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My eighth grader took advanced math last year and has been put in 8th grade math this year, rather than algebra. He did okay in the class but could probably have done better. I don't think he studied very effectively, and there was also a delay in getting a permanent teacher for his class at the beginning of the year. He ended up getting a high C in the class and barely missed a 3 on the EOG by a few points.
I'm upset because I feel like he should have been prepared to take algebra this year, but I'm not sure that he is. I'd like it if he could take it so he has the option of taking more advanced classes in high school, but I don't want to risk having him fail the algebra EOC and having that on his high school transcript (not to mention what that would do to his confidence. )
When he's applying to college, will it put him at a disadvantage if he doesn't start algebra until 9th grade? Has anyone else had a student with his grades and EOG scores in algebra at this point, how did they do?
What does HE want to do? If he feels he'll be bored taking Algebra again, and is generally a self-disciplined, conscientious student, you might consider pushing for placement with a plan for tutoring if he seems to need it in the first quarter. In that case I would expect As and Bs in the first quarter.
If he is ambivalent about it, let the school decision stand.
With a 2 on an EOG and a C in the class, I personally wouldn't push it. My goal has always been to make sure my kids are successful in the math they are taking, over pushing if they weren't showing a strong understanding of the basics and desire to work harder to get and stay ahead.
My eldest daughter did take Algebra in 9th grade (also missed taking it in 8th grade by a few points). By doubling up in math each semester after algebra, she'll be in Calculus by her senior year which is plenty high enough to get into a good college. She did Algebra 1 freshman year (2 semesters), geometry and Algebra 2 sophomore year, she's in AFM and then pre-calc this (junior)year and calculus next year, so it is possible to get up into the higher lever math classes later.
My youngest is being pushed through math rather quickly and will be taking Algebra in 7th grade and will start high school taking Algebra 2, but she loves it and wants to be doing this. I'm confident that even though both will have been in vastly different places in math when they start/ed high school, they'll both get great educations and both be admitted to good colleges later!
With a 2 on an EOG and a C in the class, I personally wouldn't push it. My goal has always been to make sure my kids are successful in the math they are taking over pushing if they weren't showing a strong understanding of the basics and desire to work harder to be ahead.
My eldest DD did Algebra in 9th grade and by doubling up in math each semester after algebra, she'll be in Calculus by her senior year which is plenty high enough to get into a good college! My youngest is being pushed through rather quickly and will be taking Algebra in 7th grade, but she loves it and wants to be doing this. I'm confident that even though both will have been in vastly different places in math when they start/ed high school, they'll both get great educations and both be admitted to good colleges later!
Guess what. Everyone is not designed, wants to or can even handle college. My son was a math wiz. Took highest levels in high school. Even helped the teacher with assisting other. Lasted a year and a half. go figure. I would just encourage him to do his best. And go from there. As for asking him what he wants to do. Try that. He will change his mind several times. Best thing. Do not push and things will work out fine. As my dad said, "The world needs ditch diggers too." He was a teacher.
I'm a theoretical physicist and have been lurking here since moving to Wake Forest for work around Christmast last year. At least I had a reason to register finally with a math related question.
As long as he starts taking Alg by around 9th grade high school he should be fine. If he's looking to the science world for a career then perhaps let us know what he's interested and we can point to a few specific classes that he should be looking to now and in the next few years.
Thank you for the thoughtful responses. I will talk with him to see how he feels about it, and also with his math teacher, but right now I am leaning towards keeping him where he is. Mostly I am upset because I think with better organization and communication with the teacher last year, he could have been ready for algebra this year.
Thank you for the thoughtful responses. I will talk with him to see how he feels about it, and also with his math teacher, but right now I am leaning towards keeping him where he is. Mostly I am upset because I think with better organization and communication with the teacher last year, he could have been ready for algebra this year.
I totally sympathize because I think my DD could have done it too and I also questioned how hard I should push, but in the end I'm still pretty satisfied with the way things have turned out.
My son took Algebra in 8th grade, even though I didn't think he was ready. He ended up with a B and a 3 on the EOC. Didn't matter. I could tell that he didn't apply himself and that he didn't learn anything. I had him retake Algebra in HS, and he was much better for it. I wish, now, that I had just completely waited for him to advance at his own pace, instead of pushing something that wasn't meant to be.
Thank you for the thoughtful responses. I will talk with him to see how he feels about it, and also with his math teacher, but right now I am leaning towards keeping him where he is. Mostly I am upset because I think with better organization and communication with the teacher last year, he could have been ready for algebra this year.
I can't tell if you're upset with yourself for not getting involved earlier or if you're upset with the teacher for not contacting you. In any event, my recommendation would be to get involved and stay involved with your son and his teacher on the first day of class, monitor his work and get a tutor or extra help if necessary. That way you won't be looking back after the class is over again to find he had a problem, when it's too late to get help. It's great that you're interested at this point, but in our experiecne you'll need to keep close tabs every day on his progress from day one, especially in math because it's so cumulative. In my opinion it's like supervising an employee. College admission is very competitive and you have to closely coach most kids every day to keep them on track and doing their best.
I'd also recommend not to push him into algerbra if he's not ready, but take this course and work hard to get ready for algebra. Here is the math sequence from WCPSS. He should have plenty opportunity to get to some advanced courses that are at or beyond the minimum college requirements:
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