Compacted math going away?

[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.

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.

So why do kids at this ES get special treatment? Can't they make this available to all capable students?

[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.

It's not the kids' or parents' fault that the schools offer MV but don't offer useful classes like Linear Algebra or Discrete Math or more computer science or count advanced computer science classes as math classes.

[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.

It's not the kids' or parents' fault that the schools offer MV but don't offer useful classes like Linear Algebra or Discrete Math or more computer science or count advanced computer science classes as math classes.

Linear Algebra and Discrete math are basically only useful to ppl going into comp sci/OR/eng, STEM, etc as their career.
I have a hard time believing all the students finishing AP Calc B/C in 11th are going into truly quantitative fields. It's just a way of showing how "smart" you are but for no real purpose.

[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.

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?

I am the pp you are responding to. Unless my kids *know* they are going into STEM, they are going to take AP Stat in 12th. It's the single most useful class in math in high school. Everything else (MV, Linear Algebra) can be taken in college, taught in classes that give a bit more time to cover complex subjects.

I took MV in high school (magnet) and again in college. It was taught completely differently in college - there was more time for the actual class, and the teacher had more time (office hours, etc) to explain things too. I think I barely understood it in high school and it really sunk in in college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

It's not the kids' or parents' fault that the schools offer MV but don't offer useful classes like Linear Algebra or Discrete Math or more computer science or count advanced computer science classes as math classes.

Linear Algebra and Discrete math are basically only useful to ppl going into comp sci/OR/eng, STEM, etc as their career.
I have a hard time believing all the students finishing AP Calc B/C in 11th are going into truly quantitative fields. It's just a way of showing how "smart" you are but for no real purpose.

I tend to agree but the solution would be to limit the accelerated option to a smaller pool of students, and to advertise the benefits of statistics to the kids who are not planning to apply to stem programs. However, I believe there are some kids who are capable of doing the work and or who want to pursue stem in undergraduate, and I think having a pathway that lets them get there is appropriate.

[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?

Shh! They have a secret curriculum that gets kids into Alg 1 in 5th grade but we're not allowed to talk about it.

[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.

The horror. Larlo won’t be able to get a job in Silicon Valley with that track

[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.

The horror. Larlo won’t be able to get a job in Silicon Valley with that track

I thought equity meant everyone gets what they need. I guess what progressives really mean by equity is everyone gets what they need to be mediocre.

[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?

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.

Would you strike a bargain to meet every student where they are, but...

1) based on high-fidelity identification of ability, not just how far they've gotten with outside exposure from tutoring or the like,

2) providing the supports needed to fulfill that ability, such as MCPS-provided tutoring for students capable of advancement but without the economic status or family condition to pursue outside enrichment,

3) expanding the magnet programs so that there are sufficient seats to meet the need,

4) allocating sufficient classroom and administrative personnel to fulfill those and

5) allowing for a high enough tax rate to ensure the above, along with the equivalent for those with where-they-are needs of other sorts (e.g., SPED, EML, etc.)?

[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.

The horror. Larlo won’t be able to get a job in Silicon Valley with that track

There are almost 200K students in MCPS. For none of them to be prepared for STEM programs, or for only the rich kids who can afford external coursework to be prepared, would be a tremendous failure.

[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.

The horror. Larlo won’t be able to get a job in Silicon Valley with that track

I thought equity meant everyone gets what they need. I guess what progressives really mean by equity is everyone gets what they need to be mediocre.

No idea what it meant initially, but these days equity means dumbing things down to the lowest common denominator.

[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.

The horror. Larlo won’t be able to get a job in Silicon Valley with that track

There are almost 200K students in MCPS. For none of them to be prepared for STEM programs, or for only the rich kids who can afford external coursework to be prepared, would be a tremendous failure.

This is where we are headed.

[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.

This doesn’t make sense to me. I thought 5/6 is supposed to cover half of 5 and all of 6.
7+ should cover all of 7 and perhaps half of 8. To me the solution would not be to change CM which seems fine to me, but to have LZ adjust their curriculum flow or find a MS math provider who would do 7/8, 8/9, 9/10 so to speak.

7+ covers the second half of 7th and all of 8th.

[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.

They don't need to take MV senior year. They can take AP stats. That certainly what we will advise our kid presuming she stays on the current track.

[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.

The horror. Larlo won’t be able to get a job in Silicon Valley with that track

There are almost 200K students in MCPS. For none of them to be prepared for STEM programs, or for only the rich kids who can afford external coursework to be prepared, would be a tremendous failure.

Do you really think a child needs multivariable calculus to be a STEM major?
If so, you are very wrong.