Reply to Algebra C2.0

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I'm a parent of a child who had the old curriculum and of a child taking Algebra 2.0 this year.  This is what I have noticed and my older child has mentioned to be the biggest differences thus far:

1) My oldest is now taking Honors Algebra 2.  It seems that some of the concepts from Algebra 2 have been pushed down to Algebra.  Also, some of the concepts now being taught in Algebra were never taught to my child that is taking Algebra 2.

2) There is a greater demand for written language skills at the expense of focus on the fundamental math required to solve the problems.  I don't think this necessary is going "deeper" into the subject.  A child who is naturally gifted in writing and composition will find 2.0 Algebra easier but still might struggle in completing the actual math skills.  A kid who can do the math application might struggle with the written language component required because alternative methods of checking for understanding (ie. verbal explanation by student) is not being tapped into as teachers do with the Elementary 2.0 curriculum.

3) Tons of projects in the new 2.0 Algebra.  I don't remember my older child ever having projects in Algebra.  Again, more project grades and less quiz/test grades are beneficial for the language arts type child but hides the fundamental weakness of basic Algebra math skills.  The child can refer to notes for the project vs. memorizing what he/she needs to do for an assessment.

4) The winter exam seemed to be much easier than previous years.  Hard to know for sure because the exams do not come home so I did not see either.  However, my child reported most kids in the class finished with over an hour to spare in the allotted testing time and that the teacher said all of her children got A's and B's.[/quote]

I am the OP.  I wanted to write to thank you and the PP for taking the trouble to respond to my question.  I am a little concerned about your child's experience - it sounds like the written work is at the expense of time spent actually doing Math problems.  That troubles me.[/quote]

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