FCPS advanced math options

[Anonymous]

Hi All - as we wait to hear decisions for third grade full time AAP, I was wondering if you could help me understand the FCPS advanced math options.

DC is in second grade, tested in to pool. If DC is not admitted to level IV, what are the options for advanced math? Base school has level III services. Setting elementary school aside, I think at least come middle school, DC should be able to take the "highest" math classes. Is the only option for that through the AAP program or can you still take the highest math classes in middle school if not in AAP? I believe you need to take the highest maths starting in middle school to be able to continue through the highest maths like Calc etc in HS. If I'm wrong about this, please let me know.

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

You don't need to be in the AAP to take the highest math class in middle school (or most elementary schools, for that matter).

[Anonymous]

In theory, all FCPS elementary are supposed to offer advanced math, not just to Level IV students. In practice, it can vary from school to school.

In MS, any child who qualifies can take Algebra 1 Honors in 7th grade. You just need to make sure your child takes the IAAT in 6th grade.

But even then, your child could take Algebra 1 in 8th grade and will still be on the path to taking Calculus as a senior. Algebra 1 in 7th, has them taking Calculus as a junior.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In theory, all FCPS elementary are supposed to offer advanced math, not just to Level IV students. In practice, it can vary from school to school.

In MS, any child who qualifies can take Algebra 1 Honors in 7th grade. You just need to make sure your child takes the IAAT in 6th grade.

But even then, your child could take Algebra 1 in 8th grade and will still be on the path to taking Calculus as a senior. Algebra 1 in 7th, has them taking Calculus as a junior.

I believe there are only 2 or 3 elementary schools in the county that do not offer advanced math in 6th grade. As long as your child scores a 91 on the Iowa test, he/she is allowed to take algebra 1 honors as a 7th grader.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In theory, all FCPS elementary are supposed to offer advanced math, not just to Level IV students. In practice, it can vary from school to school.

In MS, any child who qualifies can take Algebra 1 Honors in 7th grade. You just need to make sure your child takes the IAAT in 6th grade.

But even then, your child could take Algebra 1 in 8th grade and will still be on the path to taking Calculus as a senior. Algebra 1 in 7th, has them taking Calculus as a junior.

This is incorrect information.

To take Algebra in 7th grade a student has to be in advanced math in 6th grade so they can take the 7th grade SOL. A sixth grader who is not in advanced math will not take the 7th grade SOL. They take the 6th grade SOL. They also do not take the Iowa test. Only students in advanced math take the Iowa test in sixth grade.

Just taking the test will not get your kid algebra in 7th. They have to score a minimal amount on each test: pass advanced for the SOL (or within a few points at some middle schools) and over 90% on the Iowa.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In theory, all FCPS elementary are supposed to offer advanced math, not just to Level IV students. In practice, it can vary from school to school.

In MS, any child who qualifies can take Algebra 1 Honors in 7th grade. You just need to make sure your child takes the IAAT in 6th grade.

But even then, your child could take Algebra 1 in 8th grade and will still be on the path to taking Calculus as a senior. Algebra 1 in 7th, has them taking Calculus as a junior.

I believe there are only 2 or 3 elementary schools in the county that do not offer advanced math in 6th grade. As long as your child scores a 91 on the Iowa test, he/she is allowed to take algebra 1 honors as a 7th grader.

This is incorrect too.

[Anonymous]

Since your child is in second grade, if DC does not get into AAP you would want (need) your child to get into advanced math in 3rd grade to be in advanced math in middle school. They use the CoGat quantitative score, end of year math test and beginning of third grade math test to decide which Gen Ed third grade students should be placed in advanced math. Then the AAP third graders and the advanced math class from Gen Ed will be using the same curriculum. It moves at a faster pace so that by the end of 5th grade the students will take the 6th grade math SOL. Then the AAP and advanced math class from Gen Ed will take the IOWA in about January of 6th grade and the 7th grade math SOL at the end of sixth grade. Letters are sent out over the summer to students with high SOL and IOWA scores (I think it's 93% for the IOWA but I'm not totally sure) to let them know that they can take Algebra in 7th grade.

Having said that, Algebra in 7th is very advanced and not even Stamford or MIT expect their students to take Calculus in their Junior year. The AAP and advanced math students who do not score as high will take Algebra in 8th grade which is still considered advanced. I doubt we will have my DC take Algebra next year, even though she is likely to qualify, because it seems stressful and unnecessary. We have heard many tales of woe about the class from older students.

I do recommend having DC learn multiplication and division the summer between second and third grade. Whether you are looking at AAP or Advanced Math it moves quickly and that will make it easier on your child.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Since your child is in second grade, if DC does not get into AAP you would want (need) your child to get into advanced math in 3rd grade to be in advanced math in middle school. They use the CoGat quantitative score, end of year math test and beginning of third grade math test to decide which Gen Ed third grade students should be placed in advanced math. Then the AAP third graders and the advanced math class from Gen Ed will be using the same curriculum. It moves at a faster pace so that by the end of 5th grade the students will take the 6th grade math SOL. Then the AAP and advanced math class from Gen Ed will take the IOWA in about January of 6th grade and the 7th grade math SOL at the end of sixth grade. Letters are sent out over the summer to students with high SOL and IOWA scores (I think it's 93% for the IOWA but I'm not totally sure) to let them know that they can take Algebra in 7th grade.

Having said that, Algebra in 7th is very advanced and not even Stamford or MIT expect their students to take Calculus in their Junior year. The AAP and advanced math students who do not score as high will take Algebra in 8th grade which is still considered advanced. I doubt we will have my DC take Algebra next year, even though she is likely to qualify, because it seems stressful and unnecessary. We have heard many tales of woe about the class from older students.

I do recommend having DC learn multiplication and division the summer between second and third grade. Whether you are looking at AAP or Advanced Math it moves quickly and that will make it easier on your child.

Good luck!

not necessarily true. I had a kid at a non-center, non-level 4 adv. math class and one in a center and the curricula were not the same.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi All - as we wait to hear decisions for third grade full time AAP, I was wondering if you could help me understand the FCPS advanced math options.

DC is in second grade, tested in to pool. If DC is not admitted to level IV, what are the options for advanced math? Base school has level III services. Setting elementary school aside, I think at least come middle school, DC should be able to take the "highest" math classes. Is the only option for that through the AAP program or can you still take the highest math classes in middle school if not in AAP? I believe you need to take the highest maths starting in middle school to be able to continue through the highest maths like Calc etc in HS. If I'm wrong about this, please let me know.

Thank you!

I'm puzzled why you're worried what your current second grader will be taking in 5 years. Why "should" your child be able to take the highest math class in 7th and 8th grade? Aren't you thinking way, way, way ahead of yourself here?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi All - as we wait to hear decisions for third grade full time AAP, I was wondering if you could help me understand the FCPS advanced math options.

DC is in second grade, tested in to pool. If DC is not admitted to level IV, what are the options for advanced math? Base school has level III services. Setting elementary school aside, I think at least come middle school, DC should be able to take the "highest" math classes. Is the only option for that through the AAP program or can you still take the highest math classes in middle school if not in AAP? I believe you need to take the highest maths starting in middle school to be able to continue through the highest maths like Calc etc in HS. If I'm wrong about this, please let me know.

Thank you!

I'm puzzled why you're worried what your current second grader will be taking in 5 years. Why "should" your child be able to take the highest math class in 7th and 8th grade? Aren't you thinking way, way, way ahead of yourself here?

I agree that it is crazy! But the responses here seem to show that you need advanced math in elementary to be able to take algebra in MS which is a requirement for Calc in HS.

In general I was not planning to appeal or reapply to AAP if DC is not admitted, but given DC's math abilities, if DC could not take algebra in middle school without being in AAP that would factor into a decision to appeal or reapply if not admitted initially.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi All - as we wait to hear decisions for third grade full time AAP, I was wondering if you could help me understand the FCPS advanced math options.

DC is in second grade, tested in to pool. If DC is not admitted to level IV, what are the options for advanced math? Base school has level III services. Setting elementary school aside, I think at least come middle school, DC should be able to take the "highest" math classes. Is the only option for that through the AAP program or can you still take the highest math classes in middle school if not in AAP? I believe you need to take the highest maths starting in middle school to be able to continue through the highest maths like Calc etc in HS. If I'm wrong about this, please let me know.

Thank you!

I'm puzzled why you're worried what your current second grader will be taking in 5 years. Why "should" your child be able to take the highest math class in 7th and 8th grade? Aren't you thinking way, way, way ahead of yourself here?

I agree that it is crazy! But the responses here seem to show that you need advanced math in elementary to be able to take algebra in MS which is a requirement for Calc in HS.

In general I was not planning to appeal or reapply to AAP if DC is not admitted, but given DC's math abilities, if DC could not take algebra in middle school without being in AAP that would factor into a decision to appeal or reapply if not admitted initially.

You don't need to be in advanced math to take Algebra in MS, just in 7th grade. Many 8th graders take Algebra regardless of whether they were in AAP or in advanced math in ES

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Since your child is in second grade, if DC does not get into AAP you would want (need) your child to get into advanced math in 3rd grade to be in advanced math in middle school. They use the CoGat quantitative score, end of year math test and beginning of third grade math test to decide which Gen Ed third grade students should be placed in advanced math. Then the AAP third graders and the advanced math class from Gen Ed will be using the same curriculum. It moves at a faster pace so that by the end of 5th grade the students will take the 6th grade math SOL. Then the AAP and advanced math class from Gen Ed will take the IOWA in about January of 6th grade and the 7th grade math SOL at the end of sixth grade. Letters are sent out over the summer to students with high SOL and IOWA scores (I think it's 93% for the IOWA but I'm not totally sure) to let them know that they can take Algebra in 7th grade.

Having said that, Algebra in 7th is very advanced and not even Stamford or MIT expect their students to take Calculus in their Junior year. The AAP and advanced math students who do not score as high will take Algebra in 8th grade which is still considered advanced. I doubt we will have my DC take Algebra next year, even though she is likely to qualify, because it seems stressful and unnecessary. We have heard many tales of woe about the class from older students.

I do recommend having DC learn multiplication and division the summer between second and third grade. Whether you are looking at AAP or Advanced Math it moves quickly and that will make it easier on your child.

Good luck!

100% agree. I swear one day DD came home and was expected to know it. I have no idea when it was taught. We did it over the summer but had we not, she would have been behind. She's at a center.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Since your child is in second grade, if DC does not get into AAP you would want (need) your child to get into advanced math in 3rd grade to be in advanced math in middle school. They use the CoGat quantitative score, end of year math test and beginning of third grade math test to decide which Gen Ed third grade students should be placed in advanced math. Then the AAP third graders and the advanced math class from Gen Ed will be using the same curriculum. It moves at a faster pace so that by the end of 5th grade the students will take the 6th grade math SOL. Then the AAP and advanced math class from Gen Ed will take the IOWA in about January of 6th grade and the 7th grade math SOL at the end of sixth grade. Letters are sent out over the summer to students with high SOL and IOWA scores (I think it's 93% for the IOWA but I'm not totally sure) to let them know that they can take Algebra in 7th grade.

Having said that, Algebra in 7th is very advanced and not even Stamford or MIT expect their students to take Calculus in their Junior year. The AAP and advanced math students who do not score as high will take Algebra in 8th grade which is still considered advanced. I doubt we will have my DC take Algebra next year, even though she is likely to qualify, because it seems stressful and unnecessary. We have heard many tales of woe about the class from older students.

I do recommend having DC learn multiplication and division the summer between second and third grade. Whether you are looking at AAP or Advanced Math it moves quickly and that will make it easier on your child.

Good luck!

100% agree. I swear one day DD came home and was expected to know it. I have no idea when it was taught. We did it over the summer but had we not, she would have been behind. She's at a center.

We're at a center, too. My DS didn't know his multiplication facts before the year started, but the teacher said to work on them at home 15 minutes/a night. I'm assuming most kids strong in math pick it up pretty quickly. We did maybe 5-10 minutes for maybe a total of 10 nights over the course of many weeks (meaning he only studied a total of 50-100 minutes ever on his facts) and he knows them cold. Not behind at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi All - as we wait to hear decisions for third grade full time AAP, I was wondering if you could help me understand the FCPS advanced math options.

DC is in second grade, tested in to pool. If DC is not admitted to level IV, what are the options for advanced math? Base school has level III services. Setting elementary school aside, I think at least come middle school, DC should be able to take the "highest" math classes. Is the only option for that through the AAP program or can you still take the highest math classes in middle school if not in AAP? I believe you need to take the highest maths starting in middle school to be able to continue through the highest maths like Calc etc in HS. If I'm wrong about this, please let me know.

Thank you!

I'm puzzled why you're worried what your current second grader will be taking in 5 years. Why "should" your child be able to take the highest math class in 7th and 8th grade? Aren't you thinking way, way, way ahead of yourself here?

I agree that it is crazy! But the responses here seem to show that you need advanced math in elementary to be able to take algebra in MS which is a requirement for Calc in HS.

In general I was not planning to appeal or reapply to AAP if DC is not admitted, but given DC's math abilities, if DC could not take algebra in middle school without being in AAP that would factor into a decision to appeal or reapply if not admitted initially.

Why are you spending time thinking about what math your child will be taking in high school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

not necessarily true. I had a kid at a non-center, non-level 4 adv. math class and one in a center and the curricula were not the same.

I believe they have changed it so that it is the same, but I may be mistaken. I do know that both the 5th grade AAP and the advanced math 5th grade take the 6th grade SOL and the same for 6th graders taking the 7th grade math SOL.