Reply to TJ admissions decision - repercussions for Class of 2026

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Counts of Grade 9 students taking a Geometry class at TJ for the past 5 years.

2017-18:              10

2018-19:              20

2019-20:              15

2020-21:              11

2021-22:              136[/quote]

The solution is to require geometry as a prerequisite to apply. The problem with that is that anyone is supposed to be able to apply, but Algebra in 7th is limited to kids who were in advanced math in 6th and did well enough on the SOL/IAAT. Personally I would require geometry to apply and allow anyone to register for Algebra in 7th with the clear understanding that the course would pace the same way it always had and that teachers would be free to fail kids who can't keep up and refuse to transfer out. [/quote]

This sounds like a good idea.  FCPS can't simultaneously require Geometry and gatekeep Algebra I.  So, the solution is to use IAAT/SOL to advise kids on which math track seems the most appropriate, but then let the kids sink or swim if they opt to take Algebra I.  It would also ensure that TJ admissions would at least have 1.5 years of real math grades to use in evaluations and not inflated M7H grades + only the first half of Algebra I.  To make this track feasible and not set kids up for failure, FCPS should offer an Algebra I prep summer class for the kids who technically wouldn't have qualified for Algebra I.

If a kid can't handle Algebra I in 7th, there's no way that the kid will be able to handle compressing Algebra II into one semester or any of the rigor of the TJ math classes.

For the PPs insisting that 15 years ago, many more kids took Algebra I in 8th.  So?  That was back when it was much harder to take Algebra in 7th.  Nowadays, the smart kids take it in 7th, and only the kids who aren't very good at math are taking it in 8th.  With the expansion of LLIV and the increase in URM kids in AAP, quite a lot of kids will be in the advanced math track and will have full opportunities to be ready for Algebra in 7th.  The only thing holding anyone back from this track would be their individual lack of mathematical talent.  [/quote]

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