Compacted math going away?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is speculation, but maybe compacted math is being changed in some way due to curriculum issues.

Compacted math, covering 4th-6th grade math in elementary school, used to lead to AIM, covering 7th and 8th grade math in 6th grade, and then to algebra in 7th. AIM was created by MCPS, and many middle schools seem to be getting rid of it in favor of the options available from the current MS curriculum provider (LearnZillion/Imagine Learning Classroom). LearnZillion options include "6+", which covers 6th and half of 7th grade math, and "7+", which covers the rest of 7th and 8th grade math. So if you're trying to get to Algebra in 7th grade using these options, you end up doing compacted math and then 7+, missing part of the 7th grade math curriculum.

I could see MCPS trying to adjust the elementary school compacted classes to address this, but I don't know if that's really happening.

New plan:
Compacted math 3-5 in 3rd+4th grade, feeding into 6+ in 5th.

A girl can dream...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is speculation, but maybe compacted math is being changed in some way due to curriculum issues.

Compacted math, covering 4th-6th grade math in elementary school, used to lead to AIM, covering 7th and 8th grade math in 6th grade, and then to algebra in 7th. AIM was created by MCPS, and many middle schools seem to be getting rid of it in favor of the options available from the current MS curriculum provider (LearnZillion/Imagine Learning Classroom). LearnZillion options include "6+", which covers 6th and half of 7th grade math, and "7+", which covers the rest of 7th and 8th grade math. So if you're trying to get to Algebra in 7th grade using these options, you end up doing compacted math and then 7+, missing part of the 7th grade math curriculum.

I could see MCPS trying to adjust the elementary school compacted classes to address this, but I don't know if that's really happening.

How would this align with the WPES schools that offer further acceleration and enrichment in ES so that students complete Algebra in 6th or earlier?

Same thing, just start earlier.

Advanced and highly able students aren't bothered by "missing" a semester of highly repetitive content.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is speculation, but maybe compacted math is being changed in some way due to curriculum issues.

Compacted math, covering 4th-6th grade math in elementary school, used to lead to AIM, covering 7th and 8th grade math in 6th grade, and then to algebra in 7th. AIM was created by MCPS, and many middle schools seem to be getting rid of it in favor of the options available from the current MS curriculum provider (LearnZillion/Imagine Learning Classroom). LearnZillion options include "6+", which covers 6th and half of 7th grade math, and "7+", which covers the rest of 7th and 8th grade math. So if you're trying to get to Algebra in 7th grade using these options, you end up doing compacted math and then 7+, missing part of the 7th grade math curriculum.

I could see MCPS trying to adjust the elementary school compacted classes to address this, but I don't know if that's really happening.

How would this align with the WPES schools that offer further acceleration and enrichment in ES so that students complete Algebra in 6th or earlier?

What do you mean by WPES schools?

White Privilege Economic Status schools

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is speculation, but maybe compacted math is being changed in some way due to curriculum issues.

Compacted math, covering 4th-6th grade math in elementary school, used to lead to AIM, covering 7th and 8th grade math in 6th grade, and then to algebra in 7th. AIM was created by MCPS, and many middle schools seem to be getting rid of it in favor of the options available from the current MS curriculum provider (LearnZillion/Imagine Learning Classroom). LearnZillion options include "6+", which covers 6th and half of 7th grade math, and "7+", which covers the rest of 7th and 8th grade math. So if you're trying to get to Algebra in 7th grade using these options, you end up doing compacted math and then 7+, missing part of the 7th grade math curriculum.

I could see MCPS trying to adjust the elementary school compacted classes to address this, but I don't know if that's really happening.

That’s fine, but if they eliminate ES acceleration and start at 6+ for advanced 6th graders, no one will get to Algebra until 8th, which is out of step with a lot of the rest of the country and will have consequences for students in high school and college.

Back in the 90s, in a different Maryland jurisdiction, we had everyone in 4th grade math together, advanced kids did both 5th and 6th grade math in 5th, in 6th grade we did pre-algebra and then Algebra 1 in 7th. Advanced kids was probably the top 15-20 percent, but I don’t actually know. It wasn’t most kids.

No, no it won't. The amount of hand-wringing that parents of 4th graders do on this Board about the need for their child to take Algebra in 7th grade or whatever is always hilarious. Your kid will be just fine and, contrary to popular belief, the impact that their inability to take multivariable calculus by 10th grade or whatever makes you feel happy on what they will be able to take in college is nonexistent.

This thread is really for people interested in counting. You might prefer Beauty and Fashion forum.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think the name maybe has changed - something about being aligned with Eureka math. My kid is in 6th, and in AMP 7+ (formerly AIM). The follow up to that class is Algebra in 7th and Geometry in 8th. My kid was not in 'compacted math 5/6', just in whatever was the advanced math cohort in 4th/5th. They called it Math 5 plus or something.

While I do think there's a lot silly rebranding going on(calling honors for every English class etc) I also think there's an unhealthy trend of everyone in mcps into forced acceleration in math, when it will just not be necessary for most people's lives. I have a graduate degree in applied maths and I guarantee that most people (outside of engineers, hard science, applied math folks) will not need anything beyond alg 2/trig. People would be better served taking several years of statistics. Also, just looking at the mean and ranges of SAT scores shows you that despite all the enriched classes students are just missing the basics. No point in learning differential equations if you cannot just logically solve an algebra problem or calculate a probability.

Maybe you're the one having trouble with statistics? The people in enriched classes are the ones getting 700-800 on the SAT... and getting STEM degrees.

The "everyone" you are imagining are the STEM children of STEM parents who cluster in STEM-friendly neighborhoods in a STEM-heavy region.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is speculation, but maybe compacted math is being changed in some way due to curriculum issues.

Compacted math, covering 4th-6th grade math in elementary school, used to lead to AIM, covering 7th and 8th grade math in 6th grade, and then to algebra in 7th. AIM was created by MCPS, and many middle schools seem to be getting rid of it in favor of the options available from the current MS curriculum provider (LearnZillion/Imagine Learning Classroom). LearnZillion options include "6+", which covers 6th and half of 7th grade math, and "7+", which covers the rest of 7th and 8th grade math. So if you're trying to get to Algebra in 7th grade using these options, you end up doing compacted math and then 7+, missing part of the 7th grade math curriculum.

I could see MCPS trying to adjust the elementary school compacted classes to address this, but I don't know if that's really happening.

How would this align with the WPES schools that offer further acceleration and enrichment in ES so that students complete Algebra in 6th or earlier?

What do you mean by WPES schools?

White Privilege Economic Status schools

There is one poster who cannot stop beating the drum about a single ES in western MCPS that offers (or offered?) AIM to a class of 5th graders. It derails the conversation, hence the fact that most of us are ignoring it while trying to actually talk about the rumor that OP heard.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is speculation, but maybe compacted math is being changed in some way due to curriculum issues.

Compacted math, covering 4th-6th grade math in elementary school, used to lead to AIM, covering 7th and 8th grade math in 6th grade, and then to algebra in 7th. AIM was created by MCPS, and many middle schools seem to be getting rid of it in favor of the options available from the current MS curriculum provider (LearnZillion/Imagine Learning Classroom). LearnZillion options include "6+", which covers 6th and half of 7th grade math, and "7+", which covers the rest of 7th and 8th grade math. So if you're trying to get to Algebra in 7th grade using these options, you end up doing compacted math and then 7+, missing part of the 7th grade math curriculum.

I could see MCPS trying to adjust the elementary school compacted classes to address this, but I don't know if that's really happening.

That’s fine, but if they eliminate ES acceleration and start at 6+ for advanced 6th graders, no one will get to Algebra until 8th, which is out of step with a lot of the rest of the country and will have consequences for students in high school and college.

Back in the 90s, in a different Maryland jurisdiction, we had everyone in 4th grade math together, advanced kids did both 5th and 6th grade math in 5th, in 6th grade we did pre-algebra and then Algebra 1 in 7th. Advanced kids was probably the top 15-20 percent, but I don’t actually know. It wasn’t most kids.

No, no it won't. The amount of hand-wringing that parents of 4th graders do on this Board about the need for their child to take Algebra in 7th grade or whatever is always hilarious. Your kid will be just fine and, contrary to popular belief, the impact that their inability to take multivariable calculus by 10th grade or whatever makes you feel happy on what they will be able to take in college is nonexistent.

I generally find DCUM's obsession with math acceleration frustrating, but you are wrong here. The only way that any kids in MCPS get to M/V Calculus is by allowing some of them to take Algebra I in 7th grade at the latest. If MCPS indeed pushes that to 8th grade (which I actually think is unlikely and believe the OP's teacher friend was wrong about), it would mean that zero kids would be able to take M/V Calculus without either doing a math class outside of school, coming in from a private school, or doubling up on math in HS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is speculation, but maybe compacted math is being changed in some way due to curriculum issues.

Compacted math, covering 4th-6th grade math in elementary school, used to lead to AIM, covering 7th and 8th grade math in 6th grade, and then to algebra in 7th. AIM was created by MCPS, and many middle schools seem to be getting rid of it in favor of the options available from the current MS curriculum provider (LearnZillion/Imagine Learning Classroom). LearnZillion options include "6+", which covers 6th and half of 7th grade math, and "7+", which covers the rest of 7th and 8th grade math. So if you're trying to get to Algebra in 7th grade using these options, you end up doing compacted math and then 7+, missing part of the 7th grade math curriculum.

I could see MCPS trying to adjust the elementary school compacted classes to address this, but I don't know if that's really happening.

How would this align with the WPES schools that offer further acceleration and enrichment in ES so that students complete Algebra in 6th or earlier?

Same thing, just start earlier.

Advanced and highly able students aren't bothered by "missing" a semester of highly repetitive content.

When DC was in 3rd, they were scoring over 250 on the map-m so they found compacted in 4th and 5th very boring. Unfortunately, our school didn't offer any enrichment or acceleration, but plenty of kids benefitted from this. Just wish MCPS tried to meet kids where they are instead of trying to hold everyone to the lowest common denominator for the sake of equity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is speculation, but maybe compacted math is being changed in some way due to curriculum issues.

Compacted math, covering 4th-6th grade math in elementary school, used to lead to AIM, covering 7th and 8th grade math in 6th grade, and then to algebra in 7th. AIM was created by MCPS, and many middle schools seem to be getting rid of it in favor of the options available from the current MS curriculum provider (LearnZillion/Imagine Learning Classroom). LearnZillion options include "6+", which covers 6th and half of 7th grade math, and "7+", which covers the rest of 7th and 8th grade math. So if you're trying to get to Algebra in 7th grade using these options, you end up doing compacted math and then 7+, missing part of the 7th grade math curriculum.

I could see MCPS trying to adjust the elementary school compacted classes to address this, but I don't know if that's really happening.

That’s fine, but if they eliminate ES acceleration and start at 6+ for advanced 6th graders, no one will get to Algebra until 8th, which is out of step with a lot of the rest of the country and will have consequences for students in high school and college.

Back in the 90s, in a different Maryland jurisdiction, we had everyone in 4th grade math together, advanced kids did both 5th and 6th grade math in 5th, in 6th grade we did pre-algebra and then Algebra 1 in 7th. Advanced kids was probably the top 15-20 percent, but I don’t actually know. It wasn’t most kids.

No, no it won't. The amount of hand-wringing that parents of 4th graders do on this Board about the need for their child to take Algebra in 7th grade or whatever is always hilarious. Your kid will be just fine and, contrary to popular belief, the impact that their inability to take multivariable calculus by 10th grade or whatever makes you feel happy on what they will be able to take in college is nonexistent.

I generally find DCUM's obsession with math acceleration frustrating, but you are wrong here. The only way that any kids in MCPS get to M/V Calculus is by allowing some of them to take Algebra I in 7th grade at the latest. If MCPS indeed pushes that to 8th grade (which I actually think is unlikely and believe the OP's teacher friend was wrong about), it would mean that zero kids would be able to take M/V Calculus without either doing a math class outside of school, coming in from a private school, or doubling up on math in HS.

Not pp but I also don't think it's necessary. Please believe me - I have a pHD in applied math. Most people (most fields) hardly need calculus let alone Multivariate Calculus. Kids would be better served with a stats class, financial math, etc.

At my kids' current (non magnet) middle school 1/3 kids are on track to take M/V in 12th. This is so unnecessary. Also, the kids' SAT, AP Calc, MAP scores don't actually track the high levels of acceleration. In other words, with the high levels of acceleration, you'd see high levels of kids getting 770-800 on the Math SAT section - but you don't. There isn't concordance because people are accelerating without getting/forgetting basics.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is speculation, but maybe compacted math is being changed in some way due to curriculum issues.

Compacted math, covering 4th-6th grade math in elementary school, used to lead to AIM, covering 7th and 8th grade math in 6th grade, and then to algebra in 7th. AIM was created by MCPS, and many middle schools seem to be getting rid of it in favor of the options available from the current MS curriculum provider (LearnZillion/Imagine Learning Classroom). LearnZillion options include "6+", which covers 6th and half of 7th grade math, and "7+", which covers the rest of 7th and 8th grade math. So if you're trying to get to Algebra in 7th grade using these options, you end up doing compacted math and then 7+, missing part of the 7th grade math curriculum.

I could see MCPS trying to adjust the elementary school compacted classes to address this, but I don't know if that's really happening.

That’s fine, but if they eliminate ES acceleration and start at 6+ for advanced 6th graders, no one will get to Algebra until 8th, which is out of step with a lot of the rest of the country and will have consequences for students in high school and college.

Back in the 90s, in a different Maryland jurisdiction, we had everyone in 4th grade math together, advanced kids did both 5th and 6th grade math in 5th, in 6th grade we did pre-algebra and then Algebra 1 in 7th. Advanced kids was probably the top 15-20 percent, but I don’t actually know. It wasn’t most kids.

No, no it won't. The amount of hand-wringing that parents of 4th graders do on this Board about the need for their child to take Algebra in 7th grade or whatever is always hilarious. Your kid will be just fine and, contrary to popular belief, the impact that their inability to take multivariable calculus by 10th grade or whatever makes you feel happy on what they will be able to take in college is nonexistent.

I generally find DCUM's obsession with math acceleration frustrating, but you are wrong here. The only way that any kids in MCPS get to M/V Calculus is by allowing some of them to take Algebra I in 7th grade at the latest. If MCPS indeed pushes that to 8th grade (which I actually think is unlikely and believe the OP's teacher friend was wrong about), it would mean that zero kids would be able to take M/V Calculus without either doing a math class outside of school, coming in from a private school, or doubling up on math in HS.

Not pp but I also don't think it's necessary. Please believe me - I have a pHD in applied math. Most people (most fields) hardly need calculus let alone Multivariate Calculus. Kids would be better served with a stats class, financial math, etc.

At my kids' current (non magnet) middle school 1/3 kids are on track to take M/V in 12th. This is so unnecessary. Also, the kids' SAT, AP Calc, MAP scores don't actually track the high levels of acceleration. In other words, with the high levels of acceleration, you'd see high levels of kids getting 770-800 on the Math SAT section - but you don't. There isn't concordance because people are accelerating without getting/forgetting basics.

SAT math tops out at Alg 2 (?). The advanced kids are way passed that, and they've probably forgotten a lot of Alg 2 math. My DC in college got an 800 on SAT math, but they are a total math-y person (dual degree with math). DC told younger DC (not a mathy person) to study/review Alg 2 before taking the SATs (DC is a sophmore).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is speculation, but maybe compacted math is being changed in some way due to curriculum issues.

Compacted math, covering 4th-6th grade math in elementary school, used to lead to AIM, covering 7th and 8th grade math in 6th grade, and then to algebra in 7th. AIM was created by MCPS, and many middle schools seem to be getting rid of it in favor of the options available from the current MS curriculum provider (LearnZillion/Imagine Learning Classroom). LearnZillion options include "6+", which covers 6th and half of 7th grade math, and "7+", which covers the rest of 7th and 8th grade math. So if you're trying to get to Algebra in 7th grade using these options, you end up doing compacted math and then 7+, missing part of the 7th grade math curriculum.

I could see MCPS trying to adjust the elementary school compacted classes to address this, but I don't know if that's really happening.

That’s fine, but if they eliminate ES acceleration and start at 6+ for advanced 6th graders, no one will get to Algebra until 8th, which is out of step with a lot of the rest of the country and will have consequences for students in high school and college.

Back in the 90s, in a different Maryland jurisdiction, we had everyone in 4th grade math together, advanced kids did both 5th and 6th grade math in 5th, in 6th grade we did pre-algebra and then Algebra 1 in 7th. Advanced kids was probably the top 15-20 percent, but I don’t actually know. It wasn’t most kids.

No, no it won't. The amount of hand-wringing that parents of 4th graders do on this Board about the need for their child to take Algebra in 7th grade or whatever is always hilarious. Your kid will be just fine and, contrary to popular belief, the impact that their inability to take multivariable calculus by 10th grade or whatever makes you feel happy on what they will be able to take in college is nonexistent.

I generally find DCUM's obsession with math acceleration frustrating, but you are wrong here. The only way that any kids in MCPS get to M/V Calculus is by allowing some of them to take Algebra I in 7th grade at the latest. If MCPS indeed pushes that to 8th grade (which I actually think is unlikely and believe the OP's teacher friend was wrong about), it would mean that zero kids would be able to take M/V Calculus without either doing a math class outside of school, coming in from a private school, or doubling up on math in HS.

Not pp but I also don't think it's necessary. Please believe me - I have a pHD in applied math. Most people (most fields) hardly need calculus let alone Multivariate Calculus. Kids would be better served with a stats class, financial math, etc.

At my kids' current (non magnet) middle school 1/3 kids are on track to take M/V in 12th. This is so unnecessary. Also, the kids' SAT, AP Calc, MAP scores don't actually track the high levels of acceleration. In other words, with the high levels of acceleration, you'd see high levels of kids getting 770-800 on the Math SAT section - but you don't. There isn't concordance because people are accelerating without getting/forgetting basics.

SAT math tops out at Alg 2 (?). The advanced kids are way passed that, and they've probably forgotten a lot of Alg 2 math. My DC in college got an 800 on SAT math, but they are a total math-y person (dual degree with math). DC told younger DC (not a mathy person) to study/review Alg 2 before taking the SATs (DC is a sophmore).

.. forgot to add..

Eons ago, the average kid took Alg2 junior year (precalc senior year), which is why taking the SATs fall senior year made sense.

[Anonymous]

There is a movement out there in Education land to slow down the math teaching because students who move too quickly miss foundation that is required to really excel in higher math. I am sure MCPS is contemplating this because it is one of those hot issues for Education Ph.Ds to think about.

But it is counter-equitable to slow down in-school math for everyone. The wealthier folks who value math acceleration can go buy it outside of school from Russian School of Math or Art of Problem Solving or Dr. Lee, which gives a huge advantage. Khan academy is a great free resource, but it is not the same as a tutoring class.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think the teacher is wrong or misunderstood something. A third grade teacher would not necessarily know the curricular pathway for upper elementary.

If you are concerned, however, you should probably take this question to the gifted education community of the Montgomery County PTA. They have a Facebook group and would be able to get an answer from the central office relatively quickly I think

A 3rd grade teacher's job is to help sort kids into 4th grade CM.

But many, many teachers don't actually know what's going on with administration, and pass around rumors.

The teacher was referring to an email from the county so it didn't appear to be a rumor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is speculation, but maybe compacted math is being changed in some way due to curriculum issues.

Compacted math, covering 4th-6th grade math in elementary school, used to lead to AIM, covering 7th and 8th grade math in 6th grade, and then to algebra in 7th. AIM was created by MCPS, and many middle schools seem to be getting rid of it in favor of the options available from the current MS curriculum provider (LearnZillion/Imagine Learning Classroom). LearnZillion options include "6+", which covers 6th and half of 7th grade math, and "7+", which covers the rest of 7th and 8th grade math. So if you're trying to get to Algebra in 7th grade using these options, you end up doing compacted math and then 7+, missing part of the 7th grade math curriculum.

I could see MCPS trying to adjust the elementary school compacted classes to address this, but I don't know if that's really happening.

That’s fine, but if they eliminate ES acceleration and start at 6+ for advanced 6th graders, no one will get to Algebra until 8th, which is out of step with a lot of the rest of the country and will have consequences for students in high school and college.

Back in the 90s, in a different Maryland jurisdiction, we had everyone in 4th grade math together, advanced kids did both 5th and 6th grade math in 5th, in 6th grade we did pre-algebra and then Algebra 1 in 7th. Advanced kids was probably the top 15-20 percent, but I don’t actually know. It wasn’t most kids.

No, no it won't. The amount of hand-wringing that parents of 4th graders do on this Board about the need for their child to take Algebra in 7th grade or whatever is always hilarious. Your kid will be just fine and, contrary to popular belief, the impact that their inability to take multivariable calculus by 10th grade or whatever makes you feel happy on what they will be able to take in college is nonexistent.

I generally find DCUM's obsession with math acceleration frustrating, but you are wrong here. The only way that any kids in MCPS get to M/V Calculus is by allowing some of them to take Algebra I in 7th grade at the latest. If MCPS indeed pushes that to 8th grade (which I actually think is unlikely and believe the OP's teacher friend was wrong about), it would mean that zero kids would be able to take M/V Calculus without either doing a math class outside of school, coming in from a private school, or doubling up on math in HS.

Not pp but I also don't think it's necessary. Please believe me - I have a pHD in applied math. Most people (most fields) hardly need calculus let alone Multivariate Calculus. Kids would be better served with a stats class, financial math, etc.

At my kids' current (non magnet) middle school 1/3 kids are on track to take M/V in 12th. This is so unnecessary. Also, the kids' SAT, AP Calc, MAP scores don't actually track the high levels of acceleration. In other words, with the high levels of acceleration, you'd see high levels of kids getting 770-800 on the Math SAT section - but you don't. There isn't concordance because people are accelerating without getting/forgetting basics.

SAT math tops out at Alg 2 (?). The advanced kids are way passed that, and they've probably forgotten a lot of Alg 2 math. My DC in college got an 800 on SAT math, but they are a total math-y person (dual degree with math). DC told younger DC (not a mathy person) to study/review Alg 2 before taking the SATs (DC is a sophmore).

Algebra 2 math is part of Stats and Calculus. There's no excuse to forget it if you are doing higher level math.

The real problem with the SAT argument is that the SAT is far too easy for these students, so being bored or making a couple of minor errors brings down their score, because the SAT is graded on a curve.

Kids in MV getting "only" 700 on SAT would also be getting 700 on a precalc and calculus test.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is speculation, but maybe compacted math is being changed in some way due to curriculum issues.

Compacted math, covering 4th-6th grade math in elementary school, used to lead to AIM, covering 7th and 8th grade math in 6th grade, and then to algebra in 7th. AIM was created by MCPS, and many middle schools seem to be getting rid of it in favor of the options available from the current MS curriculum provider (LearnZillion/Imagine Learning Classroom). LearnZillion options include "6+", which covers 6th and half of 7th grade math, and "7+", which covers the rest of 7th and 8th grade math. So if you're trying to get to Algebra in 7th grade using these options, you end up doing compacted math and then 7+, missing part of the 7th grade math curriculum.

I could see MCPS trying to adjust the elementary school compacted classes to address this, but I don't know if that's really happening.

That’s fine, but if they eliminate ES acceleration and start at 6+ for advanced 6th graders, no one will get to Algebra until 8th, which is out of step with a lot of the rest of the country and will have consequences for students in high school and college.

Back in the 90s, in a different Maryland jurisdiction, we had everyone in 4th grade math together, advanced kids did both 5th and 6th grade math in 5th, in 6th grade we did pre-algebra and then Algebra 1 in 7th. Advanced kids was probably the top 15-20 percent, but I don’t actually know. It wasn’t most kids.

No, no it won't. The amount of hand-wringing that parents of 4th graders do on this Board about the need for their child to take Algebra in 7th grade or whatever is always hilarious. Your kid will be just fine and, contrary to popular belief, the impact that their inability to take multivariable calculus by 10th grade or whatever makes you feel happy on what they will be able to take in college is nonexistent.

I generally find DCUM's obsession with math acceleration frustrating, but you are wrong here. The only way that any kids in MCPS get to M/V Calculus is by allowing some of them to take Algebra I in 7th grade at the latest. If MCPS indeed pushes that to 8th grade (which I actually think is unlikely and believe the OP's teacher friend was wrong about), it would mean that zero kids would be able to take M/V Calculus without either doing a math class outside of school, coming in from a private school, or doubling up on math in HS.

Not pp but I also don't think it's necessary. Please believe me - I have a pHD in applied math. Most people (most fields) hardly need calculus let alone Multivariate Calculus. Kids would be better served with a stats class, financial math, etc.

At my kids' current (non magnet) middle school 1/3 kids are on track to take M/V in 12th. This is so unnecessary. Also, the kids' SAT, AP Calc, MAP scores don't actually track the high levels of acceleration. In other words, with the high levels of acceleration, you'd see high levels of kids getting 770-800 on the Math SAT section - but you don't. There isn't concordance because people are accelerating without getting/forgetting basics.

Being on track for MV in 12th gives them the schedule room to take AP Stats instead of MV!

So the real question is why do you believe an extra year of fractions in 5th grade is more important than AP Stats?