Reply to VA math changes - ways to speak out

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I got a response from Tina about the specific pathway to calculus. 
One of the many options that is being proposed is that a student could take grade 6 and 7 mathematics; essential concepts courses in grades 8, 9, and 10; pre-calculus in grade 11; and calculus in grade 12.  Many other options and pathways will also be available.

Sincerely,
Tina

[/quote]

The problem with this response is if your middle schooler is in a single heterogeneous classroom with insufficient differentiation from 6th-10th grade, it is [b]highly unlikely she will be ready for higher level math. [/b]The issue is less about calculus in 12th than it is the removal of differentiated math options in earlier grades. [/quote]

Advanced kids can only learn in advanced classrooms?  :roll: 
[/quote]

Of course not, but in a truly heterogenous classroom the abilities/knowledge could be spread across 3 or more grade levels.  Trust me, the teacher will not be focused on the 3 or 4 kids working one or two grade levels ahead.  Differentiation meaning "here's some extra word problems while I work with the kids who are struggling" is not teaching.  I'm not bashing teachers, asking them to differentiate Grade 7 math to kids at a 5th grade level and an 8th or 9th grade level is unfair to them and to the kids whose needs aren't met.[/quote]

So then how will learners not “be ready for higher level math”?  :roll: 
[/quote]
The syllabus is watered down, while including other topics like data analysis, math modeling, and probability.  They are focusing more on applied math, and this is taking items away from the traditional subjects.
One example they gave was intersecting chords in a circle, the lengths have the same product on each line segment.  This is not something you need to know in daily life so they will drop it.  It is a good example of using similar triangles and angles on the boundary of a circle.  Losing things like this will make it harder in higher level math.
On top of that, just one semester of pre-calculus, combined with stuffing pre-algebra. algebra, geometry, and maybe algebra 2 into grades 7-10 is supposed to be enough to take AP calculus, all while the classes are heterogeneous, including kids who would not have qualified to take pre-calculus in 7th grade.[/quote]

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