Algebra 2 struggle

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Third algebra 2 teacher, confirming everything stated above.

I usually spend 2.5 days reviewing factoring (algebra 1 spends weeks on it), give a short quiz, and then move on to the actual factoring applications that are in our curriculum. This year I’ve spent 5 days on it so far this year and kids are still struggling. So many of them didn’t get anything out of virtual (thanks, photomath) and those choices are coming back to haunt them this year.

I added extra days here because this skill is so critical to the rest of the year, but I can’t do it for every unit. Kids are going to have to get help outside class, whether from me, khan academy, or an outside tutor.

The vitrual math classesare really going to hit the class of 2026 hard on their SATs and PSAT.

Algebra is the most crucial subject for those tests.

I pulled my kid from fcps and put her in Catholoc for 8th. They had been going in person since August 2020 and had not switched to computer math. Everything was pencil to paper.in Algebra I. Best decision ever.

My kid was so behind for the entire first semester, in spite of testing in the mid 90s on the Iowa the Catholic school used for placement. It seems that she learned almost nothing from virtual pre Algebra in 2020/21 at her fcps middle school. The Catholic school kids were miles ahead of her. It took all year to catch up, but she only had a middle grade in Algebra.

She retook Algebra I online over the summer to raise the grade. Based on what she learned in Catholic school, she did very well in the condensed summer class and felt much more confident in her math knowledge and skills.

My suggestion would be to drop them down to non honors if theh are struggling, and maybe consider some sort of in person (not online) Algebra supplemental class like at Kumon, that starts from the very basic.

Fundamental algebra skills and knowledge are way too important to miss.

Distance learning sucked. We are going to reap the consequences for years down the road for most of the kids, but especially those who learned to read and write 2020-2022, those who were middle schoolers learning algebra, and the teens who are dealing with the emotional scars of those 2 wasted years.

Honestly, my blood is boiling reading all the messages from teachers saying that kids just have to work harder because they didn't learn the material. The kids did not learn the material because virtual teaching -- which teachers overwhelmingly wanted for the 20-21 school year -- was terrible for many kids.

Terrible because so many CHEATED. Sorry you cheated, kids!

Nice try. But, we had a supplemental tutor through COVID/Distance Learning. 30 years with FCPS teacher (retired) and very familiar with the curriculum pre and during COVID. All of the material usually taught in Alg. 1 was NOT TAUGHT by the teachers. My kid learned it b/c we PAID someone to teach DC. Not everyone had that.

So, no, it was not just cheating. You're not getting off that easy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP here. My child’s Algebra 1 Honors teacher explicitly told me not to buy a graphing calculator because of Desmos.

I just bought her one this year, and she’s just learning to use it (IB math). Ridiculous, as I would have provided her with anything, had I known.

So did ours. But we bought one anyway. No one uses "desmos" in real life. They use calculators (My DH is an engineer).

I call BS. Nobody uses TI calculators in real life. Engineers and scientists use a computer to do computations, whether it's Desmos, Mathematica, Matlab, WolftramAlpha, or many others.

Call BS. I don't effing care. I know my DH and his experiences. They use calculators (and other specialized computer programs for their subject matter).

[Anonymous]

Many kids who did not cheat still did not learn math virtually. To dismiss the kids struggling now as "cheaters" is incredibly harmful and cruel.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Third algebra 2 teacher, confirming everything stated above.

I usually spend 2.5 days reviewing factoring (algebra 1 spends weeks on it), give a short quiz, and then move on to the actual factoring applications that are in our curriculum. This year I’ve spent 5 days on it so far this year and kids are still struggling. So many of them didn’t get anything out of virtual (thanks, photomath) and those choices are coming back to haunt them this year.

I added extra days here because this skill is so critical to the rest of the year, but I can’t do it for every unit. Kids are going to have to get help outside class, whether from me, khan academy, or an outside tutor.

The vitrual math classesare really going to hit the class of 2026 hard on their SATs and PSAT.

Algebra is the most crucial subject for those tests.

I pulled my kid from fcps and put her in Catholoc for 8th. They had been going in person since August 2020 and had not switched to computer math. Everything was pencil to paper.in Algebra I. Best decision ever.

My kid was so behind for the entire first semester, in spite of testing in the mid 90s on the Iowa the Catholic school used for placement. It seems that she learned almost nothing from virtual pre Algebra in 2020/21 at her fcps middle school. The Catholic school kids were miles ahead of her. It took all year to catch up, but she only had a middle grade in Algebra.

She retook Algebra I online over the summer to raise the grade. Based on what she learned in Catholic school, she did very well in the condensed summer class and felt much more confident in her math knowledge and skills.

My suggestion would be to drop them down to non honors if theh are struggling, and maybe consider some sort of in person (not online) Algebra supplemental class like at Kumon, that starts from the very basic.

Fundamental algebra skills and knowledge are way too important to miss.

Distance learning sucked. We are going to reap the consequences for years down the road for most of the kids, but especially those who learned to read and write 2020-2022, those who were middle schoolers learning algebra, and the teens who are dealing with the emotional scars of those 2 wasted years.

Honestly, my blood is boiling reading all the messages from teachers saying that kids just have to work harder because they didn't learn the material. The kids did not learn the material because virtual teaching -- which teachers overwhelmingly wanted for the 20-21 school year -- was terrible for many kids.

Distance learning wasn't ideal for learning but not that bad if kids were actually motivated to learn. Worst case they could go to Khan Academy and teach themselves if they had a bad teacher, since KA is quite good. The real problem as others above have stated, is that many kids blatantly used DL to cheat their way through classes whenever they could. Now it's biting them back hard, esp. in math class. Rest assured, there are students who learned a lot during DL (sadly not a big %), because DL helped them cut through through all the other physical in person school BS, so they could learn a lot more at home on their own during 7 hours of DL. Those were likely the kids whose parents were either engaged or taught them values.

What a sanctimonious post.

Teaching your kids values has zero to do with how ineffective distance learning was for the vast majority of kids.

Aah, but we disagree! Teaching your kid values has everything to do with how they will deal with an unforeseen situation! After seeing a sampling of math teaching in FCPS high schools, I find that Khan Academy is actually very high quality. So take that idea to its logical conclusion... a high schooler has NO excuse to not attempt to learn, even if they happen to have gotten the worst DL instruction. They can go to KA, in 2022 they can google for numerous other sites that do a fairly decent job explaining the basics. On top of that, YouTube math channels are yet another world. Or goodness forbid... they can go crack open a math book at their local library to try to learn the subject! But of course not, your kids in this generation are so special that they cannot do any of these things and MUST be spoon fed, that is the parent demand!

Seriously, in my time the teachers were also not very effective, they were ok at best. Guess what? When I didn't understand, I went home and read a textbook and attempted to figure it out. Or was very lucky if I found something on the internet (mid to late 90s). And forget about hiring a tutor, I'd be lucky if I got to eat fast food once every few weeks.

So kids now have to hunt for a textbook at the library? Too bad we don’t have textbooks.

No, they do not need to do that. They just need to turn on their school computer and google "solving radical equations khan academy."

A kid who is struggling to learn math on a computer is still going to struggle trying to learn math on a computer using Khan academy.

Fcps needs to go back to textbooks and pencil/paper math in all grades, starting in 1st grade.

Have you looked at an Algebra 2 textbook recently? For a kid who is struggling to learn math, the Khan Academy will probably help them much more than reading through all of the theoretical math presented in the textbook.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Third algebra 2 teacher, confirming everything stated above.

I usually spend 2.5 days reviewing factoring (algebra 1 spends weeks on it), give a short quiz, and then move on to the actual factoring applications that are in our curriculum. This year I’ve spent 5 days on it so far this year and kids are still struggling. So many of them didn’t get anything out of virtual (thanks, photomath) and those choices are coming back to haunt them this year.

I added extra days here because this skill is so critical to the rest of the year, but I can’t do it for every unit. Kids are going to have to get help outside class, whether from me, khan academy, or an outside tutor.

The vitrual math classesare really going to hit the class of 2026 hard on their SATs and PSAT.

Algebra is the most crucial subject for those tests.

I pulled my kid from fcps and put her in Catholoc for 8th. They had been going in person since August 2020 and had not switched to computer math. Everything was pencil to paper.in Algebra I. Best decision ever.

My kid was so behind for the entire first semester, in spite of testing in the mid 90s on the Iowa the Catholic school used for placement. It seems that she learned almost nothing from virtual pre Algebra in 2020/21 at her fcps middle school. The Catholic school kids were miles ahead of her. It took all year to catch up, but she only had a middle grade in Algebra.

She retook Algebra I online over the summer to raise the grade. Based on what she learned in Catholic school, she did very well in the condensed summer class and felt much more confident in her math knowledge and skills.

My suggestion would be to drop them down to non honors if theh are struggling, and maybe consider some sort of in person (not online) Algebra supplemental class like at Kumon, that starts from the very basic.

Fundamental algebra skills and knowledge are way too important to miss.

Distance learning sucked. We are going to reap the consequences for years down the road for most of the kids, but especially those who learned to read and write 2020-2022, those who were middle schoolers learning algebra, and the teens who are dealing with the emotional scars of those 2 wasted years.

Honestly, my blood is boiling reading all the messages from teachers saying that kids just have to work harder because they didn't learn the material. The kids did not learn the material because virtual teaching -- which teachers overwhelmingly wanted for the 20-21 school year -- was terrible for many kids.

Terrible because so many CHEATED. Sorry you cheated, kids!

Nice try. But, we had a supplemental tutor through COVID/Distance Learning. 30 years with FCPS teacher (retired) and very familiar with the curriculum pre and during COVID. All of the material usually taught in Alg. 1 was NOT TAUGHT by the teachers. My kid learned it b/c we PAID someone to teach DC. Not everyone had that.

So, no, it was not just cheating. You're not getting off that easy.

Not all responding on this thread are teachers and I'll bet most of the people claiming cheating were not teachers. Maybe parents of kids who are doing okay.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thank you for all of the input, especially from the teachers early on. He actually is getting help from someone in the family who literally used to teach this class until 2 years ago and even he said some of the questions on the last test my kid got were pretty intense and hard for him to interpret what exactly the question was asking for. I think another problem with these tests is that they have bizarre numbers of problems (17 or 14), so it doesn't take much to tank the grade. I am definitely looking into getting a tutor and he's been going to after school help sessions. I think its odd how many people are very dismissive of the the students. "Oh well, too bad, you better catch up!" Certainly there were some kids who just cheated in middle school and don't care, but there are also many kids who are suffering from the instruction during online learning, and who really WANT to do well. They're kids, that were just working with what they were given, through no fault of their own. This also happened with language. Last year, my kid went into second year language and discovered that his 8th grade teacher had taught him practically nothing, so yes, he had to learn enough to catch up. He worked very hard and was able to do it, but that certainly shouldn't have been ON HIM to make up for was never taught to him.

Some of this might also have to do with schools no longer using textbooks, instead having teachers come up with their own material.

If you have a mediocre teacher, especially in math, the lack of textbooks can really be detrimental to student learning.

Completely agree. The positive about textbooks and standard tests is that the questions and explanations have been reviewed and vetted generally both internally and through actual teachers and students. If there are issues there is feedback and correction. Individual or very small groups of teachers creating their own content generally leads to lower quality ambiguous questions and explanations - you are a little blind to your own confusing content and there is not much review and feedback. Often without textbooks and standard material, the individual teachers are just adding a layer of confusion. The basic math subject material for Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry etc have not changed in a long, long time - there is little need for teachers to be rolling their own.

Agree with many PPs but am also a parent similar to OP whose kid did not cheat but did do Algebra 1 via distance learning. My kid is doing what she can with the teacher provided content but now need to push her to correlate what is in the 'slides' that the teacher reviews during class and during after school review with what is in the textbook so that she can learn on her own and do more problems. The content and minimal homework doesn't seem to cover what is expected for the test(s). I don't expect teachers to redo teaching Algebra 1 but maybe at least pointing to what they are teaching to where they can do similar with the textbook would be helpful. I can say that with the first unit, we did go and try to find better examples in the textbook to line up with the teacher material references and it was not an easy task to figure out which types of problems to focus on. Maybe I will eat my words when I go and hunt for the same in the textbook on this latest unit where kid scored a 79 when DC thought they knew the material based on teacher provided content.

Just asking that teachers don't go off saying all the kids cheated during DL and anyone who isn't getting an A therefore cheated (that is what the first page of posts pretty much said). Also, I don't expect teachers to turn themselves inside out. Just at minimum, point to correlating chapters and additional problems for motivated students to do on their own, especially when the students ask for it vs say its all in the slides they covered during class and only reviewing those exact same slides and problems when kids come for more help in the provided hours. We're looking into Tutoring and doing the same with Khan Academy. Willing to do the work if there can at least be a reference to map that help vs saying drop out if you don't get it.

OP here, ^ This exactly! I mean, I think this poster nailed it. The slides and teacher content with no correlation to other problems or text book examples, along with minimal homework to reinforce what they're doing is contributing greatly to this issue. My child felt comfortable going into the last test with reviewing the slides and after school work with the teacher, but seemed to get blindsided by things on the test. Just need the teacher to provide resources to practice and point the kid in the right direction. He will definitely do the work needed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Third algebra 2 teacher, confirming everything stated above.

I usually spend 2.5 days reviewing factoring (algebra 1 spends weeks on it), give a short quiz, and then move on to the actual factoring applications that are in our curriculum. This year I’ve spent 5 days on it so far this year and kids are still struggling. So many of them didn’t get anything out of virtual (thanks, photomath) and those choices are coming back to haunt them this year.

I added extra days here because this skill is so critical to the rest of the year, but I can’t do it for every unit. Kids are going to have to get help outside class, whether from me, khan academy, or an outside tutor.

The vitrual math classesare really going to hit the class of 2026 hard on their SATs and PSAT.

Algebra is the most crucial subject for those tests.

I pulled my kid from fcps and put her in Catholoc for 8th. They had been going in person since August 2020 and had not switched to computer math. Everything was pencil to paper.in Algebra I. Best decision ever.

My kid was so behind for the entire first semester, in spite of testing in the mid 90s on the Iowa the Catholic school used for placement. It seems that she learned almost nothing from virtual pre Algebra in 2020/21 at her fcps middle school. The Catholic school kids were miles ahead of her. It took all year to catch up, but she only had a middle grade in Algebra.

She retook Algebra I online over the summer to raise the grade. Based on what she learned in Catholic school, she did very well in the condensed summer class and felt much more confident in her math knowledge and skills.

My suggestion would be to drop them down to non honors if theh are struggling, and maybe consider some sort of in person (not online) Algebra supplemental class like at Kumon, that starts from the very basic.

Fundamental algebra skills and knowledge are way too important to miss.

Distance learning sucked. We are going to reap the consequences for years down the road for most of the kids, but especially those who learned to read and write 2020-2022, those who were middle schoolers learning algebra, and the teens who are dealing with the emotional scars of those 2 wasted years.

Honestly, my blood is boiling reading all the messages from teachers saying that kids just have to work harder because they didn't learn the material. The kids did not learn the material because virtual teaching -- which teachers overwhelmingly wanted for the 20-21 school year -- was terrible for many kids.

Distance learning wasn't ideal for learning but not that bad if kids were actually motivated to learn. Worst case they could go to Khan Academy and teach themselves if they had a bad teacher, since KA is quite good. The real problem as others above have stated, is that many kids blatantly used DL to cheat their way through classes whenever they could. Now it's biting them back hard, esp. in math class. Rest assured, there are students who learned a lot during DL (sadly not a big %), because DL helped them cut through through all the other physical in person school BS, so they could learn a lot more at home on their own during 7 hours of DL. Those were likely the kids whose parents were either engaged or taught them values.

What a sanctimonious post.

Teaching your kids values has zero to do with how ineffective distance learning was for the vast majority of kids.

Aah, but we disagree! Teaching your kid values has everything to do with how they will deal with an unforeseen situation! After seeing a sampling of math teaching in FCPS high schools, I find that Khan Academy is actually very high quality. So take that idea to its logical conclusion... a high schooler has NO excuse to not attempt to learn, even if they happen to have gotten the worst DL instruction. They can go to KA, in 2022 they can google for numerous other sites that do a fairly decent job explaining the basics. On top of that, YouTube math channels are yet another world. Or goodness forbid... they can go crack open a math book at their local library to try to learn the subject! But of course not, your kids in this generation are so special that they cannot do any of these things and MUST be spoon fed, that is the parent demand!

Seriously, in my time the teachers were also not very effective, they were ok at best. Guess what? When I didn't understand, I went home and read a textbook and attempted to figure it out. Or was very lucky if I found something on the internet (mid to late 90s). And forget about hiring a tutor, I'd be lucky if I got to eat fast food once every few weeks.

Fcps does not have math textbooks.

My kid was given a math textbook that first day of Alg 2. I don't think he's used it though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Third algebra 2 teacher, confirming everything stated above.

I usually spend 2.5 days reviewing factoring (algebra 1 spends weeks on it), give a short quiz, and then move on to the actual factoring applications that are in our curriculum. This year I’ve spent 5 days on it so far this year and kids are still struggling. So many of them didn’t get anything out of virtual (thanks, photomath) and those choices are coming back to haunt them this year.

I added extra days here because this skill is so critical to the rest of the year, but I can’t do it for every unit. Kids are going to have to get help outside class, whether from me, khan academy, or an outside tutor.

The vitrual math classesare really going to hit the class of 2026 hard on their SATs and PSAT.

Algebra is the most crucial subject for those tests.

I pulled my kid from fcps and put her in Catholoc for 8th. They had been going in person since August 2020 and had not switched to computer math. Everything was pencil to paper.in Algebra I. Best decision ever.

My kid was so behind for the entire first semester, in spite of testing in the mid 90s on the Iowa the Catholic school used for placement. It seems that she learned almost nothing from virtual pre Algebra in 2020/21 at her fcps middle school. The Catholic school kids were miles ahead of her. It took all year to catch up, but she only had a middle grade in Algebra.

She retook Algebra I online over the summer to raise the grade. Based on what she learned in Catholic school, she did very well in the condensed summer class and felt much more confident in her math knowledge and skills.

My suggestion would be to drop them down to non honors if theh are struggling, and maybe consider some sort of in person (not online) Algebra supplemental class like at Kumon, that starts from the very basic.

Fundamental algebra skills and knowledge are way too important to miss.

Distance learning sucked. We are going to reap the consequences for years down the road for most of the kids, but especially those who learned to read and write 2020-2022, those who were middle schoolers learning algebra, and the teens who are dealing with the emotional scars of those 2 wasted years.

Honestly, my blood is boiling reading all the messages from teachers saying that kids just have to work harder because they didn't learn the material. The kids did not learn the material because virtual teaching -- which teachers overwhelmingly wanted for the 20-21 school year -- was terrible for many kids.

Distance learning wasn't ideal for learning but not that bad if kids were actually motivated to learn. Worst case they could go to Khan Academy and teach themselves if they had a bad teacher, since KA is quite good. The real problem as others above have stated, is that many kids blatantly used DL to cheat their way through classes whenever they could. Now it's biting them back hard, esp. in math class. Rest assured, there are students who learned a lot during DL (sadly not a big %), because DL helped them cut through through all the other physical in person school BS, so they could learn a lot more at home on their own during 7 hours of DL. Those were likely the kids whose parents were either engaged or taught them values.

What a sanctimonious post.

Teaching your kids values has zero to do with how ineffective distance learning was for the vast majority of kids.

Aah, but we disagree! Teaching your kid values has everything to do with how they will deal with an unforeseen situation! After seeing a sampling of math teaching in FCPS high schools, I find that Khan Academy is actually very high quality. So take that idea to its logical conclusion... a high schooler has NO excuse to not attempt to learn, even if they happen to have gotten the worst DL instruction. They can go to KA, in 2022 they can google for numerous other sites that do a fairly decent job explaining the basics. On top of that, YouTube math channels are yet another world. Or goodness forbid... they can go crack open a math book at their local library to try to learn the subject! But of course not, your kids in this generation are so special that they cannot do any of these things and MUST be spoon fed, that is the parent demand!

Seriously, in my time the teachers were also not very effective, they were ok at best. Guess what? When I didn't understand, I went home and read a textbook and attempted to figure it out. Or was very lucky if I found something on the internet (mid to late 90s). And forget about hiring a tutor, I'd be lucky if I got to eat fast food once every few weeks.

Fcps does not have math textbooks.

My kid was given a math textbook that first day of Alg 2. I don't think he's used it though.

^the first day

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Third algebra 2 teacher, confirming everything stated above.

I usually spend 2.5 days reviewing factoring (algebra 1 spends weeks on it), give a short quiz, and then move on to the actual factoring applications that are in our curriculum. This year I’ve spent 5 days on it so far this year and kids are still struggling. So many of them didn’t get anything out of virtual (thanks, photomath) and those choices are coming back to haunt them this year.

I added extra days here because this skill is so critical to the rest of the year, but I can’t do it for every unit. Kids are going to have to get help outside class, whether from me, khan academy, or an outside tutor.

The vitrual math classesare really going to hit the class of 2026 hard on their SATs and PSAT.

Algebra is the most crucial subject for those tests.

I pulled my kid from fcps and put her in Catholoc for 8th. They had been going in person since August 2020 and had not switched to computer math. Everything was pencil to paper.in Algebra I. Best decision ever.

My kid was so behind for the entire first semester, in spite of testing in the mid 90s on the Iowa the Catholic school used for placement. It seems that she learned almost nothing from virtual pre Algebra in 2020/21 at her fcps middle school. The Catholic school kids were miles ahead of her. It took all year to catch up, but she only had a middle grade in Algebra.

She retook Algebra I online over the summer to raise the grade. Based on what she learned in Catholic school, she did very well in the condensed summer class and felt much more confident in her math knowledge and skills.

My suggestion would be to drop them down to non honors if theh are struggling, and maybe consider some sort of in person (not online) Algebra supplemental class like at Kumon, that starts from the very basic.

Fundamental algebra skills and knowledge are way too important to miss.

Distance learning sucked. We are going to reap the consequences for years down the road for most of the kids, but especially those who learned to read and write 2020-2022, those who were middle schoolers learning algebra, and the teens who are dealing with the emotional scars of those 2 wasted years.

Honestly, my blood is boiling reading all the messages from teachers saying that kids just have to work harder because they didn't learn the material. The kids did not learn the material because virtual teaching -- which teachers overwhelmingly wanted for the 20-21 school year -- was terrible for many kids.

Distance learning wasn't ideal for learning but not that bad if kids were actually motivated to learn. Worst case they could go to Khan Academy and teach themselves if they had a bad teacher, since KA is quite good. The real problem as others above have stated, is that many kids blatantly used DL to cheat their way through classes whenever they could. Now it's biting them back hard, esp. in math class. Rest assured, there are students who learned a lot during DL (sadly not a big %), because DL helped them cut through through all the other physical in person school BS, so they could learn a lot more at home on their own during 7 hours of DL. Those were likely the kids whose parents were either engaged or taught them values.

What a sanctimonious post.

Teaching your kids values has zero to do with how ineffective distance learning was for the vast majority of kids.

Aah, but we disagree! Teaching your kid values has everything to do with how they will deal with an unforeseen situation! After seeing a sampling of math teaching in FCPS high schools, I find that Khan Academy is actually very high quality. So take that idea to its logical conclusion... a high schooler has NO excuse to not attempt to learn, even if they happen to have gotten the worst DL instruction. They can go to KA, in 2022 they can google for numerous other sites that do a fairly decent job explaining the basics. On top of that, YouTube math channels are yet another world. Or goodness forbid... they can go crack open a math book at their local library to try to learn the subject! But of course not, your kids in this generation are so special that they cannot do any of these things and MUST be spoon fed, that is the parent demand!

Seriously, in my time the teachers were also not very effective, they were ok at best. Guess what? When I didn't understand, I went home and read a textbook and attempted to figure it out. Or was very lucky if I found something on the internet (mid to late 90s). And forget about hiring a tutor, I'd be lucky if I got to eat fast food once every few weeks.

Fcps does not have math textbooks.

My kid was given a math textbook that first day of Alg 2. I don't think he's used it though.

Because we are told not to use them. The only courses with textbooks are AP classes because those are mandated by the college board. I have a stack of textbooks to send home with kids when parents ask for them, but I do not/cannot use them for the masses. They are purely a reference tool, not a teaching too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Many kids who did not cheat still did not learn math virtually. To dismiss the kids struggling now as "cheaters" is incredibly harmful and cruel.

My kid was one of the kids who did not learn math virtually, but made huge leaps when we switched to Catholoc where they had textbooks and did math on paper.

It was obvious from the grades my kid did not cheat their way through their distance learning math. No one cheats their way to a C.

I believe the "cheating" commemt is for kids who received As in their Algebra I class during distance learning, but did not learn anything and cannot keep up a month into Algebra 2.

FWIW, my now senior got two Bs during distance learning. When I asked them about it and how the other kids were doing in the classes, their response was "Most of the class got As and high As. But they were cheating all year and sharing answers. I did all my own work and earned those Bs. I also learned the material and they didn't." I quit asking about the Bs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Third algebra 2 teacher, confirming everything stated above.

I usually spend 2.5 days reviewing factoring (algebra 1 spends weeks on it), give a short quiz, and then move on to the actual factoring applications that are in our curriculum. This year I’ve spent 5 days on it so far this year and kids are still struggling. So many of them didn’t get anything out of virtual (thanks, photomath) and those choices are coming back to haunt them this year.

I added extra days here because this skill is so critical to the rest of the year, but I can’t do it for every unit. Kids are going to have to get help outside class, whether from me, khan academy, or an outside tutor.

The vitrual math classesare really going to hit the class of 2026 hard on their SATs and PSAT.

Algebra is the most crucial subject for those tests.

I pulled my kid from fcps and put her in Catholoc for 8th. They had been going in person since August 2020 and had not switched to computer math. Everything was pencil to paper.in Algebra I. Best decision ever.

My kid was so behind for the entire first semester, in spite of testing in the mid 90s on the Iowa the Catholic school used for placement. It seems that she learned almost nothing from virtual pre Algebra in 2020/21 at her fcps middle school. The Catholic school kids were miles ahead of her. It took all year to catch up, but she only had a middle grade in Algebra.

She retook Algebra I online over the summer to raise the grade. Based on what she learned in Catholic school, she did very well in the condensed summer class and felt much more confident in her math knowledge and skills.

My suggestion would be to drop them down to non honors if theh are struggling, and maybe consider some sort of in person (not online) Algebra supplemental class like at Kumon, that starts from the very basic.

Fundamental algebra skills and knowledge are way too important to miss.

Distance learning sucked. We are going to reap the consequences for years down the road for most of the kids, but especially those who learned to read and write 2020-2022, those who were middle schoolers learning algebra, and the teens who are dealing with the emotional scars of those 2 wasted years.

Honestly, my blood is boiling reading all the messages from teachers saying that kids just have to work harder because they didn't learn the material. The kids did not learn the material because virtual teaching -- which teachers overwhelmingly wanted for the 20-21 school year -- was terrible for many kids.

Distance learning wasn't ideal for learning but not that bad if kids were actually motivated to learn. Worst case they could go to Khan Academy and teach themselves if they had a bad teacher, since KA is quite good. The real problem as others above have stated, is that many kids blatantly used DL to cheat their way through classes whenever they could. Now it's biting them back hard, esp. in math class. Rest assured, there are students who learned a lot during DL (sadly not a big %), because DL helped them cut through through all the other physical in person school BS, so they could learn a lot more at home on their own during 7 hours of DL. Those were likely the kids whose parents were either engaged or taught them values.

What a sanctimonious post.

Teaching your kids values has zero to do with how ineffective distance learning was for the vast majority of kids.

Aah, but we disagree! Teaching your kid values has everything to do with how they will deal with an unforeseen situation! After seeing a sampling of math teaching in FCPS high schools, I find that Khan Academy is actually very high quality. So take that idea to its logical conclusion... a high schooler has NO excuse to not attempt to learn, even if they happen to have gotten the worst DL instruction. They can go to KA, in 2022 they can google for numerous other sites that do a fairly decent job explaining the basics. On top of that, YouTube math channels are yet another world. Or goodness forbid... they can go crack open a math book at their local library to try to learn the subject! But of course not, your kids in this generation are so special that they cannot do any of these things and MUST be spoon fed, that is the parent demand!

Seriously, in my time the teachers were also not very effective, they were ok at best. Guess what? When I didn't understand, I went home and read a textbook and attempted to figure it out. Or was very lucky if I found something on the internet (mid to late 90s). And forget about hiring a tutor, I'd be lucky if I got to eat fast food once every few weeks.

Fcps does not have math textbooks.

My kid was given a math textbook that first day of Alg 2. I don't think he's used it though.

Because we are told not to use them. The only courses with textbooks are AP classes because those are mandated by the college board. I have a stack of textbooks to send home with kids when parents ask for them, but I do not/cannot use them for the masses. They are purely a reference tool, not a teaching too.

How unfortunate.

Math classes should be required to use and follow textbooks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Third algebra 2 teacher, confirming everything stated above.

I usually spend 2.5 days reviewing factoring (algebra 1 spends weeks on it), give a short quiz, and then move on to the actual factoring applications that are in our curriculum. This year I’ve spent 5 days on it so far this year and kids are still struggling. So many of them didn’t get anything out of virtual (thanks, photomath) and those choices are coming back to haunt them this year.

I added extra days here because this skill is so critical to the rest of the year, but I can’t do it for every unit. Kids are going to have to get help outside class, whether from me, khan academy, or an outside tutor.

The vitrual math classesare really going to hit the class of 2026 hard on their SATs and PSAT.

Algebra is the most crucial subject for those tests.

I pulled my kid from fcps and put her in Catholoc for 8th. They had been going in person since August 2020 and had not switched to computer math. Everything was pencil to paper.in Algebra I. Best decision ever.

My kid was so behind for the entire first semester, in spite of testing in the mid 90s on the Iowa the Catholic school used for placement. It seems that she learned almost nothing from virtual pre Algebra in 2020/21 at her fcps middle school. The Catholic school kids were miles ahead of her. It took all year to catch up, but she only had a middle grade in Algebra.

She retook Algebra I online over the summer to raise the grade. Based on what she learned in Catholic school, she did very well in the condensed summer class and felt much more confident in her math knowledge and skills.

My suggestion would be to drop them down to non honors if theh are struggling, and maybe consider some sort of in person (not online) Algebra supplemental class like at Kumon, that starts from the very basic.

Fundamental algebra skills and knowledge are way too important to miss.

Distance learning sucked. We are going to reap the consequences for years down the road for most of the kids, but especially those who learned to read and write 2020-2022, those who were middle schoolers learning algebra, and the teens who are dealing with the emotional scars of those 2 wasted years.

Honestly, my blood is boiling reading all the messages from teachers saying that kids just have to work harder because they didn't learn the material. The kids did not learn the material because virtual teaching -- which teachers overwhelmingly wanted for the 20-21 school year -- was terrible for many kids.

Terrible because so many CHEATED. Sorry you cheated, kids!

Nice try. But, we had a supplemental tutor through COVID/Distance Learning. 30 years with FCPS teacher (retired) and very familiar with the curriculum pre and during COVID. All of the material usually taught in Alg. 1 was NOT TAUGHT by the teachers. My kid learned it b/c we PAID someone to teach DC. Not everyone had that.

So, no, it was not just cheating. You're not getting off that easy.

Not all responding on this thread are teachers and I'll bet most of the people claiming cheating were not teachers. Maybe parents of kids who are doing okay.

I understand and you're right. That doesn't change the substance of the post, though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Third algebra 2 teacher, confirming everything stated above.

I usually spend 2.5 days reviewing factoring (algebra 1 spends weeks on it), give a short quiz, and then move on to the actual factoring applications that are in our curriculum. This year I’ve spent 5 days on it so far this year and kids are still struggling. So many of them didn’t get anything out of virtual (thanks, photomath) and those choices are coming back to haunt them this year.

I added extra days here because this skill is so critical to the rest of the year, but I can’t do it for every unit. Kids are going to have to get help outside class, whether from me, khan academy, or an outside tutor.

The vitrual math classesare really going to hit the class of 2026 hard on their SATs and PSAT.

Algebra is the most crucial subject for those tests.

I pulled my kid from fcps and put her in Catholoc for 8th. They had been going in person since August 2020 and had not switched to computer math. Everything was pencil to paper.in Algebra I. Best decision ever.

My kid was so behind for the entire first semester, in spite of testing in the mid 90s on the Iowa the Catholic school used for placement. It seems that she learned almost nothing from virtual pre Algebra in 2020/21 at her fcps middle school. The Catholic school kids were miles ahead of her. It took all year to catch up, but she only had a middle grade in Algebra.

She retook Algebra I online over the summer to raise the grade. Based on what she learned in Catholic school, she did very well in the condensed summer class and felt much more confident in her math knowledge and skills.

My suggestion would be to drop them down to non honors if theh are struggling, and maybe consider some sort of in person (not online) Algebra supplemental class like at Kumon, that starts from the very basic.

Fundamental algebra skills and knowledge are way too important to miss.

Distance learning sucked. We are going to reap the consequences for years down the road for most of the kids, but especially those who learned to read and write 2020-2022, those who were middle schoolers learning algebra, and the teens who are dealing with the emotional scars of those 2 wasted years.

Honestly, my blood is boiling reading all the messages from teachers saying that kids just have to work harder because they didn't learn the material. The kids did not learn the material because virtual teaching -- which teachers overwhelmingly wanted for the 20-21 school year -- was terrible for many kids.

Distance learning wasn't ideal for learning but not that bad if kids were actually motivated to learn. Worst case they could go to Khan Academy and teach themselves if they had a bad teacher, since KA is quite good. The real problem as others above have stated, is that many kids blatantly used DL to cheat their way through classes whenever they could. Now it's biting them back hard, esp. in math class. Rest assured, there are students who learned a lot during DL (sadly not a big %), because DL helped them cut through through all the other physical in person school BS, so they could learn a lot more at home on their own during 7 hours of DL. Those were likely the kids whose parents were either engaged or taught them values.

What a sanctimonious post.

Teaching your kids values has zero to do with how ineffective distance learning was for the vast majority of kids.

Aah, but we disagree! Teaching your kid values has everything to do with how they will deal with an unforeseen situation! After seeing a sampling of math teaching in FCPS high schools, I find that Khan Academy is actually very high quality. So take that idea to its logical conclusion... a high schooler has NO excuse to not attempt to learn, even if they happen to have gotten the worst DL instruction. They can go to KA, in 2022 they can google for numerous other sites that do a fairly decent job explaining the basics. On top of that, YouTube math channels are yet another world. Or goodness forbid... they can go crack open a math book at their local library to try to learn the subject! But of course not, your kids in this generation are so special that they cannot do any of these things and MUST be spoon fed, that is the parent demand!

Seriously, in my time the teachers were also not very effective, they were ok at best. Guess what? When I didn't understand, I went home and read a textbook and attempted to figure it out. Or was very lucky if I found something on the internet (mid to late 90s). And forget about hiring a tutor, I'd be lucky if I got to eat fast food once every few weeks.

Fcps does not have math textbooks.

My kid was given a math textbook that first day of Alg 2. I don't think he's used it though.

Because we are told not to use them. The only courses with textbooks are AP classes because those are mandated by the college board. I have a stack of textbooks to send home with kids when parents ask for them, but I do not/cannot use them for the masses. They are purely a reference tool, not a teaching too.

How unfortunate.

Math classes should be required to use and follow textbooks.

There is a ton of research showing kids of today don't learn well from textbooks. There is piles more research showing that textbooks aren't full of high quality problems--just the remedial basics, no critical thinking or deep understanding required.

If you want your child to have a textbook and learn from a textbook, buy a $5 textbook from ebay and have them read it.

Is a textbook better than a bad teacher? Sure. Is a textbook better than a good teacher? No.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Third algebra 2 teacher, confirming everything stated above.

I usually spend 2.5 days reviewing factoring (algebra 1 spends weeks on it), give a short quiz, and then move on to the actual factoring applications that are in our curriculum. This year I’ve spent 5 days on it so far this year and kids are still struggling. So many of them didn’t get anything out of virtual (thanks, photomath) and those choices are coming back to haunt them this year.

I added extra days here because this skill is so critical to the rest of the year, but I can’t do it for every unit. Kids are going to have to get help outside class, whether from me, khan academy, or an outside tutor.

The vitrual math classesare really going to hit the class of 2026 hard on their SATs and PSAT.

Algebra is the most crucial subject for those tests.

I pulled my kid from fcps and put her in Catholoc for 8th. They had been going in person since August 2020 and had not switched to computer math. Everything was pencil to paper.in Algebra I. Best decision ever.

My kid was so behind for the entire first semester, in spite of testing in the mid 90s on the Iowa the Catholic school used for placement. It seems that she learned almost nothing from virtual pre Algebra in 2020/21 at her fcps middle school. The Catholic school kids were miles ahead of her. It took all year to catch up, but she only had a middle grade in Algebra.

She retook Algebra I online over the summer to raise the grade. Based on what she learned in Catholic school, she did very well in the condensed summer class and felt much more confident in her math knowledge and skills.

My suggestion would be to drop them down to non honors if theh are struggling, and maybe consider some sort of in person (not online) Algebra supplemental class like at Kumon, that starts from the very basic.

Fundamental algebra skills and knowledge are way too important to miss.

Distance learning sucked. We are going to reap the consequences for years down the road for most of the kids, but especially those who learned to read and write 2020-2022, those who were middle schoolers learning algebra, and the teens who are dealing with the emotional scars of those 2 wasted years.

Honestly, my blood is boiling reading all the messages from teachers saying that kids just have to work harder because they didn't learn the material. The kids did not learn the material because virtual teaching -- which teachers overwhelmingly wanted for the 20-21 school year -- was terrible for many kids.

Distance learning wasn't ideal for learning but not that bad if kids were actually motivated to learn. Worst case they could go to Khan Academy and teach themselves if they had a bad teacher, since KA is quite good. The real problem as others above have stated, is that many kids blatantly used DL to cheat their way through classes whenever they could. Now it's biting them back hard, esp. in math class. Rest assured, there are students who learned a lot during DL (sadly not a big %), because DL helped them cut through through all the other physical in person school BS, so they could learn a lot more at home on their own during 7 hours of DL. Those were likely the kids whose parents were either engaged or taught them values.

What a sanctimonious post.

Teaching your kids values has zero to do with how ineffective distance learning was for the vast majority of kids.

Aah, but we disagree! Teaching your kid values has everything to do with how they will deal with an unforeseen situation! After seeing a sampling of math teaching in FCPS high schools, I find that Khan Academy is actually very high quality. So take that idea to its logical conclusion... a high schooler has NO excuse to not attempt to learn, even if they happen to have gotten the worst DL instruction. They can go to KA, in 2022 they can google for numerous other sites that do a fairly decent job explaining the basics. On top of that, YouTube math channels are yet another world. Or goodness forbid... they can go crack open a math book at their local library to try to learn the subject! But of course not, your kids in this generation are so special that they cannot do any of these things and MUST be spoon fed, that is the parent demand!

Seriously, in my time the teachers were also not very effective, they were ok at best. Guess what? When I didn't understand, I went home and read a textbook and attempted to figure it out. Or was very lucky if I found something on the internet (mid to late 90s). And forget about hiring a tutor, I'd be lucky if I got to eat fast food once every few weeks.

Fcps does not have math textbooks.

My kid was given a math textbook that first day of Alg 2. I don't think he's used it though.

Because we are told not to use them. The only courses with textbooks are AP classes because those are mandated by the college board. I have a stack of textbooks to send home with kids when parents ask for them, but I do not/cannot use them for the masses. They are purely a reference tool, not a teaching too.

How unfortunate.

Math classes should be required to use and follow textbooks.

There is a ton of research showing kids of today don't learn well from textbooks. There is piles more research showing that textbooks aren't full of high quality problems--just the remedial basics, no critical thinking or deep understanding required.

If you want your child to have a textbook and learn from a textbook, buy a $5 textbook from ebay and have them read it.

Is a textbook better than a bad teacher? Sure. Is a textbook better than a good teacher? No.

What are examples of the research that show kids don't learn well from textbooks?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Third algebra 2 teacher, confirming everything stated above.

I usually spend 2.5 days reviewing factoring (algebra 1 spends weeks on it), give a short quiz, and then move on to the actual factoring applications that are in our curriculum. This year I’ve spent 5 days on it so far this year and kids are still struggling. So many of them didn’t get anything out of virtual (thanks, photomath) and those choices are coming back to haunt them this year.

I added extra days here because this skill is so critical to the rest of the year, but I can’t do it for every unit. Kids are going to have to get help outside class, whether from me, khan academy, or an outside tutor.

The vitrual math classesare really going to hit the class of 2026 hard on their SATs and PSAT.

Algebra is the most crucial subject for those tests.

I pulled my kid from fcps and put her in Catholoc for 8th. They had been going in person since August 2020 and had not switched to computer math. Everything was pencil to paper.in Algebra I. Best decision ever.

My kid was so behind for the entire first semester, in spite of testing in the mid 90s on the Iowa the Catholic school used for placement. It seems that she learned almost nothing from virtual pre Algebra in 2020/21 at her fcps middle school. The Catholic school kids were miles ahead of her. It took all year to catch up, but she only had a middle grade in Algebra.

She retook Algebra I online over the summer to raise the grade. Based on what she learned in Catholic school, she did very well in the condensed summer class and felt much more confident in her math knowledge and skills.

My suggestion would be to drop them down to non honors if theh are struggling, and maybe consider some sort of in person (not online) Algebra supplemental class like at Kumon, that starts from the very basic.

Fundamental algebra skills and knowledge are way too important to miss.

Distance learning sucked. We are going to reap the consequences for years down the road for most of the kids, but especially those who learned to read and write 2020-2022, those who were middle schoolers learning algebra, and the teens who are dealing with the emotional scars of those 2 wasted years.

Honestly, my blood is boiling reading all the messages from teachers saying that kids just have to work harder because they didn't learn the material. The kids did not learn the material because virtual teaching -- which teachers overwhelmingly wanted for the 20-21 school year -- was terrible for many kids.

Distance learning wasn't ideal for learning but not that bad if kids were actually motivated to learn. Worst case they could go to Khan Academy and teach themselves if they had a bad teacher, since KA is quite good. The real problem as others above have stated, is that many kids blatantly used DL to cheat their way through classes whenever they could. Now it's biting them back hard, esp. in math class. Rest assured, there are students who learned a lot during DL (sadly not a big %), because DL helped them cut through through all the other physical in person school BS, so they could learn a lot more at home on their own during 7 hours of DL. Those were likely the kids whose parents were either engaged or taught them values.

What a sanctimonious post.

Teaching your kids values has zero to do with how ineffective distance learning was for the vast majority of kids.

Aah, but we disagree! Teaching your kid values has everything to do with how they will deal with an unforeseen situation! After seeing a sampling of math teaching in FCPS high schools, I find that Khan Academy is actually very high quality. So take that idea to its logical conclusion... a high schooler has NO excuse to not attempt to learn, even if they happen to have gotten the worst DL instruction. They can go to KA, in 2022 they can google for numerous other sites that do a fairly decent job explaining the basics. On top of that, YouTube math channels are yet another world. Or goodness forbid... they can go crack open a math book at their local library to try to learn the subject! But of course not, your kids in this generation are so special that they cannot do any of these things and MUST be spoon fed, that is the parent demand!

Seriously, in my time the teachers were also not very effective, they were ok at best. Guess what? When I didn't understand, I went home and read a textbook and attempted to figure it out. Or was very lucky if I found something on the internet (mid to late 90s). And forget about hiring a tutor, I'd be lucky if I got to eat fast food once every few weeks.

Fcps does not have math textbooks.

My kid was given a math textbook that first day of Alg 2. I don't think he's used it though.

Because we are told not to use them. The only courses with textbooks are AP classes because those are mandated by the college board. I have a stack of textbooks to send home with kids when parents ask for them, but I do not/cannot use them for the masses. They are purely a reference tool, not a teaching too.

How unfortunate.

Math classes should be required to use and follow textbooks.

I’ve bought my FCPS kids honors textbooks found online and highly recommended but the FCPS algebra thru algebra 2 curriculum was far deeper than these books, rendering them useless.