schools in LoCo.

It is not that many. You have a lot of kids taking summer geometry after 7th grade and thus lots of algebra 2 kids in 8th grade.
The numbers were a little higher before, but then Loudoun implemented VMPI ahead of the state and the numbers dropped along with closing of school's reducing test scores.

That’s because people don’t know how it’s done.

The kid has to score 145 on the cogat math, then do a screener pre IAAT, then take the IAAT then the sol.

Neighbor’s child scored a couple of points off on ln the quant CogAT, and by the time they thought the child was ready for Algebra I and inquired there was no time to retake the CogAT.

Totally NOT transparent.

The people that are in the know plan for this ahead of time. Others suck it up with summer classes.

Still others are fine with a child being 2 years ahead of the math curriculum and not three. I suspect that most fall into this category. DS could have handled algebra in 6th but is fine taking it next year. I wouldn’t want him taking the class virtually and I don’t think getting up early to be on the bus to MS and then having to be transported to his ES is a great work around.

The point is not that some parents don’t want to accelerate their child, but that the criteria is hidden and only serves the ones that know. Just because you know, doesn’t mean that you’ll take the opportunity. It actually helps you make an informed decision.

Fair point.

No it's not. The criteria to take Algebra in 6th grade isn't hidden. It's very high and the class is inappropriate for the vast majority of students, whether or not they are URM.

+1. My current 6th grader scored in the 97th percentile on the IOWA. Doing great in math, but absolutely not ready for Algebra 1 Honors this year - next year is fine.

IAAT specifically, or a lower level Iowa Test?

How do you know DC isn't ready for Algebra?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:
you seem to be misinformed. Many counties across US have kids completing algebra 1 comfortably in 6th grade. multiple sections across many middle schools in LoCo.

It is not that many. You have a lot of kids taking summer geometry after 7th grade and thus lots of algebra 2 kids in 8th grade.
The numbers were a little higher before, but then Loudoun implemented VMPI ahead of the state and the numbers dropped along with closing of school's reducing test scores.

That’s because people don’t know how it’s done.

The kid has to score 145 on the cogat math, then do a screener pre IAAT, then take the IAAT then the sol.

Neighbor’s child scored a couple of points off on ln the quant CogAT, and by the time they thought the child was ready for Algebra I and inquired there was no time to retake the CogAT.

Totally NOT transparent.

The people that are in the know plan for this ahead of time. Others suck it up with summer classes.

Still others are fine with a child being 2 years ahead of the math curriculum and not three. I suspect that most fall into this category. DS could have handled algebra in 6th but is fine taking it next year. I wouldn’t want him taking the class virtually and I don’t think getting up early to be on the bus to MS and then having to be transported to his ES is a great work around.

The point is not that some parents don’t want to accelerate their child, but that the criteria is hidden and only serves the ones that know. Just because you know, doesn’t mean that you’ll take the opportunity. It actually helps you make an informed decision.

Fair point.

No it's not. The criteria to take Algebra in 6th grade isn't hidden. It's very high and the class is inappropriate for the vast majority of students, whether or not they are URM.

+1. My current 6th grader scored in the 97th percentile on the IOWA. Doing great in math, but absolutely not ready for Algebra 1 Honors this year - next year is fine.

IAAT specifically, or a lower level Iowa Test?

How do you know DC isn't ready for Algebra?

IAAT. And DC's was not ready because the early units for math 7 this year threw her for a loop - there were a few concepts she needed to brush up on and it would have been tough to be in a credit bearing honors course while brushing up on them. Will be ready by next year.

I wonder if the people pushing for more kids to just be plunked into Algebra 1 honors in 6th whether they want it or not are even thinking about the fact that this course goes on the transcript?

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:VA DOE SOL scores show 210 8th graders took the Algebra II SOL, 100% passed. Loudoun County had 167 8th graders take the Algebra II SOL with a 94% pass rate.

Is 210 the entire amount of 8th graders in fcps that took algebra II?

There were 210 8th graders who took the Algebra II SOL, there may be kids who took the class and not the SOL. Still, not that many and a large percentage of those will be kids who took summer Geometry because only 30 kids had Algebra 1 in 6th grade. I am a bit surprised that that many kids take summer geometry but it looks like at least 180 kids across the County.

it is ironic that FCPS provides summer geometry for acceleration but not Algebra 1 for 6th graders. So instead of providing the progression of Algebra 1 in 7th, Geometry in summer, Algebra 2 in 8th, it would be better if FCPS students were allowed to take full year of each math level, as in Algebra 1 in 6th, Geometry in 7th, and Algebra 2 in 8th, which is what LoCo provides as an option and it has been quite successful.

So move to Loudoun County already.