Reply to Why the push for accelerated math?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I feel like I'm taking crazy pills and I'm not sure if I'm just caught up in the Northern Virginia mindset.

Our child scored well on both the Iowa and the SOL and their teacher recommends they take out for one next year in seventh grade.   I'm sitting here wondering why?

I completely understand why it's beneficial for some maybe even the majority of kids to take calculus in their senior year.  But how many kids are really going to benefit from taking 2 years of calculus?

So I guess my question is what's the point?   Aside for taking an extra year of college math in high school, why do it?

So far I come up with it. Might look better on college applications, make college classes either easier or something you can get credit for while in HS.

I have this underlying fear that they are going to push anyone who scores well into algebra 1, so there are less kids in 7th grade honors. That allows for smaller classes and helps with the goal of Algebra for all by grade 8[/quote]Yes, it’s the race to no where.  Many students take Calculus 1 at universities—it’s still taught there.  [/quote]

IMO, anything beyond 1 year of acceleration (AKA algebra in 8th) should have a high bar of entry. 
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It did. You used to ahve to pass the SOL advanced and be in the 91st percentile on the IAAT to be considered for Algebra in 7th grade. This year they lowered the bar to passing advanced on the SOL only. That said, that still leaves a little more than 2,100 students eligible for Algebra in 7th grade, based on the last three school years SOL results. That is under half of the kids taking Advanced Math or in AAP. So about 10% of the 7th grade class is eligible to take Algebra. Given that the kids who do take Algebra in 7th grade all pass the SOL with a high percentage passing advanced, I would say that they have found a reasonable bar for entry.

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Still way too many kids. It should be extremely rare. Or not offered at all. 
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Why?  7th graders who take Honors Algebra I perform better than 8th/9th graders who take the same class.  I don’t think the new policy of not requiring a 91st percentile for Honors Algebra I in 7th will yield quite the same results.  The school board changed this policy because not enough URMs qualified for Algebra in 7th grade.

Info from AI (created by people who were advanced in math);

Accelerated math programs benefit brain development by providing a stimulating environment for learning, encouraging higher-order thinking, and enhancing cognitive function. These programs can also lead to increased neural connections and brain plasticity, ultimately boosting overall brain health and cognitive abilities. 
Here's a more detailed look at the benefits:
Stimulating the Brain:
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Accelerated math pushes students to engage with more complex concepts, which in turn challenges their cognitive abilities and stimulates neural pathways. This mental exercise can enhance memory, attention span, and overall cognitive function. 
Enhancing Cognitive Function:
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Accelerating learning math can lead to improvements in cognitive skills like memory, attention, and executive function. MIND Education suggests that accelerated learning can allow students to apply mathematical concepts to real-world challenges. 
Increased Neural Connections and Brain Plasticity:
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Math engages the brain in a way that promotes neural connections and brain plasticity, the brain's ability to adapt and change. This can lead to a more efficient and adaptable brain, better equipped to handle various cognitive tasks. 
Higher-Order Thinking:
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Accelerated math programs often involve more abstract problem-solving and critical thinking, encouraging students to analyze, evaluate, and make connections. These skills are essential for both mathematical understanding and overall cognitive development. 
Improved Problem-Solving:
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Math, especially when approached with accelerated learning, fosters strong problem-solving skills. Students learn to approach problems logically, identify patterns, and develop strategies for finding solutions. 
Enhanced Creativity:
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While often perceived as a logical subject, math can also foster creativity. Students learn to think outside the box, develop innovative solutions, and explore different approaches to problems. 
Increased STEM Access:
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Accelerated math can open doors to more advanced STEM fields. By mastering math concepts at an earlier stage, students can build a stronger foundation for future studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. 
Increased Confidence and Self-Efficacy:
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Success in accelerated math programs can boost student confidence and self-efficacy, leading to a stronger belief in their ability to learn and succeed in other academic areas. [/quote]

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