California abandons algebra requirement for eighth-graders

[MissB]

10. A good chunk of the 7th graders in our school take algebra.

Many of the 8th graders take geometry. Some kids advance further (both mine did - one to algebra 2 in 8th grade and one to pre-calc in 8th grade.) A small number of kids don't get to pre-algebra until 8th grade.

Kids that transfer in to our high school as freshman are often shocked that their same aged peers are already in algebra 2 as freshmen.

Our middle and high school math teachers got together a year ago and listened to each other. Turns out some of the kids that cruised through geometry had issues with the normal algebra 2 class (there is also an advanced section). The middle school decided to give most kids an extra class between either algebra and geometry or after geometry (if they were 8th graders this year). Now they have an advanced algebra section, because the algebra skills are darned important for the future math classes. There will always be a few kids that go further, but it isn't being pushed as the norm. Plus it is a pain to line up the middle school and high school schedules, I'm sure.

I personally think that algebra is important. And it's a good goal for most 8th graders.