Anonymous
Post 04/29/2015 17:30     Subject: Re:how many 6th graders are taking Algebra I at Rachel Carson MS?
Fidelity of curriculum implementation is a known problem in FCPS and not just in ES math options.
Anonymous
Post 04/29/2015 17:09     Subject: Re:how many 6th graders are taking Algebra I at Rachel Carson MS?
Anonymous wrote:the problem of constantly pushing for more advanced math in middle and grade school in this area, is that soon it becomes the standard and parents think their kids are falling behind if they aren't in the most advanced math classes. It's silly. I know teachers at our elementary were constantly being pressured by parents to get their kids into Honors Algebra 1 in 7th grade, even though the majority were not ready for that class and even some of the kids who passed the 7th grade SOL and scored high enough on the Iowa test, found themselves not ready for the class and forced to repeat it in 8th grade. I suppose pretty soon we'll start seeing the same thing in the 6th grade -- and of course the Algebra 1 classes will fill up -- probably with a lot of kids who shouldn't be there and slow down the advanced kids who might actually belong there.

Yes, some kids are ready both mentally and maturity-wise for very advanced math at a young age -- in fact, you can usually find these kids teaching themselves advanced math if parents would let them. That's what my son did, at least. But I don't think the entire school system needs to be remade to accommodate this small minority of kids. And I certainly don't think Algebra II for 6th graders should become the norm.


Agree. I'm all for letting kids do this, but it should be on the parents dime and time both to get in and keep the program going. FCPS does not need to be giving all these additional tests for probably what amounts to less than 50 children in their school system. Teachers can refer and parents can take their kids to GMU or something for the testing. AAP is enough acceleration to pay for.
Anonymous
Post 04/29/2015 15:37     Subject: Re:how many 6th graders are taking Algebra I at Rachel Carson MS?

We got a letter saying that DC can take a math reasoning test. If scored high enough, then take Iowa test for qualification for Honors Algebra. Is it different requirements for different schools?




Anonymous wrote:this all seems very random. My third child to reach 5th grade (this year), Colvin Run ES, brought a letter home saying that since she received 600 on some previous math SOL, she was eligible to take IAAT and 7th grade math SOL and who knows what other screening test to see if Algebra I Honors in 6th grade was an option. There would be no transportation to first-period Algebra at Cooper MS, you're on your own. (carpool??) Two older children did not have this option. Definitely principal-driven program.

I'm okay with this academically, but socially I'm not sure my child would enjoy trying to learn in a room full of (mostly) 8th graders who would ignore her or worse. My 8th grader at Kilmer mentioned he has some 6th graders in his Algebra class, and they are not greeted warmly to say the least.

Too bad they can't have a pull-out at elementary schools if there is enough interest.
Anonymous
Post 04/29/2015 15:36     Subject: Re:how many 6th graders are taking Algebra I at Rachel Carson MS?
At Longfellow, the 6th graders who are eligible and taking Algebra I Honor are in the class with other 7th AAP students. There are no 8th graders in that class.

From my understanding, 8th graders taking Algebra, and NOT Algebra Honor. I was told only 7th graders taking Algebra are eligible to be in the class designated with "honor". The reason being you get the 0.5 GPA bump. May not seem like a big deal but I suppose that helps with those taking the HS course/credit in younger grades. I'm pretty sure 6th graders get that same courtesy as well?

My knowledge is only with Longfellow.
Anonymous
Post 04/29/2015 15:25     Subject: how many 6th graders are taking Algebra I at Rachel Carson MS?
MY DC takes algebra in 6th and has never mentioned mean 8th graders. It has been a big transition to take a class a the MS. next year with the 7:30am start time will make it even tougher. I was 100% confident this was right my my child. You knowing your own child should help you make this decision.
Anonymous
Post 04/29/2015 13:59     Subject: Re:how many 6th graders are taking Algebra I at Rachel Carson MS?
this all seems very random. My third child to reach 5th grade (this year), Colvin Run ES, brought a letter home saying that since she received 600 on some previous math SOL, she was eligible to take IAAT and 7th grade math SOL and who knows what other screening test to see if Algebra I Honors in 6th grade was an option. There would be no transportation to first-period Algebra at Cooper MS, you're on your own. (carpool??) Two older children did not have this option. Definitely principal-driven program.

I'm okay with this academically, but socially I'm not sure my child would enjoy trying to learn in a room full of (mostly) 8th graders who would ignore her or worse. My 8th grader at Kilmer mentioned he has some 6th graders in his Algebra class, and they are not greeted warmly to say the least.

Too bad they can't have a pull-out at elementary schools if there is enough interest.
Anonymous
Post 02/28/2015 13:14     Subject: Re:how many 6th graders are taking Algebra I at Rachel Carson MS?
the problem of constantly pushing for more advanced math in middle and grade school in this area, is that soon it becomes the standard and parents think their kids are falling behind if they aren't in the most advanced math classes. It's silly. I know teachers at our elementary were constantly being pressured by parents to get their kids into Honors Algebra 1 in 7th grade, even though the majority were not ready for that class and even some of the kids who passed the 7th grade SOL and scored high enough on the Iowa test, found themselves not ready for the class and forced to repeat it in 8th grade. I suppose pretty soon we'll start seeing the same thing in the 6th grade -- and of course the Algebra 1 classes will fill up -- probably with a lot of kids who shouldn't be there and slow down the advanced kids who might actually belong there.

Yes, some kids are ready both mentally and maturity-wise for very advanced math at a young age -- in fact, you can usually find these kids teaching themselves advanced math if parents would let them. That's what my son did, at least. But I don't think the entire school system needs to be remade to accommodate this small minority of kids. And I certainly don't think Algebra II for 6th graders should become the norm.
Anonymous
Post 02/28/2015 10:50     Subject: Re:how many 6th graders are taking Algebra I at Rachel Carson MS?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Why can't this be listed in the defined math sequence. Some parents are aware of it. Some parents are not aware of it. This is completely unfair that some students have the opportunity and some don't. If such an opportunity is given, it should be accessible to all the schools and not Principal dependent.


You hit the nail on the head with this one. Opportunities for advancement are given to some kids in some parts of the district, and not to others in other parts of the district. This is different than a language program, or the AP/IB discussion, which all of kids have the opportunity to access by applying / attending a different school. Living in part of the district where my children do NOT have this opportunity, it's very discouraging to read that my very driven math/science focussed child is never going to have the opportunities that these other kids have, unless we pay for a significant amount of summer school.


Life is not fair and if this is one of the more unfair things you have encountered in your child'a life- he is one of the lucky ones.


PP you are just wrong here. It is not about fair and unfair. If the school system is allowing this then it should be available for all students. IMO, they should stop allowing it at all and let the parents be responsible for getting their child, very advanced for grade, immersion.


Only four HS offer ASL, yet many in other HS would like to take it. There are many classes like this. FCPS is HUGE and not monolithic.
Anonymous
Post 02/27/2015 14:53     Subject: Re:how many 6th graders are taking Algebra I at Rachel Carson MS?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Why can't this be listed in the defined math sequence. Some parents are aware of it. Some parents are not aware of it. This is completely unfair that some students have the opportunity and some don't. If such an opportunity is given, it should be accessible to all the schools and not Principal dependent.


You hit the nail on the head with this one. Opportunities for advancement are given to some kids in some parts of the district, and not to others in other parts of the district. This is different than a language program, or the AP/IB discussion, which all of kids have the opportunity to access by applying / attending a different school. Living in part of the district where my children do NOT have this opportunity, it's very discouraging to read that my very driven math/science focussed child is never going to have the opportunities that these other kids have, unless we pay for a significant amount of summer school.


Life is not fair and if this is one of the more unfair things you have encountered in your child'a life- he is one of the lucky ones.


PP you are just wrong here. It is not about fair and unfair. If the school system is allowing this then it should be available for all students. IMO, they should stop allowing it at all and let the parents be responsible for getting their child, very advanced for grade, immersion.


Immersion is not offered to all students that seek it- are you also arguing for the expansion of the immersion programs? What about FLES? Or only allowing students from certain ES to take certain languages in MS or that only some MS offer languages to 7th graders? What about the class sizes? Is it fair for one class to have 35 students and another to have 25- same grade- different schools? What about those ES that do not even offer advanced math like your child is getting? Maybe the advanced math that your child is currently getting should also be not allowed because it is not universally available throughout the county.
Anonymous
Post 02/27/2015 14:39     Subject: Re:how many 6th graders are taking Algebra I at Rachel Carson MS?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Why can't this be listed in the defined math sequence. Some parents are aware of it. Some parents are not aware of it. This is completely unfair that some students have the opportunity and some don't. If such an opportunity is given, it should be accessible to all the schools and not Principal dependent.


You hit the nail on the head with this one. Opportunities for advancement are given to some kids in some parts of the district, and not to others in other parts of the district. This is different than a language program, or the AP/IB discussion, which all of kids have the opportunity to access by applying / attending a different school. Living in part of the district where my children do NOT have this opportunity, it's very discouraging to read that my very driven math/science focussed child is never going to have the opportunities that these other kids have, unless we pay for a significant amount of summer school.


Life is not fair and if this is one of the more unfair things you have encountered in your child'a life- he is one of the lucky ones.


PP you are just wrong here. It is not about fair and unfair. If the school system is allowing this then it should be available for all students. IMO, they should stop allowing it at all and let the parents be responsible for getting their child, very advanced for grade, immersion.
Anonymous
Post 02/27/2015 14:06     Subject: Re:how many 6th graders are taking Algebra I at Rachel Carson MS?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Why can't this be listed in the defined math sequence. Some parents are aware of it. Some parents are not aware of it. This is completely unfair that some students have the opportunity and some don't. If such an opportunity is given, it should be accessible to all the schools and not Principal dependent.


You hit the nail on the head with this one. Opportunities for advancement are given to some kids in some parts of the district, and not to others in other parts of the district. This is different than a language program, or the AP/IB discussion, which all of kids have the opportunity to access by applying / attending a different school. Living in part of the district where my children do NOT have this opportunity, it's very discouraging to read that my very driven math/science focussed child is never going to have the opportunities that these other kids have, unless we pay for a significant amount of summer school.


Life is not fair and if this is one of the more unfair things you have encountered in your child'a life- he is one of the lucky ones.
Anonymous
Post 02/27/2015 13:33     Subject: Re:how many 6th graders are taking Algebra I at Rachel Carson MS?
Anonymous wrote:Why can't this be listed in the defined math sequence. Some parents are aware of it. Some parents are not aware of it. This is completely unfair that some students have the opportunity and some don't. If such an opportunity is given, it should be accessible to all the schools and not Principal dependent.


You hit the nail on the head with this one. Opportunities for advancement are given to some kids in some parts of the district, and not to others in other parts of the district. This is different than a language program, or the AP/IB discussion, which all of kids have the opportunity to access by applying / attending a different school. Living in part of the district where my children do NOT have this opportunity, it's very discouraging to read that my very driven math/science focussed child is never going to have the opportunities that these other kids have, unless we pay for a significant amount of summer school.
Anonymous
Post 02/27/2015 12:12     Subject: how many 6th graders are taking Algebra I at Rachel Carson MS?
Are there any sixth graders taking geometry in rachel carson?
Anonymous
Post 02/26/2015 21:20     Subject: how many 6th graders are taking Algebra I at Rachel Carson MS?
Anonymous wrote:Not gonna happen with the current 5th graders going to 6th in `Fall.



What do you mean? Because of the ridiculous number of current 5th grade AAP kids?
Anonymous
Post 02/26/2015 19:27     Subject: how many 6th graders are taking Algebra I at Rachel Carson MS?
Not gonna happen with the current 5th graders going to 6th in `Fall.