Reply to algebra 1 - which year?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]i[quote=Anonymous]Even if a 5th grader can handle Algebra I, as sixth graders they will struggle with Geometry (proofs, less so the math), and it gets progressively harder from there. On that track, all the 10th graders will be taking AP Calc BC, Multivariable in 11th, and then what?

I doubt there is a school system on earth where it is common for kids to take calculus in 10th grade, and higher level math thereafter. [/quote]

AP Stat would be one class that would be of value for research projects in college.   Other options would be differential equations or linear Algebra.  [b]Would probably need to be taught DE at local college[/b]. [/quote]

DP.  You're not making the case that any student needs to take algebra earlier 7th or 8th on an accelerated track, fyi.  [/quote]

Yes, I am aware starting Algebra 1 in 8th grade will allow a student to take Calculus as a Senior.

My point is that there should not be a cap, they should be allowed to get to Calculus and beyond, and starting Algebra 1 in 7th gives you one addition course such as statistics.

The US needs to do a better job of integrating Algebraic and other concepts from day one.   You can solve for X in preschool using marbles.  Will every kid get the concept at 4 the first time the teacher does it, no.   Does it start to introduce concepts of Algebra, yes.  Will they get it eventually, yes.

No different that exposing them to a second language at this age.  The earlier they start the better.

Again the accelerated track is not for everyone, and there are off-ramps that can be taken at any time.  But why artificially stop the progress at Calculus or Calculus + 1.   Why place a ceiling on math or any subject.  It makes no sense. [/quote]

They don’t. There is a small percentage of kids that go well beyond Calc or Calc +1. My daughter knows a kid who did AP Calc BC as a 9th grader. IIRC, one of the Regeneron kids from a couple of years ago did it in 8th grade. Your average HS math teacher is not equipped to handle these kids, so they have to seek other paths to continue their math journey, usually involving DE/college.

This in no way means that [b]most kids should be taking Algebra I in 5th grade. [/b]
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The US does pre-algebra integrated with other math early on.  It just starts separating out math once it hits Algebra1.  Many other countries integrate math more throughout all the years.  So the idea of "taking Algebra 1" doesn't match up.[/quote]

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