Reply to FCPS difference between Algebra and Algebra Honors and Math 8

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Given that about 75-80 % of white and asian kids take Algebra I by 8th grade, you might want to think about whether you want your kid to do Math 8 in 8th grade.

Your child should definitely NOT take Alg I Hons next year.  So the only question is whether he should do MAth 8 or Alg. I.

If your kid is doing well in Math 7, then he is prepared for Alg. I.

We left the choice of math classes for 7th and 8th grade up to our kid.  I felt that it was important for him to have the choice and if it was too easy or too hard, he would have ownership of the decision and learn from that choice.

There isn't a truly "wrong" answer -- but there is information that one can consider (regarding future math classes, peer group in the math class your kid chooses, etc.) that might tip the scale in one direction or the other.[/quote]

The truth is that 50% of the white kids and 35% of the Asian kids do not belong in Algebra I in the 8th grade.  The teacher has to dilute the curriculum down to the dumbest common denominator.  So while your Honors/AAP darling is on record for taking Algebra I, they are realistically taking Math 8-plus or Algebra I Lite.  Don't believe it?  Check SAT scores.  Math scores continue to decline as enrollment in Honors and AP courses increases.  It'sall smoke and mirrors, people.[/quote]

you're making QUITE a few logical leaps that do not make logical sense.

There are many reasons SAT scores might decline (although I do not have proof that SAT scores have actually declined). Even if we assume your assertion for the sake of the argument, it could be that kids aren't as good at Alg. II concepts or Geometry concepts.  Or that the SAT math has pre-calc that kids aren't understanding.  You can't just claim that SAT scores have declined (without citation) and then point to Alg. I and say "ah HA! -- it's Alg I's fault!).  Not only could there be deficiencies in higher level math, but there could be DIFFERENT kids taking the SAT now than there were X years ago when you say the SAT math scores were higher.  Maybe there are more minorities taking the SAT in this area and they historically have lower math scores.  Again -- you provided no support for your claim that the scores are lower, so we really can't accept your conclusion that it's all because kids are taking Alg. I in 8th grade and the Alg. I in 8th grade is weaker.

Then we move on to your claim that those SAT math scores have declined as "enrollment in Honors and AP courses increases."  Well, let's see -- which honors and AP courses would you be speaking of???  Because I'm pretty sure that most kids are not taking AP math courses, and those that do, are typically taking them in junior or senior year.  In fact, the kids who take AP Calc are really NOT the ones who would be having a hard time on SAT math.  And the ones taking AP Stat, typically take that senior year -- which would be AFTER they have already taken the SAT.  As for kids taking honors -- I'm not sure how that is even relevant to the claim you are making about Alg. I in 8th grade being watered down -- we aren't talking about Alg. I Hons.... so how is it that taking Alg I in 8th relates to kids taking honors math and not doing well on the SAT?   Your arguments are full of holes and don't make logical sense. But, I guess we should just take your word that "50% of the white kids and 35% of the asian kids do not belong in Alg I in 8th grade."  :roll:   [/quote]

Whenever SAT scores start to decline, the College Board (in its infinite wisdom and ever-expanding quest for profits) re-centers its scoring -- and voila -- the scores magically increase.  It's all smoke and mirrors, sheeple!
[/quote]

STill not proof or citations... sigh.... sheeple.[/quote]

STILL WAITING FOR YOUR REFUTATIONS!

https://www.nsf.gov/nsb/sei/edTool/data/highschool-08.html

https://www.usnews.com/news/education-news/articles/2019-10-30/across-the-board-scores-drop-in-math-and-reading-for-us-students

https://edsource.org/2016/u-s-math-scores-decline-on-international-test-of-15-year-olds/573768

https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2018/10/17/math-scores-slide-to-a-20-year-low.html

YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE SMOKE!

[/quote]

None of those speak to FCPS students ...or FCPS white and asian students (who are the ones most likely to take Alg 1 in 8th grade).  Your logic is flawed.  [/quote]

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