DS struggling in 8th grade Algebra 1 Honors

[Anonymous]

My 8th grader expunged his 8th grade Spanish grade and got no credit going into high school for language. This was five years ago. If FCPS is now letting kids take classes and expunge grades and keep credit it would be insane but then again it is FCPS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here... still unsure what to do... my DS still wants to stick it out with the Honors class... still has a C. He got an 81 on the last test (first try) which shows he has a decent understanding. He struggles with the quizzes and HW when it's new material. By the time the tests come, he does a bit better.
I talked to his counselor again about dropping down which is supportive of, but again, my kid feels strongly about staying where he is. I don't want to force him.
I am proud of his C. He works hard, got a lot of praise for his last test score from the teacher (who is tough and rarely compliments).
I guess I am just venting that we live in a time where the prospect of a C is such a terrible thing and I have to be so stressed about whether we should expunge the grade (which seems a shame and like we are erasing all his hard work?), drop down, retake, etc. It's ridiculous.
Anyone else in this situation?
My feeling is that I would definitely not have him retake it next year. He would do Geometry (not Honors) So the choice is expunge or keep the C that goes on his transcript.

This teacher sounds like my DC’s. I wonder if they are at the same school?

[Anonymous]

My understanding is that if you expunge for math you do not get credit for the class. But you are allowed to move to the next level. If it’s a language you can not move to the next level.

[Anonymous]

OP: Moving on in math with a C in Algebra 1 is not going to help your child. He will need a strong foundation in Algebra in order to succeed in Algebra 2 and other math classes. It is great that he is working really hard and making a great effort, I know you are applauding that.

I would give your child the choice of dropping to Algebra 1 non-honors or retaking Algebra 1 in summer school or as a 9th grader. Or maybe they need to enroll in RSM’s Algebra class now to strengthen what they are learning. But something needs to happen to improve their understanding.

I ended up with a high B in regular Algebra as a 9th grader and i worked hard for that B. I get it. I worked hard for all of my B’s in regular math, it was not my strong subject. I am sympathetic with how hard these classes can be. I understand your son doesn’t want to change classes and it is hard for you as the parent but something needs to happen otherwise he is going to struggle with math the next 3-4 years. You know that but he doesn’t.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP: Moving on in math with a C in Algebra 1 is not going to help your child. He will need a strong foundation in Algebra in order to succeed in Algebra 2 and other math classes. It is great that he is working really hard and making a great effort, I know you are applauding that.

I would give your child the choice of dropping to Algebra 1 non-honors or retaking Algebra 1 in summer school or as a 9th grader. Or maybe they need to enroll in RSM’s Algebra class now to strengthen what they are learning. But something needs to happen to improve their understanding.

I ended up with a high B in regular Algebra as a 9th grader and i worked hard for that B. I get it. I worked hard for all of my B’s in regular math, it was not my strong subject. I am sympathetic with how hard these classes can be. I understand your son doesn’t want to change classes and it is hard for you as the parent but something needs to happen otherwise he is going to struggle with math the next 3-4 years. You know that but he doesn’t.

DP
I’m doubtful the school would allow that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP: Moving on in math with a C in Algebra 1 is not going to help your child. He will need a strong foundation in Algebra in order to succeed in Algebra 2 and other math classes. It is great that he is working really hard and making a great effort, I know you are applauding that.

I would give your child the choice of dropping to Algebra 1 non-honors or retaking Algebra 1 in summer school or as a 9th grader. Or maybe they need to enroll in RSM’s Algebra class now to strengthen what they are learning. But something needs to happen to improve their understanding.

I ended up with a high B in regular Algebra as a 9th grader and i worked hard for that B. I get it. I worked hard for all of my B’s in regular math, it was not my strong subject. I am sympathetic with how hard these classes can be. I understand your son doesn’t want to change classes and it is hard for you as the parent but something needs to happen otherwise he is going to struggle with math the next 3-4 years. You know that but he doesn’t.

DP
I’m doubtful the school would allow that.

The OP already said the Counselor would allow it. 8th graders have the option of regular or honors Algebra, 7th graders do not.