Reply to Pre-algebra in 6th

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Reply to "Pre-algebra in 6th - score cutoffs"

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]There is a misunderstanding among nonSTEM educators and parents that acceleration in and of itself equals challenge.  The problem in APS is that they aren’t challenging the smart kids in math through depth and instead are just pushing them up/through material more quickly.  They could go more slowly with harder problems.  [/quote]

What’s the difference between challenging students with depth and challenging them with breadth? Either way the class is harder. I do think that depth is better but a challenge is a challenge. [/quote]

I guess the difference is what you believe the point of an education is.  If your goal is to go fast and take as many tests as possible, forget it, and move on to your life, then the APS track is for you.  If your goal is a rich and deep understanding of the material that may lead to a lifelong curiosity and ability to challenge conventional thinking, then the kind of challenge I am talking about is for you.   [/quote]

Offering Algebra 1 in 8th is a reasonable option. Pushing earlier seems excessive. [/quote]

I disagree. Some kids are very ready for Algebra in 7th. They successfully take AP Calc BC junior year and then senior year they take come combo of AP Statistics, Multivariable or AP Physics (for which Calc BC is a pre or co requisite). I see no reason to not offer this path when it is clearly right for some, just because it isn't right for others.

I do think APS should do a better job of offering some option for those who aren't quite ready to jump into this path in 6th grade, but who need more than the regular path. I am also glad that APS is finally offering advanced classes in other subjects in middle school. Some bright kids may want to take those instead of the accelerated math track, which used to be their only option for taking a challenging class at their level, whether they were into math or not. [/quote]

I just don’t see the value of accelerating so much in HS.

-STEM person 
[/quote]
This.  Multi variable calculus is a foundational course for a lot of engineering/stem careers.  There is real value in taking it in college vs highschool.  [/quote]

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