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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Fairfax probably should have twice as many kids in 6th grade algebra.[/quote]

Why?  What's the point?

If the advanced students stick to 7th grade algebra, then they are all advanced together.  No one has to be "more advanced" than the advanced kids for college apps.  [/quote]

By that logic they should all stick to 8th grade algebra.

Loudoun has its 6th graders doing well in algebra, and they could probably let in more as they added more restrictions lately.  Fairfax is a larger population, so it would be fine with double the numbers.
Also, math in Loudoun elementary is not accelerated.  There is no AAP or Level 4 or whatever else Fairfax is doing.  The students are likely better able to accelerate in Fairfax, except for the logistics of 6th grade in elementary.
7th grade algebra is also in some schools, half the kids.[/quote]

That's a "what" answer, not a "why" answer.  You say that FCPS should have twice as many students taking algebra in 6th grade, but you don't say why.  [/quote]

DP.  I don't think FCPS "should" have twice as many students taking Algebra in 6th.  I think that FCPS should give the option to take 6th grade Algebra to any kids who want to do so and are likely to succeed.  There are likely well over 100 kids taking Algebra I in 6th grade or even earlier through RSM/AoPS/Chinese School/Curie.  It's really dumb to make them sit in a pre-algebra class in FCPS when they're taking more rigorous Algebra classes outside of FCPS.[/quote]

You really are out of your mind! Just because someone takes a class at AOPS doesn’t mean the district should place them in Algebra in 6th. There no obligation of the school system to recognize coursework done elsewhere. They don’t know the curriculum, how rigorous the assessment was, or even if in fact the kid took the class since it’s just an online account. [/quote]

Okay.  Then give a math placement test to anyone who requests one.  FCPS won't do this, either.  If your kid is ready for Algebra, and you ask FCPS to give your kid a placement test, they will refuse to do so.  [/quote]

Did you discuss this with your child’s math teacher, presented some evidence that Algebra 1 is the appropriate placement, asked for an assessment etc. The school is not obligated to give your child any special tests because you feel like it. You have to advocate for your child, but by your account you didn’t even ask because apparently this information is hidden to uninvolved and URM parents, whatever the heck that means.[/quote]

Again, you're mixing up posters.   I did discuss with my child's teachers, and everyone agreed that Algebra would be the appropriate placement in a grade level earlier than 7th.  Gatehouse said that the kid absolutely needs to have a butt in a seat of a 6th grade AAP math class for a year, meet the IAAT benchmark, and get a pass advanced on the SOL.  Period.  I even had a meeting with the math resource head for Gatehouse.  He said that there is no alternative test for Algebra, and that there is zero flexibility for the FCPS policy.  You can ask until you're blue in the face, but they will not give a math placement test.  [/quote]

So in fact your kid didn’t actually pass the criteria for Algebra placement that included IAAT and SOL thresholds and didn’t complete the required prerequisite of 6th grade AAP, but you discussed with your child’s teachers and “everyone agreed”. In my view that was the appropriate decision.[/quote]

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