| DC area -- public or private -- which schools do you thing do the best job at teaching math? |
| BASIS DC hands down if you have an accelerated math leaner. A handful of kids took Algebra 1 last year in 5th grade and are taking Algebra 2 in 6th grade. These kids on are on track to take Calculus in 8th grade. |
| That seems insane to me. There can't possibly be that many kids that are ready for that. |
| Longfellow Middle School. Home of Vern Williams. |
| MCPS HGC/magnet programs seem to do pretty well at this. |
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Basis has only had its doors open for 1 1/2 years. The jury is definitely still out for the DC based one.
Longfellow's math department is deep and not just a one man show. Mr. Williams' teaching style does not fit all learning styles, but there are other math teachers who have differnt teaching styles. I don't know much about Montgomery County but it certainly turns out excellent students. |
| Takoma Park middle school math/science magnet is probably the gold standard. |
Waiting eagerly to hear how these 8th graders do on the AP Calculus BC exam. |
In their other schools, BASIS has a great track record for AP calculus and other testing. Like I said there is only a handful of kids taking the highest track to be on schedule for calculus in 8th grade which BASIS has done successfully at their other schools. All students are given diagnostics to place them appropriately into the right level of math and are re-assessed frequently. Most of the students are on track for Algebra 1 in 7th grade and will not take calculus in 8th grade. But at the least the option exists for advanced learners. They also have the Leap program for other disciplines such as science, language arts, etc. |
What about Roberto Clemente middle school math/science magnet? |
I'd be very curious to see how those students do in the long run. I know FCPS is reconsidering pushing so many kids into 7th grade algebra because they feel they may not be ready. I can't imagine mor than 1 kid a year who could really handle Calculus BC in 8th grade. |
It is interesting that BASIS has chosen to use Saxon Math for everyone including the most advanced kids. I would rather see the advanced learners use AOPS (Art of Problem Solving) Math and have those 5th graders do AOPS pre-Alg instead then Alg, geometry, number theory, probability, Alg. 2. AOPS is much, much more challenging. That being said I would rather my 5th grader do Alg. at basis than 5th grade Everyday Math. |
And this is why American students can't compete with Finland, Korea, and Poland...low expectations. |
| Robinson Secondary is wonderful. The school is really well run. |
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And this is why American students can't compete with Finland, Korea, and Poland...low expectations.
So how many children in those countries take Calculus BC at age 13? |