<p>I half agree with what the teacher is saying. I’m a Junior and was put on the same math track your child was put on. I’m taking AP Calculus (AB) now. I never repeated any classes, (Although I probably should have looking back) but I’ll just tell you what I think about it.</p>
<p>A 7th grader in Algebra 1 should only move on in math if they get A’s in the class. I would repeat if your child gets a B. The reason I say this is because if they get a B in Algebra 1, chances are they will get a B or a C in Algebra 2. In Pre Calculus, they might even fail the class. I’ve seen this happen to many people I know who got B’s in Algebra 1 and Geometry in middle school, then when we got to 9th grade and had to take Algebra II/Trig Honors (Which is much more difficult) they got C’s or even D’s in some cases. Even some people who got A’s in Algebra 1 and Geometry got C’s in Pre Calc Honors last year as sophomores. Of the 30 or so students who were put on the advanced math track, I really only think 7-8 should have been put on it. All 30 students are extremely smart, but most of them just weren’t ready and should have taken Algebra 1 in 8th grade, even if they are getting B’s in the higher math classes, I think they could have gotten A’s if they waited a year to start Algebra.</p>
<p>Now, If your child seems to be getting A’s easily in Algebra 1, then keep him/her on the advanced math track. But if he/she seems to consistently struggle with the class, I might have him/her repeat it in 8th grade, then let him/her continue on with math. You can still take AP Calculus as a Senior if you take Algebra 1 in 8th grader without having to double up math classes.</p>
<p>Just make sure you know what your child is capable of, if he/she is capable of doing this, then more power to them, but if they are struggling, then they will be in a world of hurt when they get to the higher math classes in high school.</p>