Algebra 1 honors in 7th grade

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So, what is this magical Algebra 1 that is only taught at Longellow? I'm curious what the content is that makes it unique.

They use a textbook from the 1980s that is out of print- that they have deemed the best one ever. They do the same with the Honors Geometry, using an out of date textbook from 1972.

How is that inherently "better" or more difficult?

The argument I have heard is this: current math textbooks are watered down so what used to be called Algebra is no longer the same thing as the current Algebra taught in schools. The same holds true for Geometry.

No idea if this is true; it's simply the explanation I have heard.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So, what is this magical Algebra 1 that is only taught at Longellow? I'm curious what the content is that makes it unique.

They use a textbook from the 1980s that is out of print- that they have deemed the best one ever. They do the same with the Honors Geometry, using an out of date textbook from 1972.

How is that inherently "better" or more difficult?

The argument I have heard is this: current math textbooks are watered down so what used to be called Algebra is no longer the same thing as the current Algebra taught in schools. The same holds true for Geometry.

No idea if this is true; it's simply the explanation I have heard.

Hogwash.
That theory applies to elementary math, as a result of fuzzy math methods such as every day math, but Algebra, Geometry and higher are generally set in stone

[Anonymous]

They use a textbook from the 1980s that is out of print- that they have deemed the best one ever. They do the same with the Honors Geometry, using an out of date textbook from 1972.

That's terrible! Algebra and geometry change so much through the years. Shame on them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone have a DC met the 91 percentile IAAT requirement, but not the 500 on SOL (or vice versa)? Did your DC get into Honors Algebra?

It is far more common to get a 500+ on the SOL than a 91% on the IAAT. PP shows that it is not universally true.

FWIW, both tests can be studied for. My DD just missed the 91, but scored 520. I did not think she was ready for Algebra though.

So did your DD get into Honors Algebra?

[Anonymous]

Any one know how many mistakes are allowed in IAAT Test out of the 60 questions and still get 91% and above. I know that it is percentile based. But roughly how many questions should the student get it correct?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Any one know how many mistakes are allowed in IAAT Test out of the 60 questions and still get 91% and above. I know that it is percentile based. But roughly how many questions should the student get it correct?

It depends on the year and the group taking it.

[Anonymous]

Going by last year and the previous year, can any one chip in and say how many mistakes in IAAT still made the child to get 91% or higher.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Going by last year and the previous year, can any one chip in and say how many mistakes in IAAT still made the child to get 91% or higher.

Best to just aim for no mistakes. Have your child get lots of practice on timed tests.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Going by last year and the previous year, can any one chip in and say how many mistakes in IAAT still made the child to get 91% or higher.

Just curious, but how does one use this information? The test hasn't been given yet, so I'm assuming you're not concerned about a mistake in scoring. How is this information useful in advance of the test?

Btw, when my child took the test, I don't remember being told how many they got wrong. I only remember getting a percentile, but I could go back and check if that would be helpful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Going by last year and the previous year, can any one chip in and say how many mistakes in IAAT still made the child to get 91% or higher.

Best to just aim for no mistakes. Have your child get lots of practice on timed tests.

I would not have my child practice for this test. A good foundation in algebra is extremely important for higher math. If the child is not ready for it in seventh grade, he is just not ready. Taking algebra before they are ready will just cause problems down the line. Kids will do better in algebra if they take it when they are developmentally ready.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Going by last year and the previous year, can any one chip in and say how many mistakes in IAAT still made the child to get 91% or higher.

Best to just aim for no mistakes. Have your child get lots of practice on timed tests.

I would not have my child practice for this test. A good foundation in algebra is extremely important for higher math. If the child is not ready for it in seventh grade, he is just not ready. Taking algebra before they are ready will just cause problems down the line. Kids will do better in algebra if they take it when they are developmentally ready.

I agree with you, but PP who has repeatedly asked for how many mistakes will still allow for a 91% or higher is likely readying a child for the January IAAT. Since the child will be practicing for the test anyway, might as well aim for timed test practice, which will be less stressful than "you can only have one mistake, sweetheart" practice.

[Anonymous]

^^should have said is likely readying a child for this coming week's January IAAT

[Anonymous]

Don't push. If your kid qualifies on his/her own for Algebra I in 7th, fine. If not, why would you want them to take a course where the grade would go on their high school transcript if they're not ready. I know far too many kids who have had to retake Algebra or Geometry because the classes moved too quickly and they didn't get it. These are fundamentals that kids need, folks -- particularly Algebra. It's not a race.

[Anonymous]

Just curious, what kind of practice should a student get to prepare for IAAT? Does IAAT give a bunch of Pre-Algebra problems to see if kids can solve them and qualify for Algebra? DD is in 7th grade and taking Algebra I Honors, but she was never given the IAAT (We moved here this year from a different county where she had Pre-Algebra as a 6th grader)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just curious, what kind of practice should a student get to prepare for IAAT? Does IAAT give a bunch of Pre-Algebra problems to see if kids can solve them and qualify for Algebra? DD is in 7th grade and taking Algebra I Honors, but she was never given the IAAT (We moved here this year from a different county where she had Pre-Algebra as a 6th grader)

Pretty much pre-algebra in a timed test format. 60 questions in four areas; 10 minutes for each of the four areas.