Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I truly wish MCPS had better math options or at least made them only go until Algrebra 2 and then they can take other classes.

This is not a MCPS alone requirement. The start of Maryland requires four years of HS mathematics which must include Alg1 and Geometry. To be accepted to a UMD college a student must have taken through Alg 2. Students are not required to take Pre-Cal or Cal(though recommended for college admission) and some of the math requirement can be fulfilled by specific CTE or Comp Sci classes.

Okay but forcing advanced kids not going into stem to keep taking advanced math classes instead of other courses related to what they like is dumb. And like I said, it should be 4 years OR completion of Algebra 2.

UMD requires one more semester of math after Algebra 2 (but "College Algebra" is in truth mostly a do-over of Algebra 2).
Algebra 2 and Statistics are not advanced classes, they are core high school curriculum. Algebra 2 is arguably arcane in parts, much like World History and 4th year of English Literature.

For better or for worse, the USA school systems and most of the world require an attempt (not mastery, just C grades in generous grading systems) at a liberal arts education as a foundation for college and life. Students who are unable or uninterested to complete this may thrive better outside of a school environment.

Montgomery College (2-year degrees) requires a similar course https://catalog.montgomerycollege.edu/preview_course_nopop.php?catoid=9&coid=14612

Foundational high school mathematics is important for an educated citizenry to understand the world around them, government policy, etc.

I’m in the same boat OP. My son is a freshman and struggling in geometry. He will take regular algebra 2 as a sophomore. I can’t imagine the stress of him taking pre-calc but I don’t know of anybody who didn’t. He has zero interest in math/science fields. I have 2 in college so I’m realistic that this will take competitive schools out of the running. However, I don’t believe this will prevent him from attending college.

OP here, should my DC try to take PreCalc in HS? DC is not planning to apply to a competitive college. Thanks.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I truly wish MCPS had better math options or at least made them only go until Algrebra 2 and then they can take other classes.

This is not a MCPS alone requirement. The start of Maryland requires four years of HS mathematics which must include Alg1 and Geometry. To be accepted to a UMD college a student must have taken through Alg 2. Students are not required to take Pre-Cal or Cal(though recommended for college admission) and some of the math requirement can be fulfilled by specific CTE or Comp Sci classes.

Okay but forcing advanced kids not going into stem to keep taking advanced math classes instead of other courses related to what they like is dumb. And like I said, it should be 4 years OR completion of Algebra 2.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DC is in 10th grade and struggling in Algebra 2. What are some options for 11 and 12th grade? DC is not a STEM student and is signed up for Pre-Calc. Thanks.

Check if DC can drop down to 2 year algebra 2. If it is not too late for that, DC will need only one more year (grade 12) of math, and will be able to satisfy that requirement by taking quantitative literacy or intro to statistics. Or, if they feel comfortable by then, can take precalc.

Great idea, thanks. OP here

Anonymous wrote:I truly wish MCPS had better math options or at least made them only go until Algrebra 2 and then they can take other classes.

This is not a MCPS alone requirement. The start of Maryland requires four years of HS mathematics which must include Alg1 and Geometry. To be accepted to a UMD college a student must have taken through Alg 2. Students are not required to take Pre-Cal or Cal(though recommended for college admission) and some of the math requirement can be fulfilled by specific CTE or Comp Sci classes.

Anonymous wrote:DC is in 10th grade and struggling in Algebra 2. What are some options for 11 and 12th grade? DC is not a STEM student and is signed up for Pre-Calc. Thanks.

Check if DC can drop down to 2 year algebra 2. If it is not too late for that, DC will need only one more year (grade 12) of math, and will be able to satisfy that requirement by taking quantitative literacy or intro to statistics. Or, if they feel comfortable by then, can take precalc.

I truly wish MCPS had better math options or at least made them only go until Algrebra 2 and then they can take other classes.

Statistics
Quantitative Literacy

DC is in 10th grade and struggling in Algebra 2. What are some options for 11 and 12th grade? DC is not a STEM student and is signed up for Pre-Calc. Thanks.