Compacted math going away?

[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.
[i][u]

A lot of places offer doubling up on math (specifically algebra 2 and geometry) to their most advanced 9th graders. It makes a lot more sense to offer it there then to push a bunch of kids into algebra 1 in 7th grade.
By 9th grade, kids are more mature and it's easier to understand who would really benefit from the most advanced (and largely unnecessary) math track compared to making guesses in 4th grade.

[Anonymous]

I teach compacted math 4/5. I have heard nothing of it going away from my principal nor MCPS (not like I believe them but...). However I don't think Compacted Math is going away soon. I hope. Some kids need it and some kids aren't ready for it.

[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.
[i][u]

A lot of places offer doubling up on math (specifically algebra 2 and geometry) to their most advanced 9th graders. It makes a lot more sense to offer it there then to push a bunch of kids into algebra 1 in 7th grade.
By 9th grade, kids are more mature and it's easier to understand who would really benefit from the most advanced (and largely unnecessary) math track compared to making guesses in 4th grade.

This is the advanced path my niece took in a private school (not MD). That said, she didn’t need to fit in a year of health A and B in her schedule, the tech credit, or PE at all (sports requirement). I think expecting kids to double up in math and also fit in all these other pesky requirements is really too much.

[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.
[i][u]

A lot of places offer doubling up on math (specifically algebra 2 and geometry) to their most advanced 9th graders. It makes a lot more sense to offer it there then to push a bunch of kids into algebra 1 in 7th grade.
By 9th grade, kids are more mature and it's easier to understand who would really benefit from the most advanced (and largely unnecessary) math track compared to making guesses in 4th grade.

This is the advanced path my niece took in a private school (not MD). That said, she didn’t need to fit in a year of health A and B in her schedule, the tech credit, or PE at all (sports requirement). I think expecting kids to double up in math and also fit in all these other pesky requirements is really too much.

+1 I understand that the State wants HS graduates to be prepared for a healthy and successful life, but it would be better if there was more of a wheel of options rather than you must do everything approach.

[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.

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.

There are a lot of people in this thread who do obviously don't work in STEM. Those of us who do realize this early acceleration is not necessary. And it might be counter productive actually.

Also, other (better) school systems realize this. There is hardly any permitted acceleration in Boston in the public school system. You take Algebra in 8th, geometry in 9th for the accelerated track. Like how it used to be here on the advanced track.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I teach compacted math 4/5. I have heard nothing of it going away from my principal nor MCPS (not like I believe them but...). However I don't think Compacted Math is going away soon. I hope. Some kids need it and some kids aren't ready for it.

It isn't. This is just more MCPS trolling.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

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.

There are a lot of people in this thread who do obviously don't work in STEM. Those of us who do realize this early acceleration is not necessary. And it might be counter productive actually.

Also, other (better) school systems realize this. There is hardly any permitted acceleration in Boston in the public school system. You take Algebra in 8th, geometry in 9th for the accelerated track. Like how it used to be here on the advanced track.

In some cases, that's true, but just as many kids need to be challenged and are up to it. Artificially slowing their progress to give the illusion as having made progress reducing the achievement gap is misguided.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

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.

There are a lot of people in this thread who do obviously don't work in STEM. Those of us who do realize this early acceleration is not necessary. And it might be counter productive actually.

Also, other (better) school systems realize this. There is hardly any permitted acceleration in Boston in the public school system. You take Algebra in 8th, geometry in 9th for the accelerated track. Like how it used to be here on the advanced track.

In just the city of Boston, or does this include the Boston-area burbs as well? Just curious. Where I grew up (different NE state), we had a similar track- acceleration meant taking algebra in 8th grade. Not sure what they do now.

I've been fretting a bit about this because my 3rd grader is strong in math (99 percentile map scores, etc.) and his teacher says he will almost certainly be offered compacted math next year. However, it looks like we will be going overseas for 4th and 5th grade, so we'd return when he starts middle school. Depending on the curriculum at whatever international school we attend nd if we provide some enrichment, is there a pathway to "on ramp" in middle school with the accelerated track if he proves to be ready for it? I've heard from some other parents that the grade-level middle school math classes end up being a lot of kids who need slower pacing and goof off. I just wouldn't want him to be bored and/or limit his options in HS.

[Anonymous]

I don’t believe CM for ES is going anywhere. There are some challenges that need to be addressed/thought through when moving to MS though. As someone mentioned, there is no class in Learn Zillion that keeps the CM pace, so all of 7th/ half of 8th grade math. The closest is AMP 7+ but then the students are missing the first half of 7th. AIM further accelerates kids to take both 7th and 8th grade (so 2 years of math) at a time when solidifying a really good math foundation is crucial. That missing foundation and ability to think through problems/apply math in different contexts starts to really show in Honors Alg 2 and/or Honors Pre-Cal, which is why there is concerted effort nationwide to slow math down and be sure kids have a solid foundation.

Further complicating this is that MS math ends after Math 8. Next is Algebra 1 which is technically a HS course and has state aligned testing requirements. Which means MCPS would need to create two or 3 classes to successfully accommodate the CM students on the same pacing (ex:7/8, 8+Alg1). And as any engineer will tell you Alg 1>Geo>Alg 2 is a terrible sequence.

While all this needs to be handled, MCPS is trying really hard to publicize the math tracks and the onboard/off ramps that exist so that people stop racing their kids to get somewhere when they’re not really ready. Which in turn only results in problems later. As another PP noted, some kids should be in an on-level class and students and parents need to see that as a perfectly acceptable option.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

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.

There are a lot of people in this thread who do obviously don't work in STEM. Those of us who do realize this early acceleration is not necessary. And it might be counter productive actually.

Also, other (better) school systems realize this. There is hardly any permitted acceleration in Boston in the public school system. You take Algebra in 8th, geometry in 9th for the accelerated track. Like how it used to be here on the advanced track.

In just the city of Boston, or does this include the Boston-area burbs as well? Just curious. Where I grew up (different NE state), we had a similar track- acceleration meant taking algebra in 8th grade. Not sure what they do now.

I've been fretting a bit about this because my 3rd grader is strong in math (99 percentile map scores, etc.) and his teacher says he will almost certainly be offered compacted math next year. However, it looks like we will be going overseas for 4th and 5th grade, so we'd return when he starts middle school. Depending on the curriculum at whatever international school we attend nd if we provide some enrichment, is there a pathway to "on ramp" in middle school with the accelerated track if he proves to be ready for it? I've heard from some other parents that the grade-level middle school math classes end up being a lot of kids who need slower pacing and goof off. I just wouldn't want him to be bored and/or limit his options in HS.

Middle schools and high schools are much more flexible at meeting kids at their level. We moved while one DC was in middle school so we have had children in two different middle schools and both offered testing for math placement. We did not ask for this as DCs were on the regular compacted track but they had friends who did this. It wasn't advertised but you could ask the math department to have your child tested. There were always a few kids placed in higher classes as a result. It'll be easier for you to ask for testing as you'll be returning from abroad so it makes perfect sense for them to test your child. High schools tend to be even more flexible IME

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

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.

There are a lot of people in this thread who do obviously don't work in STEM. Those of us who do realize this early acceleration is not necessary. And it might be counter productive actually.

Also, other (better) school systems realize this. There is hardly any permitted acceleration in Boston in the public school system. You take Algebra in 8th, geometry in 9th for the accelerated track. Like how it used to be here on the advanced track.

In just the city of Boston, or does this include the Boston-area burbs as well? Just curious. Where I grew up (different NE state), we had a similar track- acceleration meant taking algebra in 8th grade. Not sure what they do now.

I've been fretting a bit about this because my 3rd grader is strong in math (99 percentile map scores, etc.) and his teacher says he will almost certainly be offered compacted math next year. However, it looks like we will be going overseas for 4th and 5th grade, so we'd return when he starts middle school. Depending on the curriculum at whatever international school we attend nd if we provide some enrichment, is there a pathway to "on ramp" in middle school with the accelerated track if he proves to be ready for it? I've heard from some other parents that the grade-level middle school math classes end up being a lot of kids who need slower pacing and goof off. I just wouldn't want him to be bored and/or limit his options in HS.

I'm the PP. Actually we were overseas for 3rd through 5th grade for my older kid. She didn't do compacted math, as they had no enrichment at all, but she did have high map scores. I show those map scores to the guidance counselor, and the principal of the international School wrote her a recommendation. She was put into AIM in sixth grade, and now is in geometry in 8th. I think if your scores are good your DC will be fine. And yes they need to be 97-99th to be on the safe side. By the way, I quickly realized that the math curriculum in our international school was not up to par. At least where we were. So I had my kids do Beast academy and Khan academy. It was all fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

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.

There are a lot of people in this thread who do obviously don't work in STEM. Those of us who do realize this early acceleration is not necessary. And it might be counter productive actually.

Also, other (better) school systems realize this. There is hardly any permitted acceleration in Boston in the public school system. You take Algebra in 8th, geometry in 9th for the accelerated track. Like how it used to be here on the advanced track.

In just the city of Boston, or does this include the Boston-area burbs as well? Just curious. Where I grew up (different NE state), we had a similar track- acceleration meant taking algebra in 8th grade. Not sure what they do now.

I've been fretting a bit about this because my 3rd grader is strong in math (99 percentile map scores, etc.) and his teacher says he will almost certainly be offered compacted math next year. However, it looks like we will be going overseas for 4th and 5th grade, so we'd return when he starts middle school. Depending on the curriculum at whatever international school we attend nd if we provide some enrichment, is there a pathway to "on ramp" in middle school with the accelerated track if he proves to be ready for it? I've heard from some other parents that the grade-level middle school math classes end up being a lot of kids who need slower pacing and goof off. I just wouldn't want him to be bored and/or limit his options in HS.

I'd be curious if any of us grew up in places where acceleration meant more than that? It definitely did where I grew up (Wake County for middle and then a smaller NC county for high school). I knew one kid who managed to get them to let him move faster than that and he's an actual mathematician now. Even the kids who ended up engineers did algebra I in 8th and topped out at Calc AB (no BC available where I was in high school). They did fine.

[Anonymous]

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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.

There are a lot of people in this thread who do obviously don't work in STEM. Those of us who do realize this early acceleration is not necessary. And it might be counter productive actually.

Also, other (better) school systems realize this. There is hardly any permitted acceleration in Boston in the public school system. You take Algebra in 8th, geometry in 9th for the accelerated track. Like how it used to be here on the advanced track.

In some cases, that's true, but just as many kids need to be challenged and are up to it. Artificially slowing their progress to give the illusion as having made progress reducing the achievement gap is misguided.

Exactly! I'm a STEM PhD and from what I'm seeing for now from my 7th grader, Algebra I in 7th grade is actually way too easy for him. There could be a way to have more enrichment and offer more breadth and not just speed, but MCPS is not doing that (one reason why we're doing it through RSM.) Who are the kids suffering from early acceleration? If these kids actually exist, they should be identified and perhaps the cutoffs can be adjusted to make it easier for similar kids in the future by not accelerating them.* Also, perhaps MCPS will either 1) add some enrichment options or 2) add more material for everyone so that it's more challenging for all the kids, but you can get a B even if you can't do the really hard problems. Option 2 is what I did in my home country and what many other countries do. The US (and MCPS) teaches more towards the middle/bottom, which is what it is (pluses and minuses for both approaches), hence the discussions we're having right now.

I just think it's hypocritical to say "Oh, the poor accelerated kids," when many (most?) kids who are accelerated only get advantages from this. If the concern is over reducing inequalities, then that should be stated upfront and more ways of getting more underprivileged kids into the accelerated tracks should be considered (by raising their level, not lowering cutoffs!)

* I think this could be an issue if a kid skips multiple grades or perhaps lacks maturity when getting to Algebra 2 or Calc. But I still don't think it's an issue just because a kid took Algebra 1 in 7th. Many countries do it earlier and my kids started solving simple equations in 1st grade in RSM (I don't mean this as a humblebrag, just as a statement that it can be done.)

[Anonymous]

PP, just to add: one reason why I found out about RSM and put my kids into it is because my mentors in STEM (not in MCPS, but in fancy counties in MA and SoCal) had their kids in it. Yes, many "people in STEM" don't actually think regular school math is sufficient to prepare their kids for STEM careers.

[Anonymous]

Telling kids to spin their wheels for a learning nothing, and then to double up later to catch up, is totally insane.

Schools should offer a much deeper enriched honors curriculum. But they don't. The teachers who teach Math 6 don't understand math deeply and so can't support advanced learners. So the choice is either accelerate, or paper over the problem at home, or brain rot.

And if you ask a Chinese parent why they want to "accelerate" their kid, they'll explain they are just trying to keep up with the curriculum from back home, not accelerate.
STEM professional; almost all my coworkers did acceleration and enrichment.