Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yep. My kid is in APS. Did Intensified Algebra 1 in 7th, Intensified Geometry in 8th, Intensified Algebra II/Trig in 9th, and then we demoted her to regular Pre-calc in 10th (rather than Intensified Pre-calc) and Calc AB in 11th. She's taking AP Stats now -- many of the kids she was on the same track with are now taking Multivariable Calc (and took Calc BC in 11th instead of AB). She was pulled into the higher math classes in 6th grade because of a perfect SOL score, and I wholly regret that decision. It's been many years of stress for all of us and she now thinks she "isn't good at math" because she couldn't pull As in the advanced classes.

Why are you assuming that she wouldn't have struggled just as much with the higher math if she took it a year later? Also, why are you assuming that she would think she is "good at math" if she can see that a lot of other kids are on a higher math track?

Some kids are the types who didn't really understand pre-algebra and needed more foundational math. But others understood things perfectly, and then struggled with greater abstractions and higher level thinking when reaching algebra II. Waiting a year isn't a guarantee that your kid will sail through higher math classes with no struggles.

Likewise, some kids are the types who feel like they're not good at math if they struggle on the highest track. But other kids feel like they aren't good at math even if they're getting As, simply because they know they aren't on the highest track.

There is no easy answer.

I personally experienced this and saw it even moreso with others on the Algebra II by 9th grade track.

And then I knew kids who were bored in the Pre-Calculus by 9th grade track.

Not sure what would have easily distinguished all of us in 6th grade or earlier.

Anonymous wrote:Yep. My kid is in APS. Did Intensified Algebra 1 in 7th, Intensified Geometry in 8th, Intensified Algebra II/Trig in 9th, and then we demoted her to regular Pre-calc in 10th (rather than Intensified Pre-calc) and Calc AB in 11th. She's taking AP Stats now -- many of the kids she was on the same track with are now taking Multivariable Calc (and took Calc BC in 11th instead of AB). She was pulled into the higher math classes in 6th grade because of a perfect SOL score, and I wholly regret that decision. It's been many years of stress for all of us and she now thinks she "isn't good at math" because she couldn't pull As in the advanced classes.

Why are you assuming that she wouldn't have struggled just as much with the higher math if she took it a year later? Also, why are you assuming that she would think she is "good at math" if she can see that a lot of other kids are on a higher math track?

Some kids are the types who didn't really understand pre-algebra and needed more foundational math. But others understood things perfectly, and then struggled with greater abstractions and higher level thinking when reaching algebra II. Waiting a year isn't a guarantee that your kid will sail through higher math classes with no struggles.

Likewise, some kids are the types who feel like they're not good at math if they struggle on the highest track. But other kids feel like they aren't good at math even if they're getting As, simply because they know they aren't on the highest track.

There is no easy answer.

Yep. My kid is in APS. Did Intensified Algebra 1 in 7th, Intensified Geometry in 8th, Intensified Algebra II/Trig in 9th, and then we demoted her to regular Pre-calc in 10th (rather than Intensified Pre-calc) and Calc AB in 11th. She's taking AP Stats now -- many of the kids she was on the same track with are now taking Multivariable Calc (and took Calc BC in 11th instead of AB). She was pulled into the higher math classes in 6th grade because of a perfect SOL score, and I wholly regret that decision. It's been many years of stress for all of us and she now thinks she "isn't good at math" because she couldn't pull As in the advanced classes.

My kid started algebra in6th. No regrets.

What are advanced kids taking senior year?

Anonymous wrote:No, my son is in precalc in 9th and gets As with very little effort. But math is his thing - he reads math books in his spare time at night, does math camps etc.

I think this question is more for seniors. You don’t really know in 9th.

Anonymous wrote:Realizing that taking Geometry in MS puts them on a faster math track and 12th grade math may be more than calculus. Looking back, do you wish they had slowed down/less stress?

I regret not pushing harder for acceleration, which our school doesn't offer. The kid had to sit through 2 years of math which was trivial for them.

Anonymous wrote:If have to struggle hard to meet the requirements for 7th grade Algebra, it’s more likely they are going to regret accelerating. You want a kid who is very self motivated and reeeeeeally has that foundation rock solid. If that’s not your kid right now, consider holding off.

—Middle School Math Teacher

This makes sense to me. Some kids are really into math and are bona fide math prodigies. No need to hold them back.

But a typical bright kid will not benefit from being pushed way beyond his/her comfort level. It could undermine confidence in math and other areas, especially if the parent isn't able to keep providing one-on-one support, either personally or via a tutor.

If have to struggle hard to meet the requirements for 7th grade Algebra, it’s more likely they are going to regret accelerating. You want a kid who is very self motivated and reeeeeeally has that foundation rock solid. If that’s not your kid right now, consider holding off.

—Middle School Math Teacher

No, my son is in precalc in 9th and gets As with very little effort. But math is his thing - he reads math books in his spare time at night, does math camps etc.

Nope. None of my kids have struggled at all in math. They would have been bored and a bit resentful if I had prevented them from accelerating.

No, and it was 4 years ahead in math.

Yes, they struggle unnecessarily

I recommend not taking algebra in 7th for most kids.

Realizing that taking Geometry in MS puts them on a faster math track and 12th grade math may be more than calculus. Looking back, do you wish they had slowed down/less stress?