Reply to GDS 7th grade algebra question

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]DC is at another middle school but did algebra in 7th grade, which meant skipping 6th grade math. As a result, she was not as solid as she should have been on some foundational skills. She lacked the automaticity in manipulating things like fractions and negative numbers that comes with real mastery of the concepts AND repetition. She is a top math student (99th percentile SSAT), so it worked out, but I wish the world were such that we could comfortably keep our smart but not math-whiz-smart kids on the regular track without fearing that they are falling behind.

Second DC will not be accelerated. He could probably hack it and be somewhere in the middle, but I think he will [b]benefit more from acquiring a solid foundation[/b] and from the confidence that comes with being near the top of the class.[/quote]

+1000  Former TAG math teacher here who agrees with the above.  I also personally know TWO 'unhooked' high school seniors who were accepted to Ivy league schools this year and who did not take Calculus in high school.[/quote]

Thank you for sharing that. I am of the mind of the PP...build a foundation by moving DC at his own level, which does not have him on track for calculus. I know it's the right thing to do, but have a hard time always feeling like we did the right thing. We don't have Ivies specifically as our goal, but top 20-25 school would be great. He's super smart and hard working, but probably won't have calculus.
So thanks again for the encouraging information![/quote]

You're welcome.  So many people get hung up on the Calculus question but it is not something that is absolutely necessary for acceptance into an Ivy or a top 25 school.  At this point I have or have had multiple students at all of the Ivies and top 25 as well as a host of other schools.  IMO a strong foundation now will serve your child better than a weak knowledge of algebra, which is the nexus for all higher level math.  Of course, grades matter and one can argue that a weighted GPS for a 100 in AP Calc is better than a 100 in AP Stats or a 100 in AP Pre-Calc but I think that at that point you're arguing hundredths of a point, and most students are not going to swing a 100 in either class anyway.  In any event, do what is best for your student [i]now[/i].  S/he will always be able to do a summer school class in geometry or pre-calc in high school if AP Calc becomes an imperative.  Keep an eye on the horizon for sure but the rest will come!  Best wishes![/quote]

Oops.  Meant Honors Pre-calc, not AP Pre-calc![/quote]

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