Culture of Holton-Arms

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Just to be clear: integrated math is basically cramming the material that would normally be covered in three years (geometry, algebra 2, pre calculus) into 2 years, to make up for the two years of algebra 1 in MS. Relatively to the pre-change curriculum, it means going much slower in MS and faster in HS (again relative to the traditional approach. I don’t see how that’s “key for college admissions”.

I think what the PP was saying is that it isn't so much cramming in HS, but a deliberate choice to do the groundwork of Algebra slower so that there is better understanding. As for the college admissions, part, I assume PP is referring to the fact that college standardized testing is not about calculus.

Some of the girls who are in integrated math now were bored out of their mind taking two years to go through Algebra 1. (I know because my DD was one of them)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Just to be clear: integrated math is basically cramming the material that would normally be covered in three years (geometry, algebra 2, pre calculus) into 2 years, to make up for the two years of algebra 1 in MS. Relatively to the pre-change curriculum, it means going much slower in MS and faster in HS (again relative to the traditional approach. I don’t see how that’s “key for college admissions”.

I think what the PP was saying is that it isn't so much cramming in HS, but a deliberate choice to do the groundwork of Algebra slower so that there is better understanding. As for the college admissions, part, I assume PP is referring to the fact that college standardized testing is not about calculus.

Some of the girls who are in integrated math now were bored out of their mind taking two years to go through Algebra 1. (I know because my DD was one of them)

As someone with a senior working on her college apps now, I don’t understand the negativity here. If she is “bored out of her mind” in integrated, she must be knocking it out of the park with little studying. She should use the time to take up an interest that comes less naturally and makes her well-rounded. She will get to very advanced math down the road. Or if she is dead set on doing more advanced math, take the initiative to seek out additional work, which will look better to colleges than simply taking a higher class. And, if not about college placement, find an activity that she wants to do for the sake of her own preference, sanity and enjoyment. If the girl is as brilliant as you claim her to be then she will figure this out.

And also, maybe she is telling you a different story than her peers bc most of those girls complained publicly that the summer work was difficult and didn’t do particularly well on the first assessment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Just to be clear: integrated math is basically cramming the material that would normally be covered in three years (geometry, algebra 2, pre calculus) into 2 years, to make up for the two years of algebra 1 in MS. Relatively to the pre-change curriculum, it means going much slower in MS and faster in HS (again relative to the traditional approach. I don’t see how that’s “key for college admissions”.

I think what the PP was saying is that it isn't so much cramming in HS, but a deliberate choice to do the groundwork of Algebra slower so that there is better understanding. As for the college admissions, part, I assume PP is referring to the fact that college standardized testing is not about calculus.

Some of the girls who are in integrated math now were bored out of their mind taking two years to go through Algebra 1. (I know because my DD was one of them)

As someone with a senior working on her college apps now, I don’t understand the negativity here. If she is “bored out of her mind” in integrated, she must be knocking it out of the park with little studying. She should use the time to take up an interest that comes less naturally and makes her well-rounded. She will get to very advanced math down the road. Or if she is dead set on doing more advanced math, take the initiative to seek out additional work, which will look better to colleges than simply taking a higher class. And, if not about college placement, find an activity that she wants to do for the sake of her own preference, sanity and enjoyment. If the girl is as brilliant as you claim her to be then she will figure this out.

And also, maybe she is telling you a different story than her peers bc most of those girls complained publicly that the summer work was difficult and didn’t do particularly well on the first assessment.

Reading comprehension seems to be an issue. I didn’t say she is bored in integrated math. But covering Algebra 1 in two years (7 and 8 grade) was mind-numbingly boring for her. That’s the change that the former MS HOD implemented a couple of years ago.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Just to be clear: integrated math is basically cramming the material that would normally be covered in three years (geometry, algebra 2, pre calculus) into 2 years, to make up for the two years of algebra 1 in MS. Relatively to the pre-change curriculum, it means going much slower in MS and faster in HS (again relative to the traditional approach. I don’t see how that’s “key for college admissions”.

I think what the PP was saying is that it isn't so much cramming in HS, but a deliberate choice to do the groundwork of Algebra slower so that there is better understanding. As for the college admissions, part, I assume PP is referring to the fact that college standardized testing is not about calculus.

Some of the girls who are in integrated math now were bored out of their mind taking two years to go through Algebra 1. (I know because my DD was one of them)

I could see this.

Don’t know any other Big 5 schools around here that take 2 years for algebra I.

Kind of sends the wrong message, don’t you think…. (Math is too hard for you, let’s go slooooooow)

[Anonymous]

Is there any other school in the United States that requires ALL students to take Algebra I over two years? Is a Holton the only one? Does Landon require the boys to take slow-down math?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is there any other school in the United States that requires ALL students to take Algebra I over two years? Is a Holton the only one? Does Landon require the boys to take slow-down math?

The 2 years for Algebra I was pushed hard by the previous head of the MS. She's since left, but the school is left dealing with the aftermath of the whole thing. The integrated course for HS is a completely new course that had to be created because the change in MS forced the HS to have an answer for girls who were interested in going through to the highest level math in HS. The elongation of Algebra I meant there was no way for that to happen without the introduction of the integrated course.

[Anonymous]

When do they take physics of geometry and even algebra II is a pre-req?

[Anonymous]

Most middle schools take two years for Algebra 1, just as they do for Spanish 1 or French or whatever. That’s the usual.

[Anonymous]

What school in the DMV besides Holton has 2-year Algebra 1?

[Anonymous]

Just a clarification-the “two years for algebra” is a combined two year curriculum that includes pre-algebra and algebra.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just a clarification-the “two years for algebra” is a combined two year curriculum that includes pre-algebra and algebra.

That's inaccurate. Both years are Algebra. Same Algebra book.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Just to be clear: integrated math is basically cramming the material that would normally be covered in three years (geometry, algebra 2, pre calculus) into 2 years, to make up for the two years of algebra 1 in MS. Relatively to the pre-change curriculum, it means going much slower in MS and faster in HS (again relative to the traditional approach. I don’t see how that’s “key for college admissions”.

I think what the PP was saying is that it isn't so much cramming in HS, but a deliberate choice to do the groundwork of Algebra slower so that there is better understanding. As for the college admissions, part, I assume PP is referring to the fact that college standardized testing is not about calculus.

Some of the girls who are in integrated math now were bored out of their mind taking two years to go through Algebra 1. (I know because my DD was one of them)

I could see this.

Don’t know any other Big 5 schools around here that take 2 years for algebra I.

Kind of sends the wrong message, don’t you think…. (Math is too hard for you, let’s go slooooooow)

Most of the private schools around here coddle the kids for k-8 big time. This is not Harvard westlake or Dalton or the EU,Uk, Asia systems with tracking placement tests every few years.
The socio emotional stuff is a waste of time too; kids just turn in the same flippant worksheet response or laugh at how playground anarchy time is the exact opposite of SEL class points.

[Anonymous]

Then for 9th grade the schools clobber everyone m. The education is too backended. Expectations too low for k-8, then too high for 9-12.

[Anonymous]

PP is correct. Algebra 1 over 2 years to enhance depth and completeness of understanding. Many are trying to roll with it but it is a hard sell, to be honest. Some girls can move faster than others conceptually and this non differentiation does not allow for that. Challenge is only within the curriculum: deeper not faster. But really there is only so much you can do with Algebra 1. I feel for the teachers! But overall Holton is fantastic. This is literally the only issue for us.

[Anonymous]

They need to change it back. Asap. This is so clear to all constituents- admin, teachers, parents, students, peer schools public and private.