I'm not from this country. Would you please explain to me WHY taking Algn 7th grade seems to be the

[Anonymous]

the goal of every other parent on this board?

So, if you take Algebra I in 7th grade, what is the result? What is the difference in outcome for the student who takes algebra I in 7th vs. the student who takes it in 8th grade?

My child is in 6th grade btw.

I would really appreciate it if someone would explain this to me as my child will be going to 7th next year and, if she fulfill the requirements, I would like to make an informed decision.

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:the goal of every other parent on this board?

So, if you take Algebra I in 7th grade, what is the result? What is the difference in outcome for the student who takes algebra I in 7th vs. the student who takes it in 8th grade?

My child is in 6th grade btw.

I would really appreciate it if someone would explain this to me as my child will be going to 7th next year and, if she fulfill the requirements, I would like to make an informed decision.

Thanks.

College admissions will generally be better for kids who are taking the most rigorous course load. Also, many college STEM programs want to see grades and test scores for AP Calc before admitting kids into their programs. Kids who take Calc in 11th will have those grades and scores.

[Anonymous]

Whatever math class is right for your child is where they should be. My son skipped 3rd grade math, and so was in Algebra as a sixth grader. Now, there is going to be no math offered for him at his high school for the last two years, and he also had a messed up lunch period for years. He is in the correct math class, academically, but it has been a giant PITA for him, and not sure it was worth it.

[Anonymous]

OP. It is ridiculous. Most of the kids have a weak understanding of Algebra as a result. It's rushed, almost always badly done, and largely has to do with parental bragging.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP. It is ridiculous. Most of the kids have a weak understanding of Algebra as a result. It's rushed, almost always badly done, and largely has to do with parental bragging.

Welcome to 'Murican public school education.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP. It is ridiculous. Most of the kids have a weak understanding of Algebra as a result. It's rushed, almost always badly done, and largely has to do with parental bragging.

If that is true*, it's more of a reflection of the sub-par teaching and math curriculum from K-6. In some other countries, it's pretty standard for everyone to take Algebra in 7th.

*It's not true. Some person keeps claiming that the kids who are accelerated more perform worse in subsequent math classes, but this person has no evidence. At least in LCPS, the kids taking Algebra in 6th outperform the other kids in all math classes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP. It is ridiculous. Most of the kids have a weak understanding of Algebra as a result. It's rushed, almost always badly done, and largely has to do with parental bragging.

Welcome to 'Murican public school education.

Sorry to clarify I am not OP, I was telling OP about the ridiculous approach she can expect here. I also have multiple STEM graduate degrees, FWIW.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP. It is ridiculous. Most of the kids have a weak understanding of Algebra as a result. It's rushed, almost always badly done, and largely has to do with parental bragging.

If that is true*, it's more of a reflection of the sub-par teaching and math curriculum from K-6. In some other countries, it's pretty standard for everyone to take Algebra in 7th.

*It's not true. Some person keeps claiming that the kids who are accelerated more perform worse in subsequent math classes, but this person has no evidence. At least in LCPS, the kids taking Algebra in 6th outperform the other kids in all math classes.

In specifically what countries is it standard for EVERYONE to take Algebra in 7th?

[Anonymous]

My oldest is a math-y kid and he qualified and wanted to take Algebra in 7th so I “allowed” it. He’s in middle school now so I’m trying not micromanage his course selection process. My middle guy I already know, will not want to take Algebra in 7th and that’s fine with me.

I went to an Ivy League college myself so I generally feel confident in the academic decisions I make for my children and for me - it’s not a focus on rote stuff and it’s more of a focus on the long game even when at times that’s hard around here. It’s encouraging a love of learning that’s important for me. Some of these other people I think want their kids to do better than they did and they push them harder or something. Whereas I think intrinsic motivation is important.

I would never feel lesser if my kid didn’t take Algebra in 7th when others maybe do. I think some kids do better having more time to progress in math.

[Anonymous]

I actually teach a college STEM subject at Mason.

Here is my 10,000 foot view and what we tend to see. Even with AP calc or post-calc courses, many, many of our students are repeating calc and other courses like linear alg. because their foundations aren't strong enough. I'd say, these students tend to do well repeating because it's another pass on the material and reinforces what they already know. For the students who take the credit and move up, I've seen them struggle, but they do complete their programs. You tend to see more C's in things like material science & engineering courses and physics but they do finish and end up employed fwiw. The kids who are repeating tend to get higher grades (based on the students I have counseled/mentored for 10 years or so).

I went to a different STEM school for undergrad and finished my PhD coursework at another different university. My personal experiences have been consistent across the board.

My own kids are small and in elementary. I honestly don't care if they do Alg. in 7th. I'd rather see them comfortable with math generally (and by that I mean working on problems that require critical thinking, showing their work, etc). I want them to be confident enough to try and secure enough to ask for help when they need it. These are the types of issues I see in the college setting.

My opinion is pretty much based on my own experience. So take it fwiw.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP. It is ridiculous. Most of the kids have a weak understanding of Algebra as a result. It's rushed, almost always badly done, and largely has to do with parental bragging.

Welcome to 'Murican public school education.

Completely agree! Could have not said it better! Thank you

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP. It is ridiculous. Most of the kids have a weak understanding of Algebra as a result. It's rushed, almost always badly done, and largely has to do with parental bragging.

If that is true*, it's more of a reflection of the sub-par teaching and math curriculum from K-6. In some other countries, it's pretty standard for everyone to take Algebra in 7th.

*It's not true. Some person keeps claiming that the kids who are accelerated more perform worse in subsequent math classes, but this person has no evidence. At least in LCPS, the kids taking Algebra in 6th outperform the other kids in all math classes.

In specifically what countries is it standard for EVERYONE to take Algebra in 7th?

in what local school system is it standard for EVERYONE to take Algebra in 7th?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I actually teach a college STEM subject at Mason.

Here is my 10,000 foot view and what we tend to see. Even with AP calc or post-calc courses, many, many of our students are repeating calc and other courses like linear alg. because their foundations aren't strong enough. I'd say, these students tend to do well repeating because it's another pass on the material and reinforces what they already know. For the students who take the credit and move up, I've seen them struggle, but they do complete their programs. You tend to see more C's in things like material science & engineering courses and physics but they do finish and end up employed fwiw. The kids who are repeating tend to get higher grades (based on the students I have counseled/mentored for 10 years or so).

I went to a different STEM school for undergrad and finished my PhD coursework at another different university. My personal experiences have been consistent across the board.

My own kids are small and in elementary. I honestly don't care if they do Alg. in 7th. I'd rather see them comfortable with math generally (and by that I mean working on problems that require critical thinking, showing their work, etc). I want them to be confident enough to try and secure enough to ask for help when they need it. These are the types of issues I see in the college setting.

My opinion is pretty much based on my own experience. So take it fwiw.

I agree with this.

I actually moved my kids to a private school after seeing the rushed, shallow, and ridiculous cluster that was 7th/8th grade top level math in our local public school. I don't want some fake bragging rights, I want my kids to have a solidly built foundation in math.

[Anonymous]

In some public districts, it is the only area where kids are ability grouped and getting in the higher math class tends to make your cohort for all classes the kids who are more serious about school, do the homework, engage in class discussion and have less disruptive behavior (generally). Once you are on that track, it carries through to high school. It can be very difficult to learn in a classroom with a lot of behavior problems and disinterested classmates.

It's not always about Algebra.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP. It is ridiculous. Most of the kids have a weak understanding of Algebra as a result. It's rushed, almost always badly done, and largely has to do with parental bragging.

If that is true*, it's more of a reflection of the sub-par teaching and math curriculum from K-6. In some other countries, it's pretty standard for everyone to take Algebra in 7th.

*It's not true. Some person keeps claiming that the kids who are accelerated more perform worse in subsequent math classes, but this person has no evidence. At least in LCPS, the kids taking Algebra in 6th outperform the other kids in all math classes.

In specifically what countries is it standard for EVERYONE to take Algebra in 7th?

in what local school system is it standard for EVERYONE to take Algebra in 7th?

The PP said that it's pretty standard in some countries for EVERYONE to take Algebra in 7th. Those are her words. I'm asking her which countries. What happens here is not the question. I want to see exactly what countries where this is apparently so standard.