Anonymous wrote:Level 2 math is grade level math with a few extension problems. In order to qualify for algebra in 7th grade, you have to have already completed 7th grade math, because algebra is skipping 8th grade math.

You cannot go from 6th grade math to algebra. That is skipping 2 years of math. Even skipping 1 year is challenging for most kids.

Your child can still take algebra in 8th. They can do math 7 honors (8th grade math, skipping 7th) in 7th grade and go straight to algebra 1 in 8th grade, or math 7 in 7th grade and move to algebra in 8th grade (skipping 8th grade math). Both will be challenging but doable. Going from Math 6 to Algebra is impossible for all but a misaligned genius.

FCPS names the math courses oddly. I wish instead of "Advanced math 6" it was called "Math 7" and instead of "Math 7 honors" it was called "Math 8".

--algebra teacher

LCPS eventually added a formal prealgebra.
Kids there routinely go from fifth grade math to algebra.
Now they are using the IAAT as an additional criterion. Before it was a mock SOL8 and you had to score 82%.

You could try and ask if he can take the IAAT and take algebra next year, if you think he can handle it.
The rushing through tests will be an issue. I think the chromebooks are a problem. My kid would do that all thru elementary so he could then play some games. Still does it, but hasn't been getting low grades so far.

Anonymous wrote:I guess if my child rocked math tests, the school would bump him up…
He is not a good test taker - just wants it done and rushes through.

Gen Ed work looks so simple that I started to look into it all more closely.

He was doing those problems 2 years ago!

Is he doing them properly and getting the correct answers? If he is not doing them properly at school then they have no way of knowing that he can do that work.

OP: You need to talk to your child about how he is approaching his work. He needs to understand that rushing through tests leads to mistakes and leads to his not getting to do the work that is more challenging. You said he has ADHD. This could be part of the reason why he is not doing well on tests but that means you need to work with him to understand why he needs to not rush through the tests or work and make a lot of mistakes. It sounds like his ADHD is holding him back and that is something that you need to address so a parent and a part of his educational team. It sounds like you are working through the IEP/504 process right now. He will have the opportunity to take Math 7 Honors next year and Algebra in 8th grade. This will give him time to develop the work habits and skill set that will help him succeed. You probably want to have an honest conversation about medication.

Now is the time for you to address the medical issue that he has that is impacting his education. The sooner you do that, the better off he will be and the more likely he is going to end up in the classes that challenge him. Right now, he has sloppy work habits (rushing through tests, not double checking work, and making easy mistakes) that are holding him back. Those same mistakes are only going to compound as he gets older. I would focus a lot less on his being in Advanced Math and more on treating his ADHD.

I guess if my child rocked math tests, the school would bump him up…
He is not a good test taker - just wants it done and rushes through.

Gen Ed work looks so simple that I started to look into it all more closely.

He was doing those problems 2 years ago!