NP here. I support tracking students by ability. But there is a lot of evidence that teaching integrated math - not separating algebra, geometry, etc - is better for students and leads to more thorough comprehension. This region is too focused on accelerating kids through a checklist instead of slowing down and letting them engage with theory and real world application.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here was what I got in an FCPS email:

Understanding the Virginia Mathematics Pathways Initiative

Fairfax County Public Schools is preparing for the implementation of the Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) Virginia Mathematics Pathways Initiative (VMPI) and we want families to be aware of proposed changes to Mathematics course offerings. To understand the proposed changes to the course progressions, VDOE is offering Community Informational Sessions on the following dates:

Tuesday, March 23, 6:30 p.m.—Why Change Mathematics Instruction?
Tuesday, April 13, 6:30 p.m.—How Does VMPI Affect Virginia Children’s Futures?
Tuesday, April 27, 6:30 p.m.—Essential Concepts in Grades 8-10
Tuesday, May 25, 6:30 p.m.—Advanced Pathways in Grades 11-12
Questions participants would like to have addressed during the sessions can be submitted online. For additional information, visit VMPI's webpage

This doesn't say anything about removing algebra 1 from middle school.

Sigh. Read the link above I prefaced with “background.” Quoting it: “ The Virginia Mathematics Pathway Initiative (VMPI) would replace the traditional mathematics progression of Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 courses with courses that teach so-called “essential” topics. Under the plan, all students would take the same courses through the tenth grade but would then be allowed to enroll in classes that correspond with their post-graduation career plans.”

Under VMPI, all students too the same math classes until 2 years before graduation. Do you interpret that to mean all 7th graders took algebra?

So everyone will be taking Algebra in 7th and Precalc in 10th?

The plan, which was (temporarily or permanently) scrapped, called for Algebra I-Geometry-Algebra II in 8-9-10 and precalc in 11 and calc in 12. The San Francisco plan, which has now proven disastrous, had Algebra I starting in 9th - so the VMPI plan is better than that. But there were parents protesting that their DC needed Algebra I in 7th and math teachers protesting that some students need Algebra I in 9th.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here was what I got in an FCPS email:

Understanding the Virginia Mathematics Pathways Initiative

Fairfax County Public Schools is preparing for the implementation of the Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) Virginia Mathematics Pathways Initiative (VMPI) and we want families to be aware of proposed changes to Mathematics course offerings. To understand the proposed changes to the course progressions, VDOE is offering Community Informational Sessions on the following dates:

Tuesday, March 23, 6:30 p.m.—Why Change Mathematics Instruction?
Tuesday, April 13, 6:30 p.m.—How Does VMPI Affect Virginia Children’s Futures?
Tuesday, April 27, 6:30 p.m.—Essential Concepts in Grades 8-10
Tuesday, May 25, 6:30 p.m.—Advanced Pathways in Grades 11-12
Questions participants would like to have addressed during the sessions can be submitted online. For additional information, visit VMPI's webpage

This doesn't say anything about removing algebra 1 from middle school.

Sigh. Read the link above I prefaced with “background.” Quoting it: “ The Virginia Mathematics Pathway Initiative (VMPI) would replace the traditional mathematics progression of Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 courses with courses that teach so-called “essential” topics. Under the plan, all students would take the same courses through the tenth grade but would then be allowed to enroll in classes that correspond with their post-graduation career plans.”

Under VMPI, all students too the same math classes until 2 years before graduation. Do you interpret that to mean all 7th graders took algebra?

So everyone will be taking Algebra in 7th and Precalc in 10th?

I received the email below this morning from FCPS. And it does not say anything about removing Algebra 1 from middle school. Stop coming on here and giving false information.

Helping students to complete Algebra 1 by eighth grade is part of our Strategic Plan (Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence). The Algebra Access Network Improvement Community (AANIC) is working to increase the diverse representation of students who take advanced math classes and succeed in them. Learn more about the AANIC cohorts at Kilmer and Key middle schools and hear students explain why algebra matters to them.

Passing Algebra 1 earlier allows students to take more advanced classes like Dual Enrollment courses, Advanced Placement (AP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. These advanced courses help students succeed in college. A recent study from the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) found that completing Algebra 1 by eighth grade led to 30% more ninth graders and 16% more 11th graders taking advanced courses.

Anonymous wrote:Staff was told it was happening. We had PD on it 2 years ago, spent multiple days analyzing pathways, and then it disappeared.

--math teacher

Who told you? Gatehouse?

And what exactly was "happening"? Did they say that algebra 1 (concepts) were no longer going to be taught in middle school?

There were multiple pathways? Any including calculus?

Staff was told it was happening. We had PD on it 2 years ago, spent multiple days analyzing pathways, and then it disappeared.

--math teacher

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here was what I got in an FCPS email:

Understanding the Virginia Mathematics Pathways Initiative

Fairfax County Public Schools is preparing for the implementation of the Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) Virginia Mathematics Pathways Initiative (VMPI) and we want families to be aware of proposed changes to Mathematics course offerings. To understand the proposed changes to the course progressions, VDOE is offering Community Informational Sessions on the following dates:

Tuesday, March 23, 6:30 p.m.—Why Change Mathematics Instruction?
Tuesday, April 13, 6:30 p.m.—How Does VMPI Affect Virginia Children’s Futures?
Tuesday, April 27, 6:30 p.m.—Essential Concepts in Grades 8-10
Tuesday, May 25, 6:30 p.m.—Advanced Pathways in Grades 11-12
Questions participants would like to have addressed during the sessions can be submitted online. For additional information, visit VMPI's webpage

This doesn't say anything about removing algebra 1 from middle school.

Sigh. Read the link above I prefaced with “background.” Quoting it: “ The Virginia Mathematics Pathway Initiative (VMPI) would replace the traditional mathematics progression of Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 courses with courses that teach so-called “essential” topics. Under the plan, all students would take the same courses through the tenth grade but would then be allowed to enroll in classes that correspond with their post-graduation career plans.”

Under VMPI, all students too the same math classes until 2 years before graduation. Do you interpret that to mean all 7th graders took algebra?

That was a quote from a politician based on misinformation.

When did VDOE tell parents that their kids would no longer be able to take algebra 1 in middle school? And that VDOE "not only considered it, but parents were told it was essentially happening"

At the time, I emailed them personally about the algebra questions and they said it wasn't fully worked out. They didn't say - it's definitely off the table. Though now I feel they have sufficiently seen the error of their ways that it is off the table for now.

So you were not told that it was "essentially happening"?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://www.vsba.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/VMPI-for-vdoe-website.pdf

Algebra was gone. “The VMPI initiative imagines math instruction for students that integrates existing
math content into blended courses for students typically in grades 8-10.
● The content from Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 is not being eliminated by VMPI, but rather the content of these courses will be blended into a seamless progression of connected learning. This encourages students to connect mathematical concepts and develop a much deeper and more relevant understanding of each concept within its context and relevance.


Under VMPI, you would no longer see a class called Algebra (among others).

https://www.vsba.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/VMPI-for-vdoe-website.pdf

The content was blended in and classes were blended together. No choices were offered until late high school.

So if all students were taking the blended class in 8th grade (at the latest), then all students were starting algebra 1 in 8th (at the latest) - which is actually earlier the current baseline path, which is algebra 1 in 9th.

When did VDOE tell parents that "no choices were offered until late HS"? And that was "essentially happening"?

It was NOT algebra in 8th. It was essentially math 8 in 8th, filled with a bunch of 8th graders lumped together regardless Of math ability. FCPS held numerous sessions about the program and how it was happening and why it was a great thing. I’m sorry you’re so confused and stuck on the non issue of something that isn’t occurring (for this particular VMPI program. Had you been involved in any way a few years ago, you’d understand exactly what was proposed would occur.

So, it sounds like essentials math 8 starts all kids with algebra 1 concepts in 8th grade, blended with geometry. Which is earlier than the current baseline.

When did FCPS hold sessions about it?

And when did VDOE tell parents that "no choices were offered until late HS"? And that was "essentially happening"?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here was what I got in an FCPS email:

Understanding the Virginia Mathematics Pathways Initiative

Fairfax County Public Schools is preparing for the implementation of the Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) Virginia Mathematics Pathways Initiative (VMPI) and we want families to be aware of proposed changes to Mathematics course offerings. To understand the proposed changes to the course progressions, VDOE is offering Community Informational Sessions on the following dates:

Tuesday, March 23, 6:30 p.m.—Why Change Mathematics Instruction?
Tuesday, April 13, 6:30 p.m.—How Does VMPI Affect Virginia Children’s Futures?
Tuesday, April 27, 6:30 p.m.—Essential Concepts in Grades 8-10
Tuesday, May 25, 6:30 p.m.—Advanced Pathways in Grades 11-12
Questions participants would like to have addressed during the sessions can be submitted online. For additional information, visit VMPI's webpage

This doesn't say anything about removing algebra 1 from middle school.

Sigh. Read the link above I prefaced with “background.” Quoting it: “ The Virginia Mathematics Pathway Initiative (VMPI) would replace the traditional mathematics progression of Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 courses with courses that teach so-called “essential” topics. Under the plan, all students would take the same courses through the tenth grade but would then be allowed to enroll in classes that correspond with their post-graduation career plans.”

Under VMPI, all students too the same math classes until 2 years before graduation. Do you interpret that to mean all 7th graders took algebra?

That was a quote from a politician based on misinformation.

When did VDOE tell parents that their kids would no longer be able to take algebra 1 in middle school? And that VDOE "not only considered it, but parents were told it was essentially happening"

At the time, I emailed them personally about the algebra questions and they said it wasn't fully worked out. They didn't say - it's definitely off the table. Though now I feel they have sufficiently seen the error of their ways that it is off the table for now.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://www.vsba.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/VMPI-for-vdoe-website.pdf

Algebra was gone. “The VMPI initiative imagines math instruction for students that integrates existing
math content into blended courses for students typically in grades 8-10.
● The content from Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 is not being eliminated by VMPI, but rather the content of these courses will be blended into a seamless progression of connected learning. This encourages students to connect mathematical concepts and develop a much deeper and more relevant understanding of each concept within its context and relevance.


Under VMPI, you would no longer see a class called Algebra (among others).

https://www.vsba.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/VMPI-for-vdoe-website.pdf

The content was blended in and classes were blended together. No choices were offered until late high school.

So if all students were taking the blended class in 8th grade (at the latest), then all students were starting algebra 1 in 8th (at the latest) - which is actually earlier the current baseline path, which is algebra 1 in 9th.

When did VDOE tell parents that "no choices were offered until late HS"? And that was "essentially happening"?

It was NOT algebra in 8th. It was essentially math 8 in 8th, filled with a bunch of 8th graders lumped together regardless Of math ability. FCPS held numerous sessions about the program and how it was happening and why it was a great thing. I’m sorry you’re so confused and stuck on the non issue of something that isn’t occurring (for this particular VMPI program. Had you been involved in any way a few years ago, you’d understand exactly what was proposed would occur.

Anonymous wrote:https://www.vsba.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/VMPI-for-vdoe-website.pdf

Algebra was gone. “The VMPI initiative imagines math instruction for students that integrates existing
math content into blended courses for students typically in grades 8-10.
● The content from Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 is not being eliminated by VMPI, but rather the content of these courses will be blended into a seamless progression of connected learning. This encourages students to connect mathematical concepts and develop a much deeper and more relevant understanding of each concept within its context and relevance.


Under VMPI, you would no longer see a class called Algebra (among others).

https://www.vsba.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/VMPI-for-vdoe-website.pdf

The content was blended in and classes were blended together. No choices were offered until late high school.

So if all students were taking the blended class in 8th grade (at the latest), then all students were starting algebra 1 in 8th (at the latest) - which is actually earlier the current baseline path, which is algebra 1 in 9th.

When did VDOE tell parents that "no choices were offered until late HS"? And that was "essentially happening"?

https://www.vsba.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/VMPI-for-vdoe-website.pdf

Algebra was gone. “The VMPI initiative imagines math instruction for students that integrates existing
math content into blended courses for students typically in grades 8-10.
● The content from Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 is not being eliminated by VMPI, but rather the content of these courses will be blended into a seamless progression of connected learning. This encourages students to connect mathematical concepts and develop a much deeper and more relevant understanding of each concept within its context and relevance.


Under VMPI, you would no longer see a class called Algebra (among others).

https://www.vsba.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/VMPI-for-vdoe-website.pdf

The content was blended in and classes were blended together. No choices were offered until late high school.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here was what I got in an FCPS email:

Understanding the Virginia Mathematics Pathways Initiative

Fairfax County Public Schools is preparing for the implementation of the Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) Virginia Mathematics Pathways Initiative (VMPI) and we want families to be aware of proposed changes to Mathematics course offerings. To understand the proposed changes to the course progressions, VDOE is offering Community Informational Sessions on the following dates:

Tuesday, March 23, 6:30 p.m.—Why Change Mathematics Instruction?
Tuesday, April 13, 6:30 p.m.—How Does VMPI Affect Virginia Children’s Futures?
Tuesday, April 27, 6:30 p.m.—Essential Concepts in Grades 8-10
Tuesday, May 25, 6:30 p.m.—Advanced Pathways in Grades 11-12
Questions participants would like to have addressed during the sessions can be submitted online. For additional information, visit VMPI's webpage

This doesn't say anything about removing algebra 1 from middle school.

Sigh. Read the link above I prefaced with “background.” Quoting it: “ The Virginia Mathematics Pathway Initiative (VMPI) would replace the traditional mathematics progression of Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 courses with courses that teach so-called “essential” topics. Under the plan, all students would take the same courses through the tenth grade but would then be allowed to enroll in classes that correspond with their post-graduation career plans.”

Under VMPI, all students too the same math classes until 2 years before graduation. Do you interpret that to mean all 7th graders took algebra?

That was a quote from a politician based on misinformation.

When did VDOE tell parents that their kids would no longer be able to take algebra 1 in middle school? And that VDOE "not only considered it, but parents were told it was essentially happening"

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here was what I got in an FCPS email:

Understanding the Virginia Mathematics Pathways Initiative

Fairfax County Public Schools is preparing for the implementation of the Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) Virginia Mathematics Pathways Initiative (VMPI) and we want families to be aware of proposed changes to Mathematics course offerings. To understand the proposed changes to the course progressions, VDOE is offering Community Informational Sessions on the following dates:

Tuesday, March 23, 6:30 p.m.—Why Change Mathematics Instruction?
Tuesday, April 13, 6:30 p.m.—How Does VMPI Affect Virginia Children’s Futures?
Tuesday, April 27, 6:30 p.m.—Essential Concepts in Grades 8-10
Tuesday, May 25, 6:30 p.m.—Advanced Pathways in Grades 11-12
Questions participants would like to have addressed during the sessions can be submitted online. For additional information, visit VMPI's webpage

This doesn't say anything about removing algebra 1 from middle school.

Sigh. Read the link above I prefaced with “background.” Quoting it: “ The Virginia Mathematics Pathway Initiative (VMPI) would replace the traditional mathematics progression of Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 courses with courses that teach so-called “essential” topics. Under the plan, all students would take the same courses through the tenth grade but would then be allowed to enroll in classes that correspond with their post-graduation career plans.”

Under VMPI, all students too the same math classes until 2 years before graduation. Do you interpret that to mean all 7th graders took algebra?

Anonymous wrote:Here was what I got in an FCPS email:

Understanding the Virginia Mathematics Pathways Initiative

Fairfax County Public Schools is preparing for the implementation of the Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) Virginia Mathematics Pathways Initiative (VMPI) and we want families to be aware of proposed changes to Mathematics course offerings. To understand the proposed changes to the course progressions, VDOE is offering Community Informational Sessions on the following dates:

Tuesday, March 23, 6:30 p.m.—Why Change Mathematics Instruction?
Tuesday, April 13, 6:30 p.m.—How Does VMPI Affect Virginia Children’s Futures?
Tuesday, April 27, 6:30 p.m.—Essential Concepts in Grades 8-10
Tuesday, May 25, 6:30 p.m.—Advanced Pathways in Grades 11-12
Questions participants would like to have addressed during the sessions can be submitted online. For additional information, visit VMPI's webpage

This doesn't say anything about removing algebra 1 from middle school.