Should my kid take Algebra I in 7 grade if the child's strength is not math?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No. Look at what they would take in 12th and count backwards. Do you really want them in a class *beyond* Calculus? Beyond Calculus in 12th, is that necessary? .. just for bragging rights in 7th grade.

The OP doesn't seem to be worried about bragging rights. There are kids who are good at math and enjoy it. Algebra in 7th grade fits them just fine because of their skill and interest. Stop projecting your feelings on things to other people.

OP: What does your child think? If math is not their strength or love and they scored high enough on the IAAT and SOL to be allowed into Algebra in 7th grade, then they are better at math then you are giving them credit for. That said, it is fine for the child to take Math 7 H instead of Algebra. But at this stage, you should talk to your child about their interests. Algebra 1 is a high school class and it is important for the rest of high school math.

Thank you everyone. OP here. NO, not trying to brag here. It was an honest question. DC is not good with time management and organization, and Math is not an easy subject for the child. In the subjects of her strength, DC can be many years ahead of her age. But math is something that does not come naturally for the child. That is why I'm wondering if DC should go for Algebra 1 if as this point.

Why don't you have her do a summer prep or regular class - Landon has some both online and in person. We have done Algebra and Geometry and taking Algebra 2 this summer. Its really helpful. Advanced in MCPS is Algebra in 6th. 7-8th grade for many kids is normal to start Algebra.

Why do the FCPS parents on this forum then dissuade parents from letting their kids do Algebra in 7th grade? I don't understand that. I frequently keep seeing some posters saying not to let kids do Algebra 1 unless they got >96% in iaat.

Because every year there are kids who struggle with Algebra 1 and they either drop down to Math 7 H or struggle through with a tutor. Algebra 1 is a foundational to advanced math so it is not a good class for kids to struggle through. Teachers on the site have suggested that the IAAT percentile should be higher. Toss in that kids who have been successful with math and then struggle mightily with Algebra 1 can lose confidence in math and stop enjoying it. There is nothing wrong with take Algebra in 8th grade.

At the very least, it is a class that parents should make sure that their kids want to take and are prepared for the heavier work load.

My question was in comparison to MCPS. PP said it is normal in MCPS for kids to do Algebra 1 in 7th grade.

Different school systems handle things differently. The school we are at was offering it to keep the smarter kids at the school as its a low income/poorly testing school. It wasn't any big deal. It was on our registration form and anyone could select it as an option. The six graders are usually in one class mixed with 7th graders.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

As usual, math-hating DCUM thinks higher-level math classes are unnecesary and just for bragging rights.

How can we ever progress as a nation when people think this way?!

I think you're referring to me as I was the first poster who mentioned "bragging rights". My daughter has a chemistry doctorate. I certainly encouraged her.

A chemistry doctorate is something to brag about. Good for her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kid got good scores on both Iowa and SOL tests. But math is not DC's strength and DC does not love math. Should DC take Algebra I next year or stay with Math 7 HN Honor? Thank you for your advices.

How good is that good score?

The historical DCUM consensus is that the 91% Iowa cut-off in FCPS for Algebra I in grade 7 is probably too low -- it's a hard course. But IMHO a kid in, say, the 99th percentile should probably be taking it, just because of the doors it has the potential to open.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not related to OP’s question but I was wondering about what other 6th graders are learning now after the SOL. I was surprised to hear from my kid that they are doing algebra worksheets (quadratic equations, factoring trinomials etc).

My 6th grader in AAP says they have been playing math games and doing puzzles since the SOL. I don't understand how the OP already knows how child did on SOL, as they haven't yet released the scores. I asked in a separate post, but they did not respond.

DD’s class is doing extended recess, playing Kahoot and generally having fun. There are certainly no worksheets, and we’re thinking of giving her random days off and letting her stay home if she wants.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not related to OP’s question but I was wondering about what other 6th graders are learning now after the SOL. I was surprised to hear from my kid that they are doing algebra worksheets (quadratic equations, factoring trinomials etc).

My 6th grader in AAP says they have been playing math games and doing puzzles since the SOL. I don't understand how the OP already knows how child did on SOL, as they haven't yet released the scores. I asked in a separate post, but they did not respond.

DD’s class is doing extended recess, playing Kahoot and generally having fun. There are certainly no worksheets, and we’re thinking of giving her random days off and letting her stay home if she wants.

Forgot to mention that her teacher told her and a friend that they pass advanced on the SOL as reward for something they accomplished. They don’t know the score.

OP, we’re not sure about allowing DD to take Algebra 1 in 7th either, due to downstream consequences. Her IAAT score is in the 99th percentile, and I said we’ll think about it if her SOL score is above 550.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
As usual, math-hating DCUM thinks higher-level math classes are unnecesary and just for bragging rights.

How can we ever progress as a nation when people think this way?!

It’s not about progressing as a nation. Talk to a college math professor. Most will tell you this hyperacceration is not good for the kids’ learning. The basics are rushed. Most colleges require kids to re-take Calculus at their schools because their experience is that the kids don’t really know it, despite the AP, etc. what’s the rush did not bragging rights? I will admit that there are a few, very few, kids that are ready for “beyond calculus” in high school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
As usual, math-hating DCUM thinks higher-level math classes are unnecesary and just for bragging rights.

How can we ever progress as a nation when people think this way?!

It’s not about progressing as a nation. Talk to a college math professor. Most will tell you this hyperacceration is not good for the kids’ learning. The basics are rushed. Most colleges require kids to re-take Calculus at their schools because their experience is that the kids don’t really know it, despite the AP, etc. what’s the rush did not bragging rights? I will admit that there are a few, very few, kids that are ready for “beyond calculus” in high school.

Sure, but college Calc classes will be much easier for the kids who already somewhat learned it and are now learning it in greater depth than they will be for the kids seeing the material for the first time.

If a kid is not super into math but fully ready for Algebra in 7th, it's still ideal to take Algebra in 7th so the kid can take AP Statistics without having to waste an elective slot. This is precisely what my DD, who plans to major in Biology or Psychology, is doing.

My view is that 95th percentile+ on IAAT and 550+ on SOL = Take Algebra in 7th. Your kid would be bored in M7H.
Qualified on IAAT and SOL, but with lower scores = only take Algebra in 7th if the kid really wants to do so.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
As usual, math-hating DCUM thinks higher-level math classes are unnecesary and just for bragging rights.

How can we ever progress as a nation when people think this way?!

It’s not about progressing as a nation. Talk to a college math professor. Most will tell you this hyperacceration is not good for the kids’ learning. The basics are rushed. Most colleges require kids to re-take Calculus at their schools because their experience is that the kids don’t really know it, despite the AP, etc. what’s the rush did not bragging rights? I will admit that there are a few, very few, kids that are ready for “beyond calculus” in high school.

Sure, but college Calc classes will be much easier for the kids who already somewhat learned it and are now learning it in greater depth than they will be for the kids seeing the material for the first time.

If a kid is not super into math but fully ready for Algebra in 7th, it's still ideal to take Algebra in 7th so the kid can take AP Statistics without having to waste an elective slot. This is precisely what my DD, who plans to major in Biology or Psychology, is doing.

My view is that 95th percentile+ on IAAT and 550+ on SOL = Take Algebra in 7th. Your kid would be bored in M7H.
Qualified on IAAT and SOL, but with lower scores = only take Algebra in 7th if the kid really wants to do so.

I'd be shocked if any AAP kid is taking Calc for the first time in college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
As usual, math-hating DCUM thinks higher-level math classes are unnecesary and just for bragging rights.

How can we ever progress as a nation when people think this way?!

It’s not about progressing as a nation. Talk to a college math professor. Most will tell you this hyperacceration is not good for the kids’ learning. The basics are rushed. Most colleges require kids to re-take Calculus at their schools because their experience is that the kids don’t really know it, despite the AP, etc. what’s the rush did not bragging rights? I will admit that there are a few, very few, kids that are ready for “beyond calculus” in high school.

How is it being rushed? That makes no sense. The issue is the quality of the class. And, if you are in APP, you should be taking Algebra in 7th or maybe APP/advanced academics is not for your child. Mine started in 6th. He's far happier on the fast track vs. the slowed down fluffy math he did before.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
As usual, math-hating DCUM thinks higher-level math classes are unnecesary and just for bragging rights.

How can we ever progress as a nation when people think this way?!

It’s not about progressing as a nation. Talk to a college math professor. Most will tell you this hyperacceration is not good for the kids’ learning. The basics are rushed. Most colleges require kids to re-take Calculus at their schools because their experience is that the kids don’t really know it, despite the AP, etc. what’s the rush did not bragging rights? I will admit that there are a few, very few, kids that are ready for “beyond calculus” in high school.

Sure, but college Calc classes will be much easier for the kids who already somewhat learned it and are now learning it in greater depth than they will be for the kids seeing the material for the first time.

If a kid is not super into math but fully ready for Algebra in 7th, it's still ideal to take Algebra in 7th so the kid can take AP Statistics without having to waste an elective slot. This is precisely what my DD, who plans to major in Biology or Psychology, is doing.

My view is that 95th percentile+ on IAAT and 550+ on SOL = Take Algebra in 7th. Your kid would be bored in M7H.
Qualified on IAAT and SOL, but with lower scores = only take Algebra in 7th if the kid really wants to do so.

This makes so much sense and taking statistics in HS is really helpful as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No. Look at what they would take in 12th and count backwards. Do you really want them in a class *beyond* Calculus? Beyond Calculus in 12th, is that necessary? .. just for bragging rights in 7th grade.

The OP doesn't seem to be worried about bragging rights. There are kids who are good at math and enjoy it. Algebra in 7th grade fits them just fine because of their skill and interest. Stop projecting your feelings on things to other people.

OP: What does your child think? If math is not their strength or love and they scored high enough on the IAAT and SOL to be allowed into Algebra in 7th grade, then they are better at math then you are giving them credit for. That said, it is fine for the child to take Math 7 H instead of Algebra. But at this stage, you should talk to your child about their interests. Algebra 1 is a high school class and it is important for the rest of high school math.

Thank you everyone. OP here. NO, not trying to brag here. It was an honest question. DC is not good with time management and organization, and Math is not an easy subject for the child. In the subjects of her strength, DC can be many years ahead of her age. But math is something that does not come naturally for the child. That is why I'm wondering if DC should go for Algebra 1 if as this point.

Why don't you have her do a summer prep or regular class - Landon has some both online and in person. We have done Algebra and Geometry and taking Algebra 2 this summer. Its really helpful. Advanced in MCPS is Algebra in 6th. 7-8th grade for many kids is normal to start Algebra.

This is a misstatement. In both FCPS and MCPS, a handful of students take Algebra in 6th. Then a percentage takes it in 7th, more in 8th, and the majority in 9th.

I'm not sure if posters who overstate like this are honestly oblivious? Or something else?

I think kids are sheltered and in their peer groups, and are not seeing the kids who take algebra in 9th. My son's school, pretty much all his peers took algebra in 7th or 6th. However, this is also the majority of students at his school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
At the very least, it is a class that parents should make sure that their kids want to take and are prepared for the heavier work load.

My question was in comparison to MCPS. PP said it is normal in MCPS for kids to do Algebra 1 in 7th grade.

They said 7th or 8th.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No. Look at what they would take in 12th and count backwards. Do you really want them in a class *beyond* Calculus? Beyond Calculus in 12th, is that necessary? .. just for bragging rights in 7th grade.

The OP doesn't seem to be worried about bragging rights. There are kids who are good at math and enjoy it. Algebra in 7th grade fits them just fine because of their skill and interest. Stop projecting your feelings on things to other people.

OP: What does your child think? If math is not their strength or love and they scored high enough on the IAAT and SOL to be allowed into Algebra in 7th grade, then they are better at math then you are giving them credit for. That said, it is fine for the child to take Math 7 H instead of Algebra. But at this stage, you should talk to your child about their interests. Algebra 1 is a high school class and it is important for the rest of high school math.

Thank you everyone. OP here. NO, not trying to brag here. It was an honest question. DC is not good with time management and organization, and Math is not an easy subject for the child. In the subjects of her strength, DC can be many years ahead of her age. But math is something that does not come naturally for the child. That is why I'm wondering if DC should go for Algebra 1 if as this point.

Why don't you have her do a summer prep or regular class - Landon has some both online and in person. We have done Algebra and Geometry and taking Algebra 2 this summer. Its really helpful. Advanced in MCPS is Algebra in 6th. 7-8th grade for many kids is normal to start Algebra.

This is a misstatement. In both FCPS and MCPS, a handful of students take Algebra in 6th. Then a percentage takes it in 7th, more in 8th, and the majority in 9th.

I'm not sure if posters who overstate like this are honestly oblivious? Or something else?

I think kids are sheltered and in their peer groups, and are not seeing the kids who take algebra in 9th. My son's school, pretty much all his peers took algebra in 7th or 6th. However, this is also the majority of students at his school.

MCPS has been clear that their goal is to get all kids to take Algebra by 8th grade. Normal is 7th or 8th. Kids who struggle academically what till 9th or 10th. The minority take it in 9th. Most kids we know do it in 7th.

If you are in APP, one would assume the child is smarter and would take it in 7th or at the latest 8th.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
At the very least, it is a class that parents should make sure that their kids want to take and are prepared for the heavier work load.

My question was in comparison to MCPS. PP said it is normal in MCPS for kids to do Algebra 1 in 7th grade.

They said 7th or 8th.

MCPS goal is to have kids take it by 8th grade:

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/curriculum/math/keyfacts/

"Curriculum 2.0 expands access to higher-level math courses.
MCPS designed C2.0 so that all students can reach Algebra 1 by Grade 8. The curriculum was intentionally designed to build a strong foundation in number sense in the earliest grades so that all students will be well prepared for the challenging courses in middle school that lead to Algebra 1 completion in Grade 8. Students who meet this goal will have the option to enroll in an AP mathematics course in high school. Even students who do not reach Algebra 1 in Grade 8 will still be able to complete Algebra 2 in high school, meeting one of the University System of Maryland entrance requirements."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No. Look at what they would take in 12th and count backwards. Do you really want them in a class *beyond* Calculus? Beyond Calculus in 12th, is that necessary? .. just for bragging rights in 7th grade.

The OP doesn't seem to be worried about bragging rights. There are kids who are good at math and enjoy it. Algebra in 7th grade fits them just fine because of their skill and interest. Stop projecting your feelings on things to other people.

OP: What does your child think? If math is not their strength or love and they scored high enough on the IAAT and SOL to be allowed into Algebra in 7th grade, then they are better at math then you are giving them credit for. That said, it is fine for the child to take Math 7 H instead of Algebra. But at this stage, you should talk to your child about their interests. Algebra 1 is a high school class and it is important for the rest of high school math.

Thank you everyone. OP here. NO, not trying to brag here. It was an honest question. DC is not good with time management and organization, and Math is not an easy subject for the child. In the subjects of her strength, DC can be many years ahead of her age. But math is something that does not come naturally for the child. That is why I'm wondering if DC should go for Algebra 1 if as this point.

Why don't you have her do a summer prep or regular class - Landon has some both online and in person. We have done Algebra and Geometry and taking Algebra 2 this summer. Its really helpful. Advanced in MCPS is Algebra in 6th. 7-8th grade for many kids is normal to start Algebra.

This is a misstatement. In both FCPS and MCPS, a handful of students take Algebra in 6th. Then a percentage takes it in 7th, more in 8th, and the majority in 9th.

I'm not sure if posters who overstate like this are honestly oblivious? Or something else?

I think kids are sheltered and in their peer groups, and are not seeing the kids who take algebra in 9th. My son's school, pretty much all his peers took algebra in 7th or 6th. However, this is also the majority of students at his school.

MCPS has been clear that their goal is to get all kids to take Algebra by 8th grade. Normal is 7th or 8th. Kids who struggle academically what till 9th or 10th. The minority take it in 9th. Most kids we know do it in 7th.

If you are in APP, one would assume the child is smarter and would take it in 7th or at the latest 8th.

In MCPS, by 8th grade is ok, but it is NOT normal to take it in 7 grade. Algebra 1 is still advanced for many 7 grades. I was a student in MCPS.