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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]

You can claim the track is "projected" on average to be ahead by one year but it still does not benefit the smart kids.  You are no longer allowed to take Algebra I in 6th grade. They dumb down the curriculum in elementary school so you can not make that pathway.

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If you're saying that the entire math curriculum has been "dumbed down" because a very small number of students who previously would have taken Algebra I in 6th grade and calculus in 10th grade now must take Algebra I in 7th grade and calculus in 11th grade -- well, ok. But I disagree with you.[/quote]

It is dumbed down for the smarter kids, yes.  And at my daughter's ES school [b]there were over 20 of 97 kids that went on to Algebra 1 years ago[/b].  It wasn't that small of a number.  There are just many more uneducated children coming into the MCPS system these days and shrinking the percentage of these kids.  Not the actual number but percentage.  But that is not those kid's fault but yet they have to pay that price.  [/quote]

From what I understand, the vast majority of kids that were tracked too quickly were missing basic math facts.  There are *very* few kids that are so good in math that they should take Algebra 1 in 6th grade.  For most kids that are good in math, taking Algebra 1 in 7th is appropriate.

I also wonder how many of those kids that took Algebra in 6th grade also were tutored outside school (at home or other).  I know there are those that didn't.  But I'm thinking most kids probably had to have help outside school.  [/quote]

That is what MCPS is telling you is the reason why. I do not believe it.  I honestly think there are kids that can do math like this if it is taught correctly and with a group of hard working kids who apply themselves. My daughter did not have a tutor.  Never did, hopefully never will.  Her friends did not either that I know of.  I am not saying everyone should be taking Algebra 1 as quickly as possible.  I am just saying they should not, not let kids move ahead if they are ready to do so.  [/quote]

I don't need MCPS to tell me this.  I can see it by observing my kids and others.  My DC is pretty advanced in math, too - in compacted math.  Perhaps where you live there is a cluster of super smart kids, but as I said, *most* kids who were pushed too early probably weren't ready as *most* smart kids aren't that advanced in math.  People have stated this before - a large public school cannot meet *every* child's needs. It is for the majority.  The very advanced or very slow kids get left behind.  Yes, it's a shame, but a public school is not your kid's tutor.   I have heard from a teacher that if your ES child is super smart at math, there is an opportunity to take a math class in a HS. But again, most smart kids aren't at that level.

MCPS math tracking for the majority in 2.0 is already above the nation's standards, with Alg 1 by 8th grade.  Some kids may be able to do more, but probably not that much more, at least not without help at home.  So really, it doesn't make sense to push them that hard.[/quote]

Yeah, let's not push our kids. We'll let the Asians and Europeans do that. After all, America is #1. Future is secure.[/quote]

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