VA math changes - ways to speak out

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wrote to vdoe and they said they would not be eliminating any programs that currently exist, only augmenting with additional pathways.

Please provide the e-mail, because that is not in line with anything that they've said before including their web videos.

Agree. That is the opposite of the videos.

Thank you so much for your email. The Virginia Mathematics Pathways Initiative (VMPI) will allow students to propel toward the traditional mathematics pathways that currently exist to prepare students for pre-calculus and calculus, along with offering other rigorous pathways that focus on statistics, computer science, or mathematical modeling. The Initiative supports the Profile of a Virginia Graduate by redefining mathematics pathways for K-12 students in Virginia public schools to address the knowledge, skills, experiences, and attributes that students must attain to be successful in college and/or the workforce and to be “life ready.” VMPI is a joint initiative between the Virginia Department of Education, (VDOE) the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia (SCHEV) and the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) and representatives from all entities serve as leaders in the initiative. This collaboration between K-12 and higher education ensures that continued dialogue and feedback can exist as the initiative moves forward. VMPI proposes restructuring K-12 mathematics instruction through a focus on essential mathematics content students should master in order to achieve their postsecondary aspirations aligned to today's more modern world.
Many of the changes being proposed in the Virginia Mathematics Pathways Initiative coincide with the 2023 scheduled revision of the Virginia Mathematics Standards of Learning with full implementation of the revised standards scheduled for 2025-2026. VMPI is in the process of collecting stakeholder feedback regarding the proposed changes to mathematics education in Virginia. Future changes to the Virginia Mathematics Standards of Learning and state education policies will include opportunities to collect public feedback and address questions prior to the implementation of changes. A series of VMPI Community meetings are being offered this spring. These meetings are intended to provide initial information regarding the initiative, but also be a venue during which feedback can be collected. Additional information about the Virginia Mathematics Pathways Initiative can be found on the VMPI webpage, located on the VDOE website. Information about upcoming community meetings, along with an infographic and informational video are available.
The feedback you provide as both a parent and engineer are very valuable. I have a son who graduated from a Virginia high school who is currently a civil engineer working at one of the naval shipyards. I certainly understand the need to ensure that students have the opportunities to take courses that help propel them into mathematics intensive college or career pathways. I hope that you are able to learn more about VMPI through some of the upcoming Community meetings that are scheduled.

Sincerely,
Tina Mazzacane
K-12 Mathematics Coordinator
Virginia Department of Education

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
The experience of my older child is that the Algebra I class moved too slowly. My older child was put into class with 8th grade students.

For me, until last year there were only a few 6th graders taking algebra. I was told they would put the 6th graders in one or two classes so they would be together, and they ended up using more.
They are(were) getting higher numbers and have had to adjust. 7th graders in algebra is very common and 8th graders would have been the weaker students.

No longer the case.

Kids that 2-3 years ago would have been taking Algebra in 7th are now taking it in 8th.

[Anonymous]

So Tina is just cutting and pasting the same shit into every email and not answering any actual questions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
The experience of my older child is that the Algebra I class moved too slowly. My older child was put into class with 8th grade students.

For me, until last year there were only a few 6th graders taking algebra. I was told they would put the 6th graders in one or two classes so they would be together, and they ended up using more.
They are(were) getting higher numbers and have had to adjust. 7th graders in algebra is very common and 8th graders would have been the weaker students.

No longer the case.

Kids that 2-3 years ago would have been taking Algebra in 7th are now taking it in 8th.

7th grade Algebra is basically the default in LCPS. Roughly half of the grade is in Algebra, maybe even more. It is basically pitched to parents that if you don’t agree to Algebra in 7th, your kid is basically remedial.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I read all of the studies on the results of kids in the advanced math path (Algebra 6th grade) and they all fell off and many ended up at a lower level than kids that took the more traditional route through math. APS has LOADS OF data on this. I spent a lot of time gathering that material and talking to the actual math teachers and what they were seeing.

High grades and intensified mask a lot of deficiencies...in math and writing and grammar in this school system. I saw 2 kids float by doing almost no work and getting straight As all through MS---yet reading their essays OMG. And they were getting 'As' on them

I doubt they ALL fell off.
These are not the results LCPS is seeing with their advanced math. They set the cutoff high to get into algebra in 6th grade, and they track the results and these kids do well in algebra and beyond.
Beyond that, LCPS puts many kids in algebra in 7th grade by using teacher recommendations and scores to put kids into prealgebra in 6th grade.
These kids will also be held back under the new system, and they wouldn't be in algebra in 8th grade either.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wrote to vdoe and they said they would not be eliminating any programs that currently exist, only augmenting with additional pathways.

Please provide the e-mail, because that is not in line with anything that they've said before including their web videos.

Agree. That is the opposite of the videos.

Thank you so much for your email. The Virginia Mathematics Pathways Initiative (VMPI) will allow students to propel toward the traditional mathematics pathways that currently exist to prepare students for pre-calculus and calculus, along with offering other rigorous pathways that focus on statistics, computer science, or mathematical modeling. The Initiative supports the Profile of a Virginia Graduate by redefining mathematics pathways for K-12 students in Virginia public schools to address the knowledge, skills, experiences, and attributes that students must attain to be successful in college and/or the workforce and to be “life ready.” VMPI is a joint initiative between the Virginia Department of Education, (VDOE) the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia (SCHEV) and the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) and representatives from all entities serve as leaders in the initiative. This collaboration between K-12 and higher education ensures that continued dialogue and feedback can exist as the initiative moves forward. VMPI proposes restructuring K-12 mathematics instruction through a focus on essential mathematics content students should master in order to achieve their postsecondary aspirations aligned to today's more modern world.
Many of the changes being proposed in the Virginia Mathematics Pathways Initiative coincide with the 2023 scheduled revision of the Virginia Mathematics Standards of Learning with full implementation of the revised standards scheduled for 2025-2026. VMPI is in the process of collecting stakeholder feedback regarding the proposed changes to mathematics education in Virginia. Future changes to the Virginia Mathematics Standards of Learning and state education policies will include opportunities to collect public feedback and address questions prior to the implementation of changes. A series of VMPI Community meetings are being offered this spring. These meetings are intended to provide initial information regarding the initiative, but also be a venue during which feedback can be collected. Additional information about the Virginia Mathematics Pathways Initiative can be found on the VMPI webpage, located on the VDOE website. Information about upcoming community meetings, along with an infographic and informational video are available.
The feedback you provide as both a parent and engineer are very valuable. I have a son who graduated from a Virginia high school who is currently a civil engineer working at one of the naval shipyards. I certainly understand the need to ensure that students have the opportunities to take courses that help propel them into mathematics intensive college or career pathways. I hope that you are able to learn more about VMPI through some of the upcoming Community meetings that are scheduled.

Sincerely,
Tina Mazzacane
K-12 Mathematics Coordinator
Virginia Department of Education

OK, I understand now. What this e-mail is saying is they are adding stats and other class options in 11th and 12th grades.
They are removing the pathways thru 10th grade. They are (for now) keeping the pathways of precalc and calculus, although second year of calculus is not available.

[Anonymous]

I understood the email the same way, PP who quoted it.

Not having post-APs in high school is not good for future STEM majors. And being bored in math K-10 will turn many kids off of it entirely. Terrible.

[Anonymous]

“ What this e-mail is saying is they are adding stats and other class options in 11th and 12th grades.
They are removing the pathways thru 10th grade. They are (for now) keeping the pathways of precalc and calculus, although second year of calculus is not available.”

+1
The email does NOT say that advancement will be allowed in K-10

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
The experience of my older child is that the Algebra I class moved too slowly. My older child was put into class with 8th grade students.

For me, until last year there were only a few 6th graders taking algebra. I was told they would put the 6th graders in one or two classes so they would be together, and they ended up using more.
They are(were) getting higher numbers and have had to adjust. 7th graders in algebra is very common and 8th graders would have been the weaker students.

No longer the case.

Kids that 2-3 years ago would have been taking Algebra in 7th are now taking it in 8th.

7th grade Algebra is basically the default in LCPS. Roughly half of the grade is in Algebra, maybe even more. It is basically pitched to parents that if you don’t agree to Algebra in 7th, your kid is basically remedial.

Algebra used to be the default in Arlington, but they switched the math pathways and now very few are taking it in 7th. They are recommending far less students and have tightened up the pathway.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
The experience of my older child is that the Algebra I class moved too slowly. My older child was put into class with 8th grade students.

For me, until last year there were only a few 6th graders taking algebra. I was told they would put the 6th graders in one or two classes so they would be together, and they ended up using more.
They are(were) getting higher numbers and have had to adjust. 7th graders in algebra is very common and 8th graders would have been the weaker students.

No longer the case.

Kids that 2-3 years ago would have been taking Algebra in 7th are now taking it in 8th.

7th grade Algebra is basically the default in LCPS. Roughly half of the grade is in Algebra, maybe even more. It is basically pitched to parents that if you don’t agree to Algebra in 7th, your kid is basically remedial.

Algebra used to be the default in Arlington, but they switched the math pathways and now very few are taking it in 7th. They are recommending far less students and have tightened up the pathway.

Well i know a lot of LCPS parents who were pressured into Algebra in 7th. My older DD was ready for it but I was already thinking I would decline for my younger DD and have her take Algebra in 8th. Will be interesting watching LCPS backpedal on this after they have spent so long brainwashing parents 7th grade Algebra is the right way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Did you see something on the website that says it won't be done retroactively? I would be so happy if I missed that so I am genuinely asking. But without that spelled out, I remain skeptical. And even if it is spelled out, they could drop it later if they think they can get away with it. Clearly this is being spearheaded by people who hate tracking so they will get rid of as much of it as quickly as they can.

Sixth graders have already been made ineligible for algebra. It looks like current 5th graders will not be affected beyond this, but perhaps the pathways will be changed again. Perhaps current 4th graders in 6th grade will not be given the option of prealgebra.

[Anonymous]

From my experience, the pressure isn't coming from LCPS, but from fellow parents. If you aren't a few grades ahead, you are considered behind. This is not limited to LCPS, but any place with high concentration of Indians in America.

I was at an algebra for 6th graders meeting where the principal was emphasizing, 'Don't worry about what your neighbors are doing, just focus on what's best for your kid.' I didn't get the point at the time, but have noticed it more lately.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:From my experience, the pressure isn't coming from LCPS, but from fellow parents. If you aren't a few grades ahead, you are considered behind. This is not limited to LCPS, but any place with high concentration of Indians in America.

I was at an algebra for 6th graders meeting where the principal was emphasizing, 'Don't worry about what your neighbors are doing, just focus on what's best for your kid.' I didn't get the point at the time, but have noticed it more lately.

I’m in Sterling and there is not a big Indian population here. My DD’s 5th grade teacher wanted us to have her take the Math SOL and put her into 6th grade Algebra. When we declined, she was completely confused and did not understand at all.

[Anonymous]

From my experience, the pressure isn't coming from LCPS, but from fellow parents. If you aren't a few grades ahead, you are considered behind. This is not limited to LCPS, but any place with high concentration of Indians in America.

I was at an algebra for 6th graders meeting where the principal was emphasizing, 'Don't worry about what your neighbors are doing, just focus on what's best for your kid.' I didn't get the point at the time, but have noticed it more lately.


I’m in Sterling and there is not a big Indian population here. My DD’s 5th grade teacher wanted us to have her take the Math SOL and put her into 6th grade Algebra. When we declined, she was completely confused and did not understand at all.

Wow, why are you trying to attribute this to Indians in particular? Where we live is largely white, with some Black students (30 percent) and there is the exact same issue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:From my experience, the pressure isn't coming from LCPS, but from fellow parents. If you aren't a few grades ahead, you are considered behind. This is not limited to LCPS, but any place with high concentration of Indians in America.

I was at an algebra for 6th graders meeting where the principal was emphasizing, 'Don't worry about what your neighbors are doing, just focus on what's best for your kid.' I didn't get the point at the time, but have noticed it more lately.

As a MS math teacher, I can tell you that about 1/3 of those 7th graders in Algebra probably aren't ready.