Should my kid take Algebra I in 7 grade if the child's strength is not math?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No. Look at what they would take in 12th and count backwards. Do you really want them in a class *beyond* Calculus? Beyond Calculus in 12th, is that necessary? .. just for bragging rights in 7th grade.

The OP doesn't seem to be worried about bragging rights. There are kids who are good at math and enjoy it. Algebra in 7th grade fits them just fine because of their skill and interest. Stop projecting your feelings on things to other people.

OP: What does your child think? If math is not their strength or love and they scored high enough on the IAAT and SOL to be allowed into Algebra in 7th grade, then they are better at math then you are giving them credit for. That said, it is fine for the child to take Math 7 H instead of Algebra. But at this stage, you should talk to your child about their interests. Algebra 1 is a high school class and it is important for the rest of high school math.

Thank you everyone. OP here. NO, not trying to brag here. It was an honest question. DC is not good with time management and organization, and Math is not an easy subject for the child. In the subjects of her strength, DC can be many years ahead of her age. But math is something that does not come naturally for the child. That is why I'm wondering if DC should go for Algebra 1 if as this point.

Why don't you have her do a summer prep or regular class - Landon has some both online and in person. We have done Algebra and Geometry and taking Algebra 2 this summer. Its really helpful. Advanced in MCPS is Algebra in 6th. 7-8th grade for many kids is normal to start Algebra.

This is a misstatement. In both FCPS and MCPS, a handful of students take Algebra in 6th. Then a percentage takes it in 7th, more in 8th, and the majority in 9th.

I'm not sure if posters who overstate like this are honestly oblivious? Or something else?

I think kids are sheltered and in their peer groups, and are not seeing the kids who take algebra in 9th. My son's school, pretty much all his peers took algebra in 7th or 6th. However, this is also the majority of students at his school.

MCPS has been clear that their goal is to get all kids to take Algebra by 8th grade. Normal is 7th or 8th. Kids who struggle academically what till 9th or 10th. The minority take it in 9th. Most kids we know do it in 7th.

If you are in APP, one would assume the child is smarter and would take it in 7th or at the latest 8th.

In MCPS, by 8th grade is ok, but it is NOT normal to take it in 7 grade. Algebra 1 is still advanced for many 7 grades. I was a student in MCPS.

I was too and things have greatly changed. Now it is normal to take it in 7th or 8th. Mine are doing it in 6th.