<p>It looks like my son did well enough on his high school's placement test that he placed into geometry instead of alg1. But he never took alg1 in elem/middle school. His 8th grade math class had an algebra component (like the last 15 minutes of class or something like that) but there was no actual algebra course. I'm a little concerned that his lack of exposure to algebraic basics could come back to bite him in higher math classes. I plan on talking to his school when they start on Tuesday. Taking Alg1 would mean he would have to double up or accelerate at some point to have calc in 12th grade so I am kinda pleased that he did place in Geometry. But I just want an idea on if I am being overly concerned about it and I should just trust the test and have a bit more faith in my son.</p>
<p>My daughter, as well as two of her friends, did this last year. They were fine. She worked with a tutor a few times in the spring to make sure she was ready for the regents test. She did well on the regents and exceptionally well in geometry. </p>
<p>Good luck to your son.</p>
<p>The conventional sequence is Alg. 1, or Alg 2, Geometry, Precalc. Some schools, however, offer Geometry before Algebra. </p>
<p>Many students take Alg. 1 in k-8 so they go straight into Alg. 2 or Geometry, depending on the school. If your child placed into geometry, there’s every chance that he will do well in Algebra 2 when he takes it.</p>
<p>I don’t think he’ll need the algebra for geometry, but he may want to do some review next summer so that he’ll be comfortable in Algebra 2. He can discuss it with his geometry teacher.</p>
<p>At our school, lots of kids take Alg I and Geometry concurrently. Is that an option?</p>
<p>The summer between 6th and 7th grade, my S studied Algebra with my H, a math professor. He too passed an exam and went into Geometry. If the student is talented, this is doable and will not hold them back. Below is the sequence of math classes for my S:</p>
<p>7th Geometry
8th Honors Algebra 2 (at HS)
9th Honors Trigonometry/Math Analysis
10th AP Calculus BC
11th Linear Algebra (CTY online class)
12th Multivariable Calculus (CTY online class < <This year</p>
<p>If possible, have your child tested in algebraic concepts before moving into Algebra 2 or Trig. – whichever is the next level at your school. Inadequate foundation in this area could make higher math classes more challenging (and unpleasant) than they need to be. He may be just fine – but if he is weak, try to have him take a summer course or self-study online to refresh/strengthen his knowledge base before heading into the next level.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t worry about it. The first half of Algebra II is review of Algebra I. If your son was accelerated past Algebra I into geometry, it’s because he did well enough on the placement test to be skip it. He’ll do fine in Algebra II. The review may be more meaningful to him than to other kids but he’ll be fine.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies. I talked to my son and he said that algebra in school was pretty easy for him. So I’ll just keep my eye out for any issues that may arise in geometry and plan on a algebra review over the summer.</p>
<p>I can’t imagine doing geometry without knowing enough algebra to be able to set up an equation and solve for X.</p>
<p>Algebra I can be learned in a week. No problem.</p>
<p>I suggest you get him onto this sequence, (which I’m using).</p>
<p>10th. Calc BC
11th. Calc III (Multivariable)/Linear alg
12th. Introduction to Partial differential equations.</p>
<p>Depends on what the classes actually teach/how long they are.</p>
<p>^^^ Only on CC!</p>
<p>That was satire, right?</p>
<p>I sure as heck hope so!^^^</p>
<p>^No. He’s actually taking all those classes. </p>
<p>But don’t mind Lawlz. Most people just brush him off as a ■■■■■ : ]</p>
<p>Many schools do Geometry before Alg I. It’s not conventional, but by no means impossible. Geometry is really simple stuff. Just make sure he has some basic algebra knowledge. He might be shaky and struggle in Algebra II, but he can “relearn” it in no time.</p>
<p>Geometry is not “really simple stuff.” Many students who excelled in algebra hit a wall in geometry. Geometry may be the first time that they encounter proofs, and most have not been prepared for that.</p>
<p>I would buy an algebra 1 textbook, used, or borrow one from the school or library. Then your son can go through it, and if there is anything he does not know, work on it himself. I would do that now, so that he can feel he hasn’t skipped anything. It may be that only the last 2 chapters are unfamiliar to him, for instance, and that in two weeks’ time he can feel that everything has been covered.</p>
<p>Taking algebra 1 concurrently with geometry, at school, is probably unnecessary but if your son is the type who likes to feel secure in mastery of a subject, taking both classes this year would probably not be a big stress, since he is good at math.</p>
<p>Another idea, if scheduling is a problem, is an online course in algebra 1, which should be easy to do and the school should credit it.</p>
<p>I second what compmom said. </p>
<p>Or do what my D did and buy an Algebra for Dummies book. D’s school sequence was:
Geometry
Algebra II w/Trig
Pre-Cal Honors
AP Calculus</p>
<p>Your son will be fine: more than fine!!</p>
<p>Many k-8 schools now offer Algebra I in 7/8 grade. In that case, high schoolers can place straight into Algebra II or repeat Algebra I if necessary.</p>
<p>
Algebra I will not prepare them for proofs. The whole point of taking Geometry is to learn how to do proofs. I assure you reeinaz, your son will be more than fine. It really is simple stuff : ] Trust me.</p>