Need help with NY 8th grade course placement "twice exceptional child". (Long story, sorry)

[austinmshauri]

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Question for those in NY. Where I live, algebra I is a 9th grade course. geometry 10th grade, algebra 2 11th grade and precalculus in 12th grade. Students taking algebra I in 8th grade are actually accelerated. Is this the same in NY state?

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<p>There are several options for math courses in NYS high schools. Algebra I is a 9th grade course. It’s a prerequisite for Geometry, Consumer Math, and Statistics. Geometry is the prereq for Trig, Algebra 2/Trig, and Pre-Calculus. Pre-Calc is the prereq for Honors Calculus or AP Calculus. Taking Algebra I in 8th grade is part of an accelerated program and is permissible under the following conditions:</p>

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Students in grade eight shall have the opportunity to take high school courses in mathematics. The superintendent, or his or her designee, shall determine whether a student has demonstrated readiness in each subject, including mathematics, in which he or she asks to begin high school courses in the eighth grade leading to a diploma. A student shall be awarded high school credit for such courses only if such student passes the course and the associated Regents examination. For additional information, please refer to Section 100.4 of the Part 100 Regulations of the Commissioner of Education. <a href=“http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/mst/math/faq.html[/QUOTE]”>http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/mst/math/faq.html

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<p>NYSED 100.4(d)(1) refers to public school students. I don’t know if this applies to private school students.

Public school students in grade eight shall have the opportunity to take high school courses in mathematics and in at least one of the following areas: English, social studies, languages other than English, art, music, career and technical education subjects or science courses. <a href=“100.4 Program requirements for grades 5-8 | New York State Education Department”>100.4 Program requirements for grades 5-8 | New York State Education Department

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<p>It isn’t really necessary for a student, especially one who is struggling, to take advanced math courses in 8th grade. To earn a Regents Diploma in NYS, a student must pass 5 Regents, but only 1 is math:
<a href=“To%20earn%20a%20NYS%20Regents%20Diploma”>QUOTE</a> Students must pass Regents examinations as follows: Comprehensive English, Global History & Geography, US History & Government, One (1) in Math (Integrated Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2/Trigonometry, Mathematics A* or Mathematics B*); and One (1) in Science. <a href=“http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/gradreq/2011gradreqdetails.html[/QUOTE]”>http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/gradreq/2011gradreqdetails.html

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<p>To earn a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation requires 1 or 2 more math regents than a Regents Diploma:

Students graduating beginning with the 2011-12 school year and thereafter, regardless of cohort, who passes any of the following 2 or 3 math examination combinations will have met the math assessment requirements for a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation.</p>

<p>Two examination combination. A student must pass:
(1) Mathematics A and Mathematics B, or
(2) Mathematics A and Algebra 2/Trigonometry, or
(3) Mathematics B and Integrated Algebra;</p>

<p>Three examination combination. A student must pass:
(1) Mathematics A, Geometry and Algebra 2/Trigonometry, or
(2) Integrated Algebra, Geometry and Mathematics B, or
(3) Integrated Algebra, Geometry and Algebra 2/Trigonometry
<a href=“http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/gradreq/2011gradreqdetails.html[/QUOTE]”>http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/gradreq/2011gradreqdetails.html

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<p>So, yes, Algebra in 8th grade is accelerated and not necessary for a student struggling in math. Given his history, if this student was in public school I’m not sure the superintendent would approve his application to enter an accelerated class. Since he has 4 years to pass 2 or 3 math regents to earn the Advanced Regents, I’d suggest leaving him in whatever math course he’s in and focus on the other issues mentioned by the OP. </p>