**IAAT Results- post here (2020)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kid got 86%tile. Is there any way to retest? She is pretty disappointed.

I don't think she is that good at math personally, but she didn't prep at all and still came close.

Is she interested in Algebra in 7th? I don't think all schools allow this but some allow you to appeal 7th math placement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, I can post, not sure what difference it makes - it's an anonymous forum:

98%

The bigger question is what is the best placement for my child (not any child or your child.) My son is headed to ward engineering, most likely. He has specific and deep interests in software engineering, uses production level coding (not just a generic Python), and pursues his engineering activity outside school. He is good at math but not particularly passionate about it. He didn't prep, in fact I forgot the date for the exam, and when he reminded me the night before I felt like a gigantic failure, but in hindsight I have no idea how I would have prepped him. He does math enrichment outside school (AoPS) as the school AAP program is not exactly challenging.

He is not interested in TJ.
He will be headed to an IB school.

I am unclear as to:
- What benefit Algebra I in 7th provides, other than seemingly Math 7 Honors may be easy for him. I would want him to take math in a rising progression up until and including his senior year in HS, so he can start college with calculus fresh in his mind - the IB schools now offer IB Comp Sci or IB Econ as a math course but that will do kids a disservice, in my opinion. Even if he did take Multivar Calc, he would have to retake that in college - no reputable engineering program will accept those credits from HS or GMU. So what are we getting for Algebra I, if the kid isn't headed to TJ, even if the level is right for him? And what's the right thing to do here?

If he is ready, it buys him a continuation of challenging and fun math appropriate for his age and interests. At any point, he can decide to scale back but I think he should not take a break because “what will he do as a senior” - it will become obvious as your son grows.

Thank you, I myself am coming around to this perspective. I will have a call with the HS math department to see what they think of the options, but I was so put off by the enormous effort the MS teachers made to make sure no one signs up for Algebra I Honors in 7th. I can see how they have been burned by the TJ striving crowd (I myself am allergic to those), and I do want to make sure the peer group is good for my son. He will continue with AoPS as the level of instruction and challenge there is so much superior to that in the public school, and the next level there is Algebra I (there is nothing between Pre-Algebra, and Algebra I, and as I read the Math 7 H description online, it just is more pre-algebra.) The fact he showed up for the IAAT having totally forgotten about it, and got this score tells me whatever knowledge he has is solid and lasting.

Apologies for my stream of consciousness...

Is this free? Don't you have to pay for this?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid got 86%tile. Is there any way to retest? She is pretty disappointed.

I don't think she is that good at math personally, but she didn't prep at all and still came close.

Is she interested in Algebra in 7th? I don't think all schools allow this but some allow you to appeal 7th math placement.

This. No retests allowed but if she does well on the Sol, you can ask the middle school to put here in Algebra 1 honors.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid got 86%tile. Is there any way to retest? She is pretty disappointed.

I don't think she is that good at math personally, but she didn't prep at all and still came close.

Is she interested in Algebra in 7th? I don't think all schools allow this but some allow you to appeal 7th math placement.

This. No retests allowed but if she does well on the Sol, you can ask the middle school to put here in Algebra 1 honors.

PP, don't do the bolded bit. Honestly, the 91% cutoff is still way too low for Algebra, and it should be more like 96%. Your DD may be disappointed, but she would be better served in M7H next year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, I can post, not sure what difference it makes - it's an anonymous forum:

98%

The bigger question is what is the best placement for my child (not any child or your child.) My son is headed to ward engineering, most likely. He has specific and deep interests in software engineering, uses production level coding (not just a generic Python), and pursues his engineering activity outside school. He is good at math but not particularly passionate about it. He didn't prep, in fact I forgot the date for the exam, and when he reminded me the night before I felt like a gigantic failure, but in hindsight I have no idea how I would have prepped him. He does math enrichment outside school (AoPS) as the school AAP program is not exactly challenging.

He is not interested in TJ.
He will be headed to an IB school.

I am unclear as to:
- What benefit Algebra I in 7th provides, other than seemingly Math 7 Honors may be easy for him. I would want him to take math in a rising progression up until and including his senior year in HS, so he can start college with calculus fresh in his mind - the IB schools now offer IB Comp Sci or IB Econ as a math course but that will do kids a disservice, in my opinion. Even if he did take Multivar Calc, he would have to retake that in college - no reputable engineering program will accept those credits from HS or GMU. So what are we getting for Algebra I, if the kid isn't headed to TJ, even if the level is right for him? And what's the right thing to do here?

If he is ready, it buys him a continuation of challenging and fun math appropriate for his age and interests. At any point, he can decide to scale back but I think he should not take a break because “what will he do as a senior” - it will become obvious as your son grows.

Thank you, I myself am coming around to this perspective. I will have a call with the HS math department to see what they think of the options, but I was so put off by the enormous effort the MS teachers made to make sure no one signs up for Algebra I Honors in 7th. I can see how they have been burned by the TJ striving crowd (I myself am allergic to those), and I do want to make sure the peer group is good for my son. He will continue with AoPS as the level of instruction and challenge there is so much superior to that in the public school, and the next level there is Algebra I (there is nothing between Pre-Algebra, and Algebra I, and as I read the Math 7 H description online, it just is more pre-algebra.) The fact he showed up for the IAAT having totally forgotten about it, and got this score tells me whatever knowledge he has is solid and lasting.

Apologies for my stream of consciousness...

Your DS should definitely take the Honors Algebra next year. If he's going to take AoPS Algebra next year, then he will have no trouble with FCPS Honors Algebra I. Yes, you are most likely correct that strong engineering programs will not accept the Multivariable Calc or Linear Algebra credits. Still, those classes in college are generally very challenging, and getting early exposure to the concepts will make the college classes much easier than going in without prior background.

My take is that if your kid is genuinely ready for the more advanced class, there's no downside in taking it. Unfortunately, there isn't a great way to determine whether your kid is genuinely ready or whether he qualified by FCPS metrics without being ready.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid got 86%tile. Is there any way to retest? She is pretty disappointed.

I don't think she is that good at math personally, but she didn't prep at all and still came close.

Is she interested in Algebra in 7th? I don't think all schools allow this but some allow you to appeal 7th math placement.

This. No retests allowed but if she does well on the Sol, you can ask the middle school to put here in Algebra 1 honors.

PP, don't do the bolded bit. Honestly, the 91% cutoff is still way too low for Algebra, and it should be more like 96%. Your DD may be disappointed, but she would be better served in M7H next year.

I did this. My kid got an A but admittedly worked hard. The whole class worked hard. Very difficult teacher and high expectations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, I can post, not sure what difference it makes - it's an anonymous forum:

98%

The bigger question is what is the best placement for my child (not any child or your child.) My son is headed to ward engineering, most likely. He has specific and deep interests in software engineering, uses production level coding (not just a generic Python), and pursues his engineering activity outside school. He is good at math but not particularly passionate about it. He didn't prep, in fact I forgot the date for the exam, and when he reminded me the night before I felt like a gigantic failure, but in hindsight I have no idea how I would have prepped him. He does math enrichment outside school (AoPS) as the school AAP program is not exactly challenging.

He is not interested in TJ.
He will be headed to an IB school.

I am unclear as to:
- What benefit Algebra I in 7th provides, other than seemingly Math 7 Honors may be easy for him. I would want him to take math in a rising progression up until and including his senior year in HS, so he can start college with calculus fresh in his mind - the IB schools now offer IB Comp Sci or IB Econ as a math course but that will do kids a disservice, in my opinion. Even if he did take Multivar Calc, he would have to retake that in college - no reputable engineering program will accept those credits from HS or GMU. So what are we getting for Algebra I, if the kid isn't headed to TJ, even if the level is right for him? And what's the right thing to do here?

If he is ready, it buys him a continuation of challenging and fun math appropriate for his age and interests. At any point, he can decide to scale back but I think he should not take a break because “what will he do as a senior” - it will become obvious as your son grows.

Thank you, I myself am coming around to this perspective. I will have a call with the HS math department to see what they think of the options, but I was so put off by the enormous effort the MS teachers made to make sure no one signs up for Algebra I Honors in 7th. I can see how they have been burned by the TJ striving crowd (I myself am allergic to those), and I do want to make sure the peer group is good for my son. He will continue with AoPS as the level of instruction and challenge there is so much superior to that in the public school, and the next level there is Algebra I (there is nothing between Pre-Algebra, and Algebra I, and as I read the Math 7 H description online, it just is more pre-algebra.) The fact he showed up for the IAAT having totally forgotten about it, and got this score tells me whatever knowledge he has is solid and lasting.

Apologies for my stream of consciousness...

Your DS should definitely take the Honors Algebra next year. If he's going to take AoPS Algebra next year, then he will have no trouble with FCPS Honors Algebra I. Yes, you are most likely correct that strong engineering programs will not accept the Multivariable Calc or Linear Algebra credits. Still, those classes in college are generally very challenging, and getting early exposure to the concepts will make the college classes much easier than going in without prior background.

My take is that if your kid is genuinely ready for the more advanced class, there's no downside in taking it. Unfortunately, there isn't a great way to determine whether your kid is genuinely ready or whether he qualified by FCPS metrics without being ready.

I am the PP you are responding to, and that’s exactly how my thinking is evolving. We looked last night at the curriculum for Math 7 H vs Algebra I, and he has already covered a lot of the topics in Algebra I through AoPS, so together with the IAAT I would say he is ready. One conversation with the HS math department away from making it a final decision.

To the PP who asked if you have to pay for AoPS - yes, one math class costs ~$1,500/year. Best investment you can make if the kid’s focus is math/engineering. I spend more than that on year-round swimming, sadly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, I can post, not sure what difference it makes - it's an anonymous forum:

98%

The bigger question is what is the best placement for my child (not any child or your child.) My son is headed to ward engineering, most likely. He has specific and deep interests in software engineering, uses production level coding (not just a generic Python), and pursues his engineering activity outside school. He is good at math but not particularly passionate about it. He didn't prep, in fact I forgot the date for the exam, and when he reminded me the night before I felt like a gigantic failure, but in hindsight I have no idea how I would have prepped him. He does math enrichment outside school (AoPS) as the school AAP program is not exactly challenging.

He is not interested in TJ.
He will be headed to an IB school.

I am unclear as to:
- What benefit Algebra I in 7th provides, other than seemingly Math 7 Honors may be easy for him. I would want him to take math in a rising progression up until and including his senior year in HS, so he can start college with calculus fresh in his mind - the IB schools now offer IB Comp Sci or IB Econ as a math course but that will do kids a disservice, in my opinion. Even if he did take Multivar Calc, he would have to retake that in college - no reputable engineering program will accept those credits from HS or GMU. So what are we getting for Algebra I, if the kid isn't headed to TJ, even if the level is right for him? And what's the right thing to do here?

If he is ready, it buys him a continuation of challenging and fun math appropriate for his age and interests. At any point, he can decide to scale back but I think he should not take a break because “what will he do as a senior” - it will become obvious as your son grows.

Thank you, I myself am coming around to this perspective. I will have a call with the HS math department to see what they think of the options, but I was so put off by the enormous effort the MS teachers made to make sure no one signs up for Algebra I Honors in 7th. I can see how they have been burned by the TJ striving crowd (I myself am allergic to those), and I do want to make sure the peer group is good for my son. He will continue with AoPS as the level of instruction and challenge there is so much superior to that in the public school, and the next level there is Algebra I (there is nothing between Pre-Algebra, and Algebra I, and as I read the Math 7 H description online, it just is more pre-algebra.) The fact he showed up for the IAAT having totally forgotten about it, and got this score tells me whatever knowledge he has is solid and lasting.

Apologies for my stream of consciousness...

Your DS should definitely take the Honors Algebra next year. If he's going to take AoPS Algebra next year, then he will have no trouble with FCPS Honors Algebra I. Yes, you are most likely correct that strong engineering programs will not accept the Multivariable Calc or Linear Algebra credits. Still, those classes in college are generally very challenging, and getting early exposure to the concepts will make the college classes much easier than going in without prior background.

My take is that if your kid is genuinely ready for the more advanced class, there's no downside in taking it. Unfortunately, there isn't a great way to determine whether your kid is genuinely ready or whether he qualified by FCPS metrics without being ready.

I am the PP you are responding to, and that’s exactly how my thinking is evolving. We looked last night at the curriculum for Math 7 H vs Algebra I, and he has already covered a lot of the topics in Algebra I through AoPS, so together with the IAAT I would say he is ready. One conversation with the HS math department away from making it a final decision.

To the PP who asked if you have to pay for AoPS - yes, one math class costs ~$1,500/year. Best investment you can make if the kid’s focus is math/engineering. I spend more than that on year-round swimming, sadly.

Can I ask what AoPS stands for? Thanks

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, I can post, not sure what difference it makes - it's an anonymous forum:

98%

The bigger question is what is the best placement for my child (not any child or your child.) My son is headed to ward engineering, most likely. He has specific and deep interests in software engineering, uses production level coding (not just a generic Python), and pursues his engineering activity outside school. He is good at math but not particularly passionate about it. He didn't prep, in fact I forgot the date for the exam, and when he reminded me the night before I felt like a gigantic failure, but in hindsight I have no idea how I would have prepped him. He does math enrichment outside school (AoPS) as the school AAP program is not exactly challenging.

He is not interested in TJ.
He will be headed to an IB school.

I am unclear as to:
- What benefit Algebra I in 7th provides, other than seemingly Math 7 Honors may be easy for him. I would want him to take math in a rising progression up until and including his senior year in HS, so he can start college with calculus fresh in his mind - the IB schools now offer IB Comp Sci or IB Econ as a math course but that will do kids a disservice, in my opinion. Even if he did take Multivar Calc, he would have to retake that in college - no reputable engineering program will accept those credits from HS or GMU. So what are we getting for Algebra I, if the kid isn't headed to TJ, even if the level is right for him? And what's the right thing to do here?

If he is ready, it buys him a continuation of challenging and fun math appropriate for his age and interests. At any point, he can decide to scale back but I think he should not take a break because “what will he do as a senior” - it will become obvious as your son grows.

Thank you, I myself am coming around to this perspective. I will have a call with the HS math department to see what they think of the options, but I was so put off by the enormous effort the MS teachers made to make sure no one signs up for Algebra I Honors in 7th. I can see how they have been burned by the TJ striving crowd (I myself am allergic to those), and I do want to make sure the peer group is good for my son. He will continue with AoPS as the level of instruction and challenge there is so much superior to that in the public school, and the next level there is Algebra I (there is nothing between Pre-Algebra, and Algebra I, and as I read the Math 7 H description online, it just is more pre-algebra.) The fact he showed up for the IAAT having totally forgotten about it, and got this score tells me whatever knowledge he has is solid and lasting.

Apologies for my stream of consciousness...

Your DS should definitely take the Honors Algebra next year. If he's going to take AoPS Algebra next year, then he will have no trouble with FCPS Honors Algebra I. Yes, you are most likely correct that strong engineering programs will not accept the Multivariable Calc or Linear Algebra credits. Still, those classes in college are generally very challenging, and getting early exposure to the concepts will make the college classes much easier than going in without prior background.

My take is that if your kid is genuinely ready for the more advanced class, there's no downside in taking it. Unfortunately, there isn't a great way to determine whether your kid is genuinely ready or whether he qualified by FCPS metrics without being ready.

I am the PP you are responding to, and that’s exactly how my thinking is evolving. We looked last night at the curriculum for Math 7 H vs Algebra I, and he has already covered a lot of the topics in Algebra I through AoPS, so together with the IAAT I would say he is ready. One conversation with the HS math department away from making it a final decision.

To the PP who asked if you have to pay for AoPS - yes, one math class costs ~$1,500/year. Best investment you can make if the kid’s focus is math/engineering. I spend more than that on year-round swimming, sadly.

Is AoPS free or do you have to pay for it? How is he taking it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well, I can post, not sure what difference it makes - it's an anonymous forum:

98%

The bigger question is what is the best placement for my child (not any child or your child.) My son is headed to ward engineering, most likely. He has specific and deep interests in software engineering, uses production level coding (not just a generic Python), and pursues his engineering activity outside school. He is good at math but not particularly passionate about it. He didn't prep, in fact I forgot the date for the exam, and when he reminded me the night before I felt like a gigantic failure, but in hindsight I have no idea how I would have prepped him. He does math enrichment outside school (AoPS) as the school AAP program is not exactly challenging.

He is not interested in TJ.
He will be headed to an IB school.

I am unclear as to:
- What benefit Algebra I in 7th provides, other than seemingly Math 7 Honors may be easy for him. I would want him to take math in a rising progression up until and including his senior year in HS, so he can start college with calculus fresh in his mind - the IB schools now offer IB Comp Sci or IB Econ as a math course but that will do kids a disservice, in my opinion. Even if he did take Multivar Calc, he would have to retake that in college - no reputable engineering program will accept those credits from HS or GMU. So what are we getting for Algebra I, if the kid isn't headed to TJ, even if the level is right for him? And what's the right thing to do here?

If he is ready, it buys him a continuation of challenging and fun math appropriate for his age and interests. At any point, he can decide to scale back but I think he should not take a break because “what will he do as a senior” - it will become obvious as your son grows.

Thank you, I myself am coming around to this perspective. I will have a call with the HS math department to see what they think of the options, but I was so put off by the enormous effort the MS teachers made to make sure no one signs up for Algebra I Honors in 7th. I can see how they have been burned by the TJ striving crowd (I myself am allergic to those), and I do want to make sure the peer group is good for my son. He will continue with AoPS as the level of instruction and challenge there is so much superior to that in the public school, and the next level there is Algebra I (there is nothing between Pre-Algebra, and Algebra I, and as I read the Math 7 H description online, it just is more pre-algebra.) The fact he showed up for the IAAT having totally forgotten about it, and got this score tells me whatever knowledge he has is solid and lasting.

Apologies for my stream of consciousness...

Your DS should definitely take the Honors Algebra next year. If he's going to take AoPS Algebra next year, then he will have no trouble with FCPS Honors Algebra I. Yes, you are most likely correct that strong engineering programs will not accept the Multivariable Calc or Linear Algebra credits. Still, those classes in college are generally very challenging, and getting early exposure to the concepts will make the college classes much easier than going in without prior background.

My take is that if your kid is genuinely ready for the more advanced class, there's no downside in taking it. Unfortunately, there isn't a great way to determine whether your kid is genuinely ready or whether he qualified by FCPS metrics without being ready.

I am the PP you are responding to, and that’s exactly how my thinking is evolving. We looked last night at the curriculum for Math 7 H vs Algebra I, and he has already covered a lot of the topics in Algebra I through AoPS, so together with the IAAT I would say he is ready. One conversation with the HS math department away from making it a final decision.

To the PP who asked if you have to pay for AoPS - yes, one math class costs ~$1,500/year. Best investment you can make if the kid’s focus is math/engineering. I spend more than that on year-round swimming, sadly.

Is it a self directed course? Do it when you have time? or is it structured, meet every X at Y?

[Anonymous]

https://vienna.aopsacademy.org/

[Anonymous]

Of course your kid is ready but it’s bc you’re force feeding extra math on him. His understanding isn’t organic.

[Anonymous]

AoPS stands for Art of Problem Solving Academy. They have an online school as well as local schools in several areas (there are at least 2 in the DC area - Vienna and Gaithersburg.) Someone upthread posted the Vienna local school site.

https://artofproblemsolving.com/

I don't have experience with the online portion, but the local schools offer classes that meet once a week, for 1 hr 45 mins, plus access to their online materials (homework, challenges). They have interesting contests that are intended to incent student to practice continuously. DS takes 1 math class per year. Cost is ca. $1500 for the year.

Their program for grades 2-5 is amazing and unique, they created their own materials that are structured like a comic strip. The depth is pretty serious, to do well the kid would need to focus and do some amount (maybe 15 mins) every day to make a really sustainable progress. I have degrees in math and have taught math at the graduate level, I don't have a degree in education, but have researched math programs extensively and this is by far the top program I have seen. It is a different concept from Kumon, Mathnasium, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Of course your kid is ready but it’s bc you’re force feeding extra math on him. His understanding isn’t organic.

I am not force feeding anything. It was clear early on he was sleepwalking though math at school. To use your analogy, if he could eat 5 bowls of pasta but I was offering him a cup of Cheerios only, I'd be starving him. I have met him where his abilities are, and his understanding is solid. I don't have to sit with him and explain math, or solve his problems for him, though on occasion I do show him different methods of solving a certain problem. I am not sure what you think is "organic" understanding of math - throwing the kid in the woods and having them derive math from first principles?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Of course your kid is ready but it’s bc you’re force feeding extra math on him. His understanding isn’t organic.

NP here. Organic understanding of something is overrated. Kids who are above grade level in language arts and reading most likely had parents who read to them every night and made their kids read a lot. They aren't necessarily displaying some special level of innate ability. DD is likely to make it on the highest level middle school orchestra. She doesn't have an organic understanding of music or native ability better than anyone else. She's just taking private lessons and is more advanced than other kids who aren't. PP's kid took a class that makes him ready for Algebra..............which means he's ready for Algebra. It doesn't matter why he's ready for Algebra. It just matters that he is ready.