Algebra in 6th grade?

[Anonymous]

Have any of your children taken algebra in 6th grade? I know it is not the typical route, but just wondering if anyone's child had this experience and if you'd do it again. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Yes and yes.

[Anonymous]

In the past kids did but the real question is whether it is still an option. I am hearing that seventh grade is the earliest kids can take it now. I don't know that for sure though.

[Anonymous]

DC did at local ms two years ago pre C2.0. We felt he did not master certain concepts which presumably would have in IM so not sure if would choose to now.

[Anonymous]

First one yes

Second one will not be able to. Under 2.0 the highest you can take is IM.

Dumbing down the curriculum so the Central American kids can pass exams.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:First one yes

Second one will not be able to. Under 2.0 the highest you can take is IM.

Dumbing down the curriculum so the Central American kids can pass exams.

In the first place, this doesn't even make sense. That kid over there is not more or less likely to pass an exam based on which class your kid over here is in.

In the second place, two years of AP in math in high school hardly constitutes "dumbing down the curriculum".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DC did at local ms two years ago pre C2.0. We felt he did not master certain concepts which presumably would have in IM so not sure if would choose to now.

Thanks, that's what I'm wondering as well but no one can tell me for sure as the new IM has not been rolled out or completed. I hear it will combine parts of Math 7 and the old IM. I suppose if my DC excels in math it won't be a problem, but would rather not have it be a too much of a struggle.

[Anonymous]

Remember math ius not a race...the most important thing is to have really strong skills not pass the most classes.

[Anonymous]

Agree with 8:32 - our magnet coordinator pointed out that magnet schools were the first to notice gaps in math achievement due to too much emphasis on acceleration. Various discussions strings seem to support that the trend has been happening in VA also. At the time, we wondered why our MS did not seem very encouraging of older son's acceleration, but we understand better now. Some kids really are ready but I think it is and should be a small minority.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Agree with 8:32 - our magnet coordinator pointed out that magnet schools were the first to notice gaps in math achievement due to too much emphasis on acceleration. Various discussions strings seem to support that the trend has been happening in VA also. At the time, we wondered why our MS did not seem very encouraging of older son's acceleration, but we understand better now. Some kids really are ready but I think it is and should be a small minority.

I think MCPS definitely accelerated too much in the past. But it seems like that they over-corrected. The small minority who needs more should be taught at their level.

[Anonymous]

My older 2 took Alg 1 in 6th (pre 2.0) both now at magnet program at Blair. My youngest is screwed due to 2.0

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Agree with 8:32 - our magnet coordinator pointed out that magnet schools were the first to notice gaps in math achievement due to too much emphasis on acceleration. Various discussions strings seem to support that the trend has been happening in VA also. At the time, we wondered why our MS did not seem very encouraging of older son's acceleration, but we understand better now. Some kids really are ready but I think it is and should be a small minority.

I think MCPS definitely accelerated too much in the past. But it seems like that they over-corrected. The small minority who needs more should be taught at their level.

How do you know that they're not? How do you know that not one single sixth-grader anywhere in any school in MCPS under any circumstances is going to be in Algebra I from now on?

[Anonymous]

I think exceptions to the rule are being made (they always are)..if you want to be that parent. I don't think 11th grade calculus exactly "skrews" you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My older 2 took Alg 1 in 6th (pre 2.0) both now at magnet program at Blair. My youngest is screwed due to 2.0

Your definition of "screwed" must be different from mine, because mine doesn't include having to take Algebra I in 7th grade instead of 6th grade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:First one yes

Second one will not be able to. Under 2.0 the highest you can take is IM.

Dumbing down the curriculum so the Central American kids can pass exams.

With the "traditional" route, kids were still doing terribly in math, as they didn't possess number sense. This is an attempt at helping them understand the reasons behind mathematical concepts.

What's more important? going through the motions or understanding how things REALLY work?