Iowa algebra readiness test

[Anonymous]

DS moved to public school in 6th grade, coming from a parochial school without a gifted/talented program. He is pretty great at math, and familiar with many advanced topics, as he has been sitting with his older sister as she went through her own pre-algebra and algebra work. Still, not being in an AAP program means that his curriculum so far has not been preparing him for the test.

He is identified as a Level 3 in Math this year, but that will only mean he will be ready for Math 7HN next year, not Algebra, as the Level 3 math is still taught by a non-AAP teacher. We moved him to the public system to give him a chance to advanced at a more accelerated pace in math, but are finding that these kids are already tracked so closely that switching tracks is pretty impossible to do. It seems to me that the Iowa algebra readiness test is actually a key step that would enable a kid to switch tracks.

Any suggestions of programs that will help with this gap?

[Anonymous]

I'm confused by this part:

Anonymous wrote: He is identified as a Level 3 in Math this year, but that will only mean he will be ready for Math 7HN next year, not Algebra, as the Level 3 math is still taught by a non-AAP teacher.

It doesn't matter whether the teacher is an AAP teacher. It matters whether the class is listed as "6th grade advanced math" rather than "6th grade math." AAP Level IV kids take "6th grade advanced math" in 6th grade. A lot of non-AAP kids do as well. It's considered the exact same class in both cases. All of the kids taking 6th grade advanced math will take the IAAT in the winter and the 7th grade math SOL in the spring. Eligibility for Algebra will be based on those scores, not the AAP status of the kids.

[Anonymous]

You have to get a 90 or above in IOWA after 6th grade math AND a passed advanced in 7th grade SOL and an A 6th grade math. Per my kids, each sections of Iowa is 30 questions timed and three sections written test.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It seems to me that the Iowa algebra readiness test is actually a key step that would enable a kid to switch tracks.

I thought that FCPS administers the IAAT only to those kids in Level IV AAP. You may want to talk to the principal or the math department on options.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It seems to me that the Iowa algebra readiness test is actually a key step that would enable a kid to switch tracks.

I thought that FCPS administers the IAAT only to those kids in Level IV AAP. You may want to talk to the principal or the math department on options.

They administer the IAAT to all kids in Advanced Math. Gen ed Advanced math is considered the exact same class as AAP math, and gen ed kids can and do qualify to take 7th grade algebra.

OP needs to verify whether her child's course is the Advanced Math course. It's a specific FCPS course and will be listed as such in SIS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It seems to me that the Iowa algebra readiness test is actually a key step that would enable a kid to switch tracks.

I thought that FCPS administers the IAAT only to those kids in Level IV AAP. You may want to talk to the principal or the math department on options.

They administer the IAAT to all kids in Advanced Math. Gen ed Advanced math is considered the exact same class as AAP math, and gen ed kids can and do qualify to take 7th grade algebra.

So, how exactly does this acceleration to Algebra happen for gen ed? All along the gen ed math trails AAP math by a year or so. In 6th grade, the AAP kids are doing 7th grade math while the gen ed class is doing 6th grade. It was my understanding that gen ed students may be principal placed in an AAP math class, but that advancement goes only as far as the 6th grade, and that the gen ed students are not eligible to take the IAAT.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It seems to me that the Iowa algebra readiness test is actually a key step that would enable a kid to switch tracks.

I thought that FCPS administers the IAAT only to those kids in Level IV AAP. You may want to talk to the principal or the math department on options.

They administer the IAAT to all kids in Advanced Math. Gen ed Advanced math is considered the exact same class as AAP math, and gen ed kids can and do qualify to take 7th grade algebra.

So, how exactly does this acceleration to Algebra happen for gen ed? All along the gen ed math trails AAP math by a year or so. In 6th grade, the AAP kids are doing 7th grade math while the gen ed class is doing 6th grade. It was my understanding that gen ed students may be principal placed in an AAP math class, but that advancement goes only as far as the 6th grade, and that the gen ed students are not eligible to take the IAAT.

That is incorrect. I've had one kid go through AAP math at a center and one through gen ed advanced math at a base school with no AAP. Both of them had their classes designated as "Advanced Math" in SIS. In 5th grade, both of them took the 6th grade SOL. In 6th grade, both took the IAAT and 7th grade SOL. While the homework and projects may have been different, both kids took the exact same tests in their Advanced Math courses. There is no such thing as "AAP math." " Advanced Math" is a specific FCPS course which covers 3rd-5th grade math in 3rd and 4th grade, 6th grade math in 5th grade, and 7th grade math in 6th grade. By default, all AAP LIV students are placed in the Advanced Math course. Many schools also offer Advanced Math for gen ed students who qualify. It's the same class with the same curriculum, pacing guide, and tests. Many gen ed Advanced Math students take Algebra in 7th grade and are just as qualified to do so as the AAP Advanced Math students.

[Anonymous]

Well, he will be in advanced math this year, but in our school, at back-to-school night, there were clearly different goals for Level 3 advanced math (cover 7th grade math, get them ready for Math 7 Hn / Pre-Algebra), vs the AAP teacher who is aiming to cover prealgebra this year and get students ready for Algebra 1.

The Math sessions were together, so the two teachers were speaking side by side. I thought the two were going to be the same as well, which is why I am perplexed as well.

[Anonymous]

Okay. He should still have the opportunity to take the IAAT. I would verify that with the teacher, but taking the IAAT is supposed to be standard for the Advanced Math class. It sounds like the school is anticipating a high IAAT pass rate for the AAP kids and a lower IAAT pass rate for the gen ed, so they're somewhat altering the goals of the class.

If you're worried about him being ready for 7th grade honors algebra, you could supplement with Khan academy or aops.

[Anonymous]

Why are you so concerned that he takes algebra in 7th? It’s ok if he does it in 8th grade. I promise.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why are you so concerned that he takes algebra in 7th? It’s ok if he does it in 8th grade. I promise.

+1

Also, if he takes Algebra in 7, he finishes calculus in 11th. And then has to do college math senior year. Is that what you or he would want?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why are you so concerned that he takes algebra in 7th? It’s ok if he does it in 8th grade. I promise.

+1

Also, if he takes Algebra in 7, he finishes calculus in 11th. And then has to do college math senior year. Is that what you or he would want?

It helped my son, who is now in college. He can graduate early as a result. It isn’t required, of course but for some students it works.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why are you so concerned that he takes algebra in 7th? It’s ok if he does it in 8th grade. I promise.

+1
Also, if he takes Algebra in 7, he finishes calculus in 11th. And then has to do college math senior year. Is that what you or he would want?

If he's ready for Algebra in 7th, there's no benefit to holding him back. Also, kids who love math might resent being ineligible to take Multivariable calc or Linear Algebra senior year. Or they might prefer to be able to take AP Stats without burning an elective slot on it. OP only said that her son was very good at math, but not that he loves it. Being good at math in and of itself might not be a good enough reason to push for 7th grade Algebra. Being good at math and loving math is a great reason to push forward toward the higher track.

[Anonymous]

at our base school, the 6th graders taking math 7 didn't automatically take math7 sol. Don't assume. It appears the school cherry picked who took what SOL to appear better

[Anonymous]

Is there any reason my kid should take the IOWA if he's definitely not taking algebra in 7th? (He's definitely not). It seems like a waste of time and stress on him. Does it provide any other use besides placing kids in Algebra?