Reply #13: "What's the rush here?" I heartily agree. When I was in [View All]

8th grade back in the 60's the counselor suggested to my dad that I take what was called Algebra Prep in 9th grade. My dad would have none of it and insisted that I take Algebra I. I wasn't ready and struggled through it. Then I barely made it through geometry. I couldn't do a proof if my life depended on it. Still can't. I'm just not wired that way. Anyhow, I continued on in Algebra II in 11th grade, still struggling along. That was the last math I ever took.

I went on to become an English teacher. Fortunately my college didn't require that I take a math course. I would probably have failed it. The state of California requires teachers to pass a standardized test called C-Best. I aced the English/Writing portions, but barely passed the math.

My daughter is now a high school sophomore. She took Algebra I in 8th, Geometry in 9th, and now she's already in Algebra II with A's all the way. The difference, I think, is natural aptitude plus much better instruction. She has had excellent teachers. Back in my day math was frequently taught by the athletic coaches, and they had no idea what they were doing.

I think each student should be in a math class according to his or her ability. If a kid is ready for Algebra in 8th, fine. If another kid isn't ready until 9th or 10th, that's ok too. I absolutely hate the concept of "one education fits all," which seems to be the norm today.

My local district has a thriving continuation program for high schoolers who were pushed beyond their limit and failed. It's basically an educational holding tank until they turn 18. Such a waste.