Reply to Algebra appeal after SOL results for Grade 6 ?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Has the kid totally learned in his own? A self starter with zero supplementing from you, a tutor, or any Kumon/RSM/Mathnasium/etc. vendor?  Then… I might consider them an independent learner and ready.  [/quote]

We are in Fairfax County. Any kid I know in my child’s AAP class is in at least one of these programs or has a private tutor. Some of my child’s kids have said they prefer school to summer because they do more work in summer!!!! [b]So very doubtful in the richer areas of Fairfax kids aren’t doing this[/b]. [/quote]

We’re in one of the “richer” areas and my kid is heading into algebra I in 7th at Longfellow with absolutely no enrichment, tutoring or prepping. These kids do exist. 
[/quote]We know of families sending their kids to Kumon while in Pre-K and throughout elementary school. I’m surprised that after 8-9 years of that, why aren’t they even further along in math with all the extra classes?  There are so many kids in our AAP taking these Mathnasium and RSM classes!  Either the teaching is poor or the kids just aren’t getting it.  But, most are not just leaping 2 school years ahead for all the countless work sheets and classes. [/quote]

My kid is headed to Carson and he only knows of 2 of the 31 kids who were in Advanced Math in 6th grade that went to RSM. A decent percentage of the kids tested into Algebra H in 7th grade, I don't know the exact number but I know all the kids' in his friend group did, without any outside prep. The Prep and acceleration crowd here is a small subset of the FCPS population. Most schools do a good job preparing kids in math. It is ok to take Algebra in 8th grade. I know that is not the belief on this sub forum but it really is the case.

Mathnasium/Kumon strike me as programs used to keep kids on grade level and get extra practice and reinforcement. It helps solidify skills but neither program strike me as where people who have kids good at math who want to be challenged attend or places where parents insistent on accelerating math send their kids.

RMS will depend on what level the child is in. Honors is meant to be the most challenging but for a kid strong n math, Honors can move slowly. DS was moved up grade levels several times and dropped grade level this year because last year moved way to slowly and the school we were at would not move him into the Algebra group. He does the math competition which is probably closer to how AoPS teaches its classes and loves those classes.

AoPS, Curie, RSM Honors/Competition classes are where the kids who are strong at math and want more or who have parents who think that you have to be 2-3 years accelerated in math go.[/quote]

Do you think everyone talks about the enrichment their kids attend?? Do you think the kids talk about it? I’m not saying everyone is in something… but from what I’ve seen in my child’s friend everyone is doing something. There is no one that I know of who is simply attending sports camps or fun camps all summer. They are attending academic camps,  tutoring etc (and also some fun stuff.) It’s also not a bad thing. To each their own on what they need. No one’s kid is “better or smarter” because they got in without attending these things. If kids are working hard and trying in whatever they are doing, more power to them! Important thing is for kids to learn how to work hard and improve where they can. [/quote]

I am reasonably comfortable saying that the vast majority of the kids in my kids class who passed the SOL Advanced and the IAAT did not prep. A good number who qualified for Algebra 1 will take Math 7th Honors because their parents see no reason for them to be taking Algebra 1 early. The kids I know taking Algebra 1 H did not participate in any enrichment or tutoring, the kids think my son is crazy for doing extra math. People at our school get tutors for kids who are struggling with math or reading, they post on the neighborhood FB page asking for recommendations. We have had people ask us about RSM because they know our son attends.

We have a good idea about what our kid's friends are doing because they do discuss it and most are not doing enrichment. DS can tell us who in his grade is playing a travel sport or taking music lessons or participating in STEM activities or is in Scouts, both Girl and BSA. The kids discuss camps that they are going to and what is happening in the summer. His friends will go to Scout camp with him or an outdoor camp with lots of water based activities but they don't go to STEM camps with him. He has friends who send the summer at the pool and hanging out with friends with no camps at all. There are STEM and Math clubs at his school with very few kids in them but the sports and dance clubs fill up in a matter of minutes.

While there are schools and communities that are very focused on enrichment, most are not. There would be a lot more kids in Algebra 1 H in 7th grade if this was something that was of concern to most of the county. The bar is not that high to get into the program. Kids can get into the program with what is offered at the school. Outside enrichment isn't required. Kids who are attending enrichment, and not tutoring or foundational support, should have little trouble getting into the program.

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