Just pulled DC out of Advanced Math....did I make a mistake?
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Anonymous
| Ughhh...I just pulled my 5th grader out of Advanced Math in FCPS because I felt it moved too quickly and key concepts were not being taught with any depth. Given that these early years of math are so important for future success in math in middle and high school, DH and I felt that it was better to make sure that DC was getting a solid grounding in the subject matter rather than skimming over the material. However, I was told by the school that DC will not be able to take Adv. Math in 6th as a result of this move. DC is not a natural at math and is one of those that has to work hard at it--with help from DH and a weekly tutor (she got a "3" last quarter but it was a struggle). DC was placed in Advanced Math based on scores and teacher recommendations, not as a result of any interference from my part. My gut tells me that I did the right thing but I'm wondering if it's going to come back and bite us later.... Has anyone had personal experience with this? |
Anonymous
| Bravo. You did the right thing for your kid. |
Anonymous
+1 Listen to your child -- if it your DC is already working hard at it, it will be even more challenging to balance with other coursework (particularly in middle school) that also requires additional work. |
Anonymous
|
you can always supplement math. what you can't do if fix a shakey foundation from learning the material too fast or anything impacting confidence.
you did the right thing. no one cares what math a kid took in 5th grade. you want your kid to be in the class that will best set them up to succeed later. some kids will be in advanced and struggle, that does nothing but hurt them in the future. advanced and needing a tutor or any extra support is a sign it just isn't a right fit. btw, I am a math major/work in a math field and never took advanced math in middle school. |
Anonymous
| Which concepts were being rushed? All of them, or just one portion? |
Anonymous
| You did the right thing. A firm foundation is extremely important. |
Anonymous
|
Every single concept is being rushed. I have the Program of Study and I pay close attention on a daily basis to the homework assignments--it's basically one day per topic. So, for example, now that they're doing geometry, one day it's Area of Rectangles, the next it's Area of Parallelograms and Triangles, and so on and so forth. They have just enough time to memorize the formula for each area calculation but nothing more. You can memorize a formula and answer correctly on tests without "getting" why that formula is what it is. I don't think my DC is the only one that isn't getting everything. In general, the program moves quickly but with little depth.
I should clarify two things. DC has attentional issues that are not so bad we needed a 504 plan but definitely makes focusing on "boring" (to DC) topics like math a challenge. As to the tutoring, we've done it year round for years to make sure that no important information was missed due to inattention. The fact that there are 30+ kids in DC's classes doesn't help either. |
Anonymous
| I agree that you are doing the right thing. Just be sure he keeps up with what he is now being taught. |
Anonymous
| Are the key concepts and depth taught in general ed math? |
Anonymous
Did your DS complain about the material? Did HE feel it was too fast? I too sometimes feel very sorry for my DS as I think he is overwhelmed. Yet he often proves me wrong. Although he did ask me to pull him out from his music lessons, but let's be honest, he never liked them anyway
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Anonymous
| You ABSOLUTELY made the correct decision!!!! Learn the basics well. It is a building act. There needs to be a strong foundation so everything doesn't crumble in a few years. |
Anonymous
I agree 100% with this. I have an older child that went through on the advanced track, and will eventually top out on the math. There's a level of maturity needed for some of the more advanced level math classes that not all kids have when they hit 8th or 9th grade, and that makes it MUCH more difficult for them to be successful in those classes. And a strong foundation is nothing to sneeze at. Your child will be MUCH happier going at the right pace for them and learning and understanding the material. Sounds like a good choice! |
Anonymous
Yep...and what's the rush anyways. He's only in 5th grade. Parents like to brag snowflake is in 'advanced math' even if snowflake can barely cut it. Stand proud. Don't listen to those types. The learning pace does not always equal the finished product. 5th grade is very young. |
Anonymous
| Totally agree with all the PPs. When my DS was in 5th grade, we declined the "invitation" to place him in compacted math. Like you, we just felt learning the basics at a reasonable pace was far more important than rushing just for the sake of rushing. His 6th grade teacher told us during the P/T conference that he had never had parents decline to place their child in Adv. Math if it was offered, and that it was so refreshing to him to see a family finally do it. He, too, agreed that nothing can replace a firm foundation in the basics. And, like a PP said, no one cares what math your child took in the 5th grade. Good for you, OP! |
Anonymous
| it's puzzling to me how the school/teacher decided to put a kid who needs tutor's help to get 3s in adv math. is the teacher seeing somethings you don't or vice versa? |