Anonymous
Post 01/22/2026 11:28     Subject: Re:Is 8th grade pre-algebra or algebra?
So, I see there's a lot of question marks surrounding WHY the county is accelerating everyone into Algebra in 8th. I'll enlighten you.

It's because there was allegedly some study done somewhere that said that kids who take Algebra in 8th are more likely to go to college. That's it. That's the reason. I've asked for a link to the particular study they are referencing but have not been given the information. I asked if it controlled for environmental factors like...I don't know...maybe the fact that parents who value education and help their students be successful are more like to have a kid PREPARED for Algebra in 8th which then also naturally leads to an increased likelihood of college attendance but no one could tell me that answer either.

So, there you go.

Mind you, other states and counties have tried this (moving Algebra to 6th, pushing for it for all for 8th) and failed. So I don't know why we think we're different or better here in FCPS....
Anonymous
Post 01/22/2026 07:44     Subject: Is 8th grade pre-algebra or algebra?
Anonymous wrote:We attended a curriculum night this week where they announced the default for 8th graders is going to be Algebra as long as they met one of the following criteria:
1. Earn a C- or better in Math 7
Or
2. Pass the Math 7 SOL
Or
3. Score above 60% percentile on the MAP


If my kid had a C- (what is that, like a 70!?) in math 7 and barely pass the SOL, I would be investing in some quality math tutoring, not trying to accelerate them, that seems like that would compound their mediocrity and cause certain failure in a high school level class. Maybe they should focus more on giving most kids access to advanced math in the elementary years instead of making it so difficult or simplify not offering it to gen ed. That is the best place to start IMO.
Anonymous
Post 01/21/2026 21:36     Subject: Is 8th grade pre-algebra or algebra?
Anonymous wrote:We attended a curriculum night this week where they announced the default for 8th graders is going to be Algebra as long as they met one of the following criteria:
1. Earn a C- or better in Math 7
Or
2. Pass the Math 7 SOL
Or
3. Score above 60% percentile on the MAP


Fail to pass the SOL, fail to score well, barely hanging on, in these days of grade inflation, to a C-. Why yes, of course you should take algebra in 8th! Equity demands you don't get a chance to build up your foundational skills, 'cause learning is for losers, and all that matters is the words on your transcript.
Anonymous
Post 01/21/2026 21:29     Subject: Is 8th grade pre-algebra or algebra?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:What if a kid has like an 80 in math 7? Will they be told to take algebra next year?


As a family, you have a right to have your child take take Algebra 1 upon successful completion of Math 7 (not failing), regardless of what the school says. Your child’s school only makes recommendations. You are the ultimate decision maker.


There are some families that don’t want Algebra in 8th. Why is this being pushed??


Then don’t have your child take it in 8th grade then. You have a choice in all of this. Nobody forces you to do so.


Some schools are no longer offering math 7/math 8 (prealgebra) except to special education students or unique cases. It’s wild. Central office (jk it’s Reid, only Reid) are pushing principals hard to have everyone in algebra in 8th. If your middle schools are still offering prealgebra to all, thank your principal for standing up to it.


This. Carson is no longer offering math 8 for next year. This is horribly unfair to kids currently in math 7 who will be unprepared for Algebra.


I just came here to post this - my child is at Carson and there is not an option for Math 8 on the selection sheet. All kids are being pushed to Algebra.


Is there a selection for pre-algebra and pre-algebra honors?


Are you asking about math 8h?
Anonymous
Post 01/21/2026 18:23     Subject: Is 8th grade pre-algebra or algebra?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:What if a kid has like an 80 in math 7? Will they be told to take algebra next year?


As a family, you have a right to have your child take take Algebra 1 upon successful completion of Math 7 (not failing), regardless of what the school says. Your child’s school only makes recommendations. You are the ultimate decision maker.


There are some families that don’t want Algebra in 8th. Why is this being pushed??


Then don’t have your child take it in 8th grade then. You have a choice in all of this. Nobody forces you to do so.


Some schools are no longer offering math 7/math 8 (prealgebra) except to special education students or unique cases. It’s wild. Central office (jk it’s Reid, only Reid) are pushing principals hard to have everyone in algebra in 8th. If your middle schools are still offering prealgebra to all, thank your principal for standing up to it.


This. Carson is no longer offering math 8 for next year. This is horribly unfair to kids currently in math 7 who will be unprepared for Algebra.


I just came here to post this - my child is at Carson and there is not an option for Math 8 on the selection sheet. All kids are being pushed to Algebra.


Is there a selection for pre-algebra and pre-algebra honors?
Anonymous
Post 01/21/2026 16:38     Subject: Re:Is 8th grade pre-algebra or algebra?
Anonymous wrote:I would push back on the no 8th grade math hard. I would email the Counselor and the Principal and say that your child is not ready for Algebra, you want him to take M8 next year and not Algebra and ask what they are going to do for him. I fully expect that there will be a M8 at Carson next yer, they don’t want to advertise it because of Reid’s insane “Everyone needs Algebra by 8th grade” thing.


Agreed!!! The school has to plan for incoming students next year (non-FCPS and outside the DMV) who move mid-year and their previous school system had these students in a non- Algebra math course as an 8th grader.
Anonymous
Post 01/21/2026 15:18     Subject: Is 8th grade pre-algebra or algebra?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:What if a kid has like an 80 in math 7? Will they be told to take algebra next year?


As a family, you have a right to have your child take take Algebra 1 upon successful completion of Math 7 (not failing), regardless of what the school says. Your child’s school only makes recommendations. You are the ultimate decision maker.


There are some families that don’t want Algebra in 8th. Why is this being pushed??


Probably has something to do with the algebra push in 6th.


I don’t have an issue with a county wide approach to Algebra in 6th grade, there are kids ready for it. DS would have been happy with Algebra in 6th grade but he is a kid who loves math and has been participating in competitions since 4th grade.The County allowed individual schools to decide if they would offer Algebra as an option to 6th graders, which meant that there were about 20 schools that worked with parents to help kids take the class while the other schools refused to do so.

I think the current pilot is ridiculous. Algebra should only be offered at Center schools where kids can attend the class in person. There should not be 6th graders in virtual Algebra classes or with teachers not certified to teach algebra. There is no way that there are 15 kids at most of the ES ready for Algebra in 6th grade, I can think of a few exceptions but those are the schools were a lot of parents enrich and that is a different discussion, but I can see 15 kids being ready for Algebra at a Center school.

I have 0 understanding how Algebra in 6th ties to Algebra for all in 8th. We need to let kids place into math classes that make sense for their skills and ability level. If anything, I think there are too many kids taking Algebra in 8th grade. The SOL scores, and this goes back to before COVID, for 8th grade are not stellar. People are worried about their 8th graders getting poor grades in Algebra or Algebra Honors and the schools make it hard for them to change classes. I get that reworking schedules suck but maybe you can avid that by placing kids properly. Some of that is on parents pushing their kid into Algebra to soon but a lot of it is the school making poor suggestions.


Sure it does, more kids will be entering middle school either retaking algebra or taking geometry. They only have so many teachers. They also got rid of the iowa which was what held back a lot of kids from taking algebra in 7th. Our elementary had 2 kids taking algebra in 6th last year and this year i heard it is 50? That is a 2400% increase. I am sure most do ok because the parents are sending them outside math or hiring tutors, but there is only so much time in the day so by doing that they miss out on other activities they could be doing.


All (99.9999%) of the kids currently taking algebra 1 in 6th would have taken it in 7th. Schools aren't getting more students. Some algebra 1 sections are converting to geometry and some geometry sections are converting to algebra 2 sections, yes, but if a school has 900 non special education students (because special education has different ratios), there were always going to be 900/30 sections of math offered. Any middle school that currently has geometry sections has teachers certified to teach algebra 2, because there is no "geometry" endorsement, it's just a secondary math endorsement.

Math 8 disappearing has absolutely nothing to do with algebra 1 in 6th. At least algebra 1 in 6th is currently OPTIONAL acceleration for a child's current path. The removal of math 8/prealgebra is creating FORCED acceleration for students.

--math teacher
Anonymous
Post 01/21/2026 13:46     Subject: Is 8th grade pre-algebra or algebra?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:What if a kid has like an 80 in math 7? Will they be told to take algebra next year?


As a family, you have a right to have your child take take Algebra 1 upon successful completion of Math 7 (not failing), regardless of what the school says. Your child’s school only makes recommendations. You are the ultimate decision maker.


There are some families that don’t want Algebra in 8th. Why is this being pushed??


Probably has something to do with the algebra push in 6th.


I don’t have an issue with a county wide approach to Algebra in 6th grade, there are kids ready for it. DS would have been happy with Algebra in 6th grade but he is a kid who loves math and has been participating in competitions since 4th grade.The County allowed individual schools to decide if they would offer Algebra as an option to 6th graders, which meant that there were about 20 schools that worked with parents to help kids take the class while the other schools refused to do so.

I think the current pilot is ridiculous. Algebra should only be offered at Center schools where kids can attend the class in person. There should not be 6th graders in virtual Algebra classes or with teachers not certified to teach algebra. There is no way that there are 15 kids at most of the ES ready for Algebra in 6th grade, I can think of a few exceptions but those are the schools were a lot of parents enrich and that is a different discussion, but I can see 15 kids being ready for Algebra at a Center school.

I have 0 understanding how Algebra in 6th ties to Algebra for all in 8th. We need to let kids place into math classes that make sense for their skills and ability level. If anything, I think there are too many kids taking Algebra in 8th grade. The SOL scores, and this goes back to before COVID, for 8th grade are not stellar. People are worried about their 8th graders getting poor grades in Algebra or Algebra Honors and the schools make it hard for them to change classes. I get that reworking schedules suck but maybe you can avid that by placing kids properly. Some of that is on parents pushing their kid into Algebra to soon but a lot of it is the school making poor suggestions.


I strongly suspect my child is going to be asked to take Algebra in 6th grade and if that is the case, we will say no. An 11 year old's brain is not ready for Algebra. I don't know why this is being pushed, the vast majority of kids (including the vast majority of AAP kids) are not going to go into STEM fields and don't need accelerated math.


I like that the option is there and that parents have the choice. The kids who are ready benefit from it but I think that they are placing too many kids into the class and I don't think that it is a great fit for most kids. I do think that kids should be required to move to a Center school to take the class if they chose to take it. I think that the kids of interested parents should have to take the IAAT and pass at the old 91st percentile as well as pass advanced on the SOL.



+1
Anonymous
Post 01/21/2026 12:47     Subject: Is 8th grade pre-algebra or algebra?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:What if a kid has like an 80 in math 7? Will they be told to take algebra next year?


As a family, you have a right to have your child take take Algebra 1 upon successful completion of Math 7 (not failing), regardless of what the school says. Your child’s school only makes recommendations. You are the ultimate decision maker.


There are some families that don’t want Algebra in 8th. Why is this being pushed??


Probably has something to do with the algebra push in 6th.


I don’t have an issue with a county wide approach to Algebra in 6th grade, there are kids ready for it. DS would have been happy with Algebra in 6th grade but he is a kid who loves math and has been participating in competitions since 4th grade.The County allowed individual schools to decide if they would offer Algebra as an option to 6th graders, which meant that there were about 20 schools that worked with parents to help kids take the class while the other schools refused to do so.

I think the current pilot is ridiculous. Algebra should only be offered at Center schools where kids can attend the class in person. There should not be 6th graders in virtual Algebra classes or with teachers not certified to teach algebra. There is no way that there are 15 kids at most of the ES ready for Algebra in 6th grade, I can think of a few exceptions but those are the schools were a lot of parents enrich and that is a different discussion, but I can see 15 kids being ready for Algebra at a Center school.

I have 0 understanding how Algebra in 6th ties to Algebra for all in 8th. We need to let kids place into math classes that make sense for their skills and ability level. If anything, I think there are too many kids taking Algebra in 8th grade. The SOL scores, and this goes back to before COVID, for 8th grade are not stellar. People are worried about their 8th graders getting poor grades in Algebra or Algebra Honors and the schools make it hard for them to change classes. I get that reworking schedules suck but maybe you can avid that by placing kids properly. Some of that is on parents pushing their kid into Algebra to soon but a lot of it is the school making poor suggestions.


I strongly suspect my child is going to be asked to take Algebra in 6th grade and if that is the case, we will say no. An 11 year old's brain is not ready for Algebra. I don't know why this is being pushed, the vast majority of kids (including the vast majority of AAP kids) are not going to go into STEM fields and don't need accelerated math.


I like that the option is there and that parents have the choice. The kids who are ready benefit from it but I think that they are placing too many kids into the class and I don't think that it is a great fit for most kids. I do think that kids should be required to move to a Center school to take the class if they chose to take it. I think that the kids of interested parents should have to take the IAAT and pass at the old 91st percentile as well as pass advanced on the SOL.

Anonymous
Post 01/21/2026 12:31     Subject: Is 8th grade pre-algebra or algebra?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:What if a kid has like an 80 in math 7? Will they be told to take algebra next year?


As a family, you have a right to have your child take take Algebra 1 upon successful completion of Math 7 (not failing), regardless of what the school says. Your child’s school only makes recommendations. You are the ultimate decision maker.


There are some families that don’t want Algebra in 8th. Why is this being pushed??


Probably has something to do with the algebra push in 6th.


I don’t have an issue with a county wide approach to Algebra in 6th grade, there are kids ready for it. DS would have been happy with Algebra in 6th grade but he is a kid who loves math and has been participating in competitions since 4th grade.The County allowed individual schools to decide if they would offer Algebra as an option to 6th graders, which meant that there were about 20 schools that worked with parents to help kids take the class while the other schools refused to do so.

I think the current pilot is ridiculous. Algebra should only be offered at Center schools where kids can attend the class in person. There should not be 6th graders in virtual Algebra classes or with teachers not certified to teach algebra. There is no way that there are 15 kids at most of the ES ready for Algebra in 6th grade, I can think of a few exceptions but those are the schools were a lot of parents enrich and that is a different discussion, but I can see 15 kids being ready for Algebra at a Center school.

I have 0 understanding how Algebra in 6th ties to Algebra for all in 8th. We need to let kids place into math classes that make sense for their skills and ability level. If anything, I think there are too many kids taking Algebra in 8th grade. The SOL scores, and this goes back to before COVID, for 8th grade are not stellar. People are worried about their 8th graders getting poor grades in Algebra or Algebra Honors and the schools make it hard for them to change classes. I get that reworking schedules suck but maybe you can avid that by placing kids properly. Some of that is on parents pushing their kid into Algebra to soon but a lot of it is the school making poor suggestions.


I strongly suspect my child is going to be asked to take Algebra in 6th grade and if that is the case, we will say no. An 11 year old's brain is not ready for Algebra. I don't know why this is being pushed, the vast majority of kids (including the vast majority of AAP kids) are not going to go into STEM fields and don't need accelerated math.
Anonymous
Post 01/21/2026 12:28     Subject: Is 8th grade pre-algebra or algebra?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:What if a kid has like an 80 in math 7? Will they be told to take algebra next year?


As a family, you have a right to have your child take take Algebra 1 upon successful completion of Math 7 (not failing), regardless of what the school says. Your child’s school only makes recommendations. You are the ultimate decision maker.


There are some families that don’t want Algebra in 8th. Why is this being pushed??


Then don’t have your child take it in 8th grade then. You have a choice in all of this. Nobody forces you to do so.


Some schools are no longer offering math 7/math 8 (prealgebra) except to special education students or unique cases. It’s wild. Central office (jk it’s Reid, only Reid) are pushing principals hard to have everyone in algebra in 8th. If your middle schools are still offering prealgebra to all, thank your principal for standing up to it.


This. Carson is no longer offering math 8 for next year. This is horribly unfair to kids currently in math 7 who will be unprepared for Algebra.


I just came here to post this - my child is at Carson and there is not an option for Math 8 on the selection sheet. All kids are being pushed to Algebra.
Anonymous
Post 01/21/2026 11:27     Subject: Is 8th grade pre-algebra or algebra?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:What if a kid has like an 80 in math 7? Will they be told to take algebra next year?


As a family, you have a right to have your child take take Algebra 1 upon successful completion of Math 7 (not failing), regardless of what the school says. Your child’s school only makes recommendations. You are the ultimate decision maker.


There are some families that don’t want Algebra in 8th. Why is this being pushed??


Probably has something to do with the algebra push in 6th.


I don’t have an issue with a county wide approach to Algebra in 6th grade, there are kids ready for it. DS would have been happy with Algebra in 6th grade but he is a kid who loves math and has been participating in competitions since 4th grade.The County allowed individual schools to decide if they would offer Algebra as an option to 6th graders, which meant that there were about 20 schools that worked with parents to help kids take the class while the other schools refused to do so.

I think the current pilot is ridiculous. Algebra should only be offered at Center schools where kids can attend the class in person. There should not be 6th graders in virtual Algebra classes or with teachers not certified to teach algebra. There is no way that there are 15 kids at most of the ES ready for Algebra in 6th grade, I can think of a few exceptions but those are the schools were a lot of parents enrich and that is a different discussion, but I can see 15 kids being ready for Algebra at a Center school.

I have 0 understanding how Algebra in 6th ties to Algebra for all in 8th. We need to let kids place into math classes that make sense for their skills and ability level. If anything, I think there are too many kids taking Algebra in 8th grade. The SOL scores, and this goes back to before COVID, for 8th grade are not stellar. People are worried about their 8th graders getting poor grades in Algebra or Algebra Honors and the schools make it hard for them to change classes. I get that reworking schedules suck but maybe you can avid that by placing kids properly. Some of that is on parents pushing their kid into Algebra to soon but a lot of it is the school making poor suggestions.


Sure it does, more kids will be entering middle school either retaking algebra or taking geometry. They only have so many teachers. They also got rid of the iowa which was what held back a lot of kids from taking algebra in 7th. Our elementary had 2 kids taking algebra in 6th last year and this year i heard it is 50? That is a 2400% increase. I am sure most do ok because the parents are sending them outside math or hiring tutors, but there is only so much time in the day so by doing that they miss out on other activities they could be doing.


Many ES teachers aren't certified to teach algebra.
Anonymous
Post 01/21/2026 10:03     Subject: Is 8th grade pre-algebra or algebra?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:What if a kid has like an 80 in math 7? Will they be told to take algebra next year?


As a family, you have a right to have your child take take Algebra 1 upon successful completion of Math 7 (not failing), regardless of what the school says. Your child’s school only makes recommendations. You are the ultimate decision maker.


There are some families that don’t want Algebra in 8th. Why is this being pushed??


Probably has something to do with the algebra push in 6th.


I don’t have an issue with a county wide approach to Algebra in 6th grade, there are kids ready for it. DS would have been happy with Algebra in 6th grade but he is a kid who loves math and has been participating in competitions since 4th grade.The County allowed individual schools to decide if they would offer Algebra as an option to 6th graders, which meant that there were about 20 schools that worked with parents to help kids take the class while the other schools refused to do so.

I think the current pilot is ridiculous. Algebra should only be offered at Center schools where kids can attend the class in person. There should not be 6th graders in virtual Algebra classes or with teachers not certified to teach algebra. There is no way that there are 15 kids at most of the ES ready for Algebra in 6th grade, I can think of a few exceptions but those are the schools were a lot of parents enrich and that is a different discussion, but I can see 15 kids being ready for Algebra at a Center school.

I have 0 understanding how Algebra in 6th ties to Algebra for all in 8th. We need to let kids place into math classes that make sense for their skills and ability level. If anything, I think there are too many kids taking Algebra in 8th grade. The SOL scores, and this goes back to before COVID, for 8th grade are not stellar. People are worried about their 8th graders getting poor grades in Algebra or Algebra Honors and the schools make it hard for them to change classes. I get that reworking schedules suck but maybe you can avid that by placing kids properly. Some of that is on parents pushing their kid into Algebra to soon but a lot of it is the school making poor suggestions.


Sure it does, more kids will be entering middle school either retaking algebra or taking geometry. They only have so many teachers. They also got rid of the iowa which was what held back a lot of kids from taking algebra in 7th. Our elementary had 2 kids taking algebra in 6th last year and this year i heard it is 50? That is a 2400% increase. I am sure most do ok because the parents are sending them outside math or hiring tutors, but there is only so much time in the day so by doing that they miss out on other activities they could be doing.
Anonymous
Post 01/21/2026 08:48     Subject: Is 8th grade pre-algebra or algebra?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:What if a kid has like an 80 in math 7? Will they be told to take algebra next year?


As a family, you have a right to have your child take take Algebra 1 upon successful completion of Math 7 (not failing), regardless of what the school says. Your child’s school only makes recommendations. You are the ultimate decision maker.


There are some families that don’t want Algebra in 8th. Why is this being pushed??


Probably has something to do with the algebra push in 6th.


I don’t have an issue with a county wide approach to Algebra in 6th grade, there are kids ready for it. DS would have been happy with Algebra in 6th grade but he is a kid who loves math and has been participating in competitions since 4th grade.The County allowed individual schools to decide if they would offer Algebra as an option to 6th graders, which meant that there were about 20 schools that worked with parents to help kids take the class while the other schools refused to do so.

I think the current pilot is ridiculous. Algebra should only be offered at Center schools where kids can attend the class in person. There should not be 6th graders in virtual Algebra classes or with teachers not certified to teach algebra. There is no way that there are 15 kids at most of the ES ready for Algebra in 6th grade, I can think of a few exceptions but those are the schools were a lot of parents enrich and that is a different discussion, but I can see 15 kids being ready for Algebra at a Center school.

I have 0 understanding how Algebra in 6th ties to Algebra for all in 8th. We need to let kids place into math classes that make sense for their skills and ability level. If anything, I think there are too many kids taking Algebra in 8th grade. The SOL scores, and this goes back to before COVID, for 8th grade are not stellar. People are worried about their 8th graders getting poor grades in Algebra or Algebra Honors and the schools make it hard for them to change classes. I get that reworking schedules suck but maybe you can avid that by placing kids properly. Some of that is on parents pushing their kid into Algebra to soon but a lot of it is the school making poor suggestions.
Anonymous
Post 01/21/2026 08:42     Subject: Re:Is 8th grade pre-algebra or algebra?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I would push back on the no 8th grade math hard. I would email the Counselor and the Principal and say that your child is not ready for Algebra, you want him to take M8 next year and not Algebra and ask what they are going to do for him. I fully expect that there will be a M8 at Carson next yer, they don’t want to advertise it because of Reid’s insane “Everyone needs Algebra by 8th grade” thing.


The interesting thing is that “PreAlgebra” is still listed in the course catalogue for school year 26-27 and it says Grade 7,8. Yet it was mysteriously left off the course selection sheet.


So it is there, email the Counselor and CC thePrincipal saying you want the prealgebra class. Hand write it in on the course selection sheet.



The problem is it’s really going to be for kids who currently have Ds and Fs in math 7. Kids who are currently getting a B or even a C+ would be misplaced in that class. I imagine it’s going to have behavior and learning issues.