Jay Matthews: VMPI Probably Will Keep Tracking Just Because of Parent Pressure

[Anonymous]

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I think a change like this makes a lot of sense (From the article):

Algebra II is frequently combined with trigonometry in the third year of high school math. It covers linear equations, functions, exponential and logarithmic expressions and other topics. It is required for graduation in 20 states (not including Virginia) and the District of Columbia. But math education experts such as Phil Daro and Harold Asturias have suggested giving students the option of taking data science or quantitative reasoning instead.

I also like the idea of teaching math more conceptually/providing more of the theory behind it.

This would mean Algebra 2 is not covered by 10th grade and kids would not be able to take calculus in high school. VMPI is giving assurances that algebra 2 is part of Math 8-10, but I think it is more likely algebra 2 is being mostly dropped. They originally had precalculus as just a half year course, and have said in the videos that it really isn't needed in high school.

My kid does not need calculus and will not be heading in a STEM direction. I'd rather they have the option for something they may actually encounter in the real world and basic data analytics/quantitative reasoning is that IMO. quoted text even says it would an OPTION, not elimination of Algebra II altogether.

That’s a pity. I hope s/he reconsiders. I think of exposure to calculus to be something we should provide to everyone. It is so fundamental to how we understand the world these days. If your kid is reasonably academically capable, I would encourage them to take an intro calc course somewhere along their educational journey just so they understand how science is put together.

I teach HS math and I completely disagree with this statement. Statistics is orders of magnitude more useful for most people, who will have absolutely zero use for calculus the rest of their lives.

+1,000,000

+1

I was a STEM major and took several college-level math courses. Work in STEM now. Haven't used calculus since grad school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I think a change like this makes a lot of sense (From the article):

Algebra II is frequently combined with trigonometry in the third year of high school math. It covers linear equations, functions, exponential and logarithmic expressions and other topics. It is required for graduation in 20 states (not including Virginia) and the District of Columbia. But math education experts such as Phil Daro and Harold Asturias have suggested giving students the option of taking data science or quantitative reasoning instead.

I also like the idea of teaching math more conceptually/providing more of the theory behind it.

This would mean Algebra 2 is not covered by 10th grade and kids would not be able to take calculus in high school. VMPI is giving assurances that algebra 2 is part of Math 8-10, but I think it is more likely algebra 2 is being mostly dropped. They originally had precalculus as just a half year course, and have said in the videos that it really isn't needed in high school.

My kid does not need calculus and will not be heading in a STEM direction. I'd rather they have the option for something they may actually encounter in the real world and basic data analytics/quantitative reasoning is that IMO. quoted text even says it would an OPTION, not elimination of Algebra II altogether.

That’s a pity. I hope s/he reconsiders. I think of exposure to calculus to be something we should provide to everyone. It is so fundamental to how we understand the world these days. If your kid is reasonably academically capable, I would encourage them to take an intro calc course somewhere along their educational journey just so they understand how science is put together.

I teach HS math and I completely disagree with this statement. Statistics is orders of magnitude more useful for most people, who will have absolutely zero use for calculus the rest of their lives.

+1,000,000

+1

I was a STEM major and took several college-level math courses. Work in STEM now. Haven't used calculus since grad school.

+2. However when I was recently taking some courses on machine learning it came in super handy to have once upon a time taken calculus.

However if you asked me to solve any Algebra II problems today without giving me a chance to review...

[Anonymous]

Depends on whether maximizing a quadratic is included in algebra 1 or algebra 2.

[Anonymous]

However if you asked me to solve any Algebra II problems today without giving me a chance to review...

As I grumble to DS when I help with algebra and geometry problems, you'd never be asked to do this IRL, but if you were, you'd be allowed to use books and the internet to get the answer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

However if you asked me to solve any Algebra II problems today without giving me a chance to review...

As I grumble to DS when I help with algebra and geometry problems, you'd never be asked to do this IRL, but if you were, you'd be allowed to use books and the internet to get the answer.

I've yet to employ Boyle's law in real life either, that doesn't mean that taking Chemistry is pointless

[Anonymous]

The ideal gas law came in handy when the NFL railroaded Tom Brady.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The ideal gas law came in handy when the NFL railroaded Tom Brady.

not really, he still got suspended

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

However if you asked me to solve any Algebra II problems today without giving me a chance to review...

As I grumble to DS when I help with algebra and geometry problems, you'd never be asked to do this IRL, but if you were, you'd be allowed to use books and the internet to get the answer.

I've yet to employ Boyle's law in real life either, that doesn't mean that taking Chemistry is pointless

Any real life chemistry problem will be "open book".

And believe me, "open book" problems aren't always easy. My college chem class helpfully printed "every formula you need to solve every problem" on the cover page of the exam, and those exams still were incredibly tough.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The ideal gas law came in handy when the NFL railroaded Tom Brady.

not really, he still got suspended

Because his lawyer slipped up in the appeal. He was very close to revealing that the Wells report had actually cleared Brady, and it was many months later where someone connected the dots.

[Anonymous]

No response from LCPS when I asked about deviations from the pathways listed on their website, which has no acceleration.

[Anonymous]

With LCPS, your best approach is always document, document, document and cc: up the chain. Do not stop. This is the only way you will get any response. Don't allow them to say "oh, your e-mail went to my junk folder," or "I'm so glad you reached out" w/some chart attached in lieu of a real response.

[Anonymous]

I also received no response from LCPS. I contacted board members as well as Dr. Ellis. The board members replied cc’ing Dr. Ellis, but she did not reply.

I think it’s likely a lost cause and the tracking is completely gone as of the current 4th graders (my DD.) 5th grade at least has the option to test or push into pre Algebra next year. But this is the last year that will have that option.

[Anonymous]

Time for Russian School of Mathematics or AoPS

[Anonymous]

I got a response from Meghan McLaughlin of Fairfax SB on twitter, but not via regular mail. She responded saying that the school board members said I was wrong. I gave details about what was happening. She replied she was mainly focused on maintaining the honors and acceleration, wasn't worried about redoing the classes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I got a response from Meghan McLaughlin of Fairfax SB on twitter, but not via regular mail. She responded saying that the school board members said I was wrong. I gave details about what was happening. She replied she was mainly focused on maintaining the honors and acceleration, wasn't worried about redoing the classes.

So she said LCPS will continue to offer honors and acceleration?

Just that the courses will be reworked?