Should Your Child Enroll in an Accelerated Math Class?

As college admissions and job markets become more competitive, many students are pursuing challenging courses and academic excellence to maximize future opportunities.  

However, each student is unique and, sometimes, a challenging course does not equal stimulating and empowering, but quite the contrary.  

Accelerated math programs can present a wonderful opportunity for advanced students to unlock their fullest potential, but they can also put unnecessary pressures on students who would thrive on different paths. 

To help you decide whether accelerated math is the right path for your student, we'll explore the eligibility criteria for enrollment, potential benefits of the program, as well as the alternative paths to college readiness and unlocking math potential. 

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What Is Accelerated Math?

Accelerated math is a specialized program with a rigorous and challenging curriculum designed for advanced math students. In these classes, students can explore complex mathematical concepts earlier than their peers. 

The recent adoption of Common Core Math Standards dramatically changed the curriculum in both accelerated math courses and traditional math courses.  

Michael Kirst, president of the State Board of Education stated: “Under the new standards, it’s likely fewer students than before will end up taking an accelerated course in middle school, and that’s appropriate.” 

Accelerated math is a rigorous program designed for advanced math students. 

When Do Students Start Taking Accelerated Math Classes? 

Most accelerated math programs are designed to prepare students for calculus and college-level math. 

The program is typically introduced in elementary school and may vary among schools and districts.  

Most students start taking accelerated math in 8th grade, while some parents start preparing their children for the class as early as second grade. 

What Are The Eligibility Criteria For Accelerated Math Classes? 

Only about 20% of children are prepared for accelerated math classes.  

To provide a challenging and rewarding experience to students who enjoy the subject, accelerated math classes require a strong math foundation for success. Students who lack consistency in performance or enthusiasm for math may not derive the same value from the program. 

This is why accelerated math programs outline strict eligibility criteria usually evaluated based on standardized tests, teacher recommendations, and student interviews.  

The common eligibility criteria for advanced math class include: 

• Performance on Standardized Tests: Many schools require students to achieve high scores on state or national standardized math tests. These scores help identify students who consistently perform above grade-level expectations and demonstrate strong mathematical reasoning skills. 
• Math Placement Tests: Some schools administer specific placement tests to assess whether a student is ready for accelerated math. These tests evaluate a student’s mastery of current grade-level content and readiness for more advanced topics. 
• Classroom Performance and Grades: Consistently high grades in regular math classes signal that a student may be ready for more advanced coursework. Schools may require students to maintain a certain grade point average (GPA) in their math classes to qualify for the program. 
• Teacher Recommendations: Teachers, who observe students' daily work habits and mathematical abilities, often play a key role in identifying candidates for accelerated programs. A teacher's recommendation usually reflects the student's problem-solving skills, engagement in class, and ability to grasp complex concepts quickly. 
• Interest and Motivation: A student’s personal interest and enthusiasm for math are important factors.  

The specific requirements for accelerated math programs can vary among schools and the level of the program. To determine the exact criteria and process for enrollment at your school, contact your school's administration or guidance counselor. 

The application process can be initiated by a parent, teacher, or school administrator.  

Who Should Enroll In Accelerated Math Classes?

Accelerated math programs are designed for students who show genuine curiosity, ability and willingness to tackle difficult math problems, and a strong work ethic. 

In other words:  

To determine if this program is right for your student, consider their elementary school math foundations, skills, motivation, and ability to take on additional responsibility.  

• Solid Foundations & Advanced Skill Level: Eligible students show a mastery of numerical fluency, fractions, proportional reasoning, and number sense, among other math concepts. They are also able to think critically, problem-solve effectively, and apply mathematical concepts to new situations.  
• Motivation & Discipline: As accelerated math programs may introduce more coursework and independent study to their schedules, students should be highly motivated, organized, and disciplined. 
• Genuine Interest in Math & Pursuing New Challenges: Perhaps most importantly, students should show genuine interest in math and tackling complex concepts. Their enthusiasm (or lack of) for the program can define their future relationship with math, impacting their confidence and ability to excel on their math journey. 

Use resources like “5 Signs Your Student is Ready for More Advanced Math” to access your student’s readiness for the program. 

To thrive in accelerated math classes, students should not only demonstrate advanced skills, but also a genuine interest in math and pursuing new challenges. 

Other Paths To College Readiness

While college preparation is often emphasized in secondary education, it's essential to remember that high school aims to equip students with a broader range of knowledge and skills. Beyond academic pursuits, high school education should foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and personal development. 

The terms "college bound" and "college preparatory" can create a narrow focus on college admission, leading parents to believe that there is only one path to success. However, this is a misconception.  

Many students who do not pursue accelerated math programs or traditional college preparatory courses still go on to achieve their academic and career goals. 

On the other hand, even students who were initially on the college track may find themselves unprepared for college-level coursework. In fact, 68% of freshman entering the California State University system needed to take remedial classes in math and/or English. This is a system of colleges, such as Cal Poly, that have fairly strict entrance requirements. 

Taking remedial courses at the college level can have several negative consequences, including: 

• Increased costs: Students must pay college tuition for content they should have learned in high school. 
• Delayed graduation: Remedial courses typically do not count toward graduation requirements. 
• Higher dropout risk: Students who are required to take remedial courses are at a greater risk of not graduating from college. 

A solid understanding of math, gained through appropriate coursework, can help students avoid the need for remedial classes and set them up for success in college. While college preparation is important, it's essential to prioritize building a strong educational foundation that will benefit students throughout their lives. 

As Erik Hanushek from Stanford University cautions in his article "Algebra Too Soon," a strong foundation in algebra is crucial for success in higher-level math courses. A weak foundation can negatively impact a student's ability to excel in subsequent math classes. 

While selective universities often look for students who have taken math for four years in high school, calculus is not necessarily a prerequisite. For students considering careers in fields that require a strong background in statistics, an advanced stats track may be a more appropriate choice. 

If you're unsure about whether calculus is the right path for your child, be sure to explore other options. The article "Calculus is the Peak of High School Math: Maybe It's Time to Change That" provides valuable insights into the importance of a strong math foundation and alternative pathways to advanced math. 

Want to learn more about how to ensure your child builds a strong foundation in math and avoids the need for remedial classes? Check out this helpful resource: Is Your Child Math Ready for College 

Assess Readiness & Prepare Your Student For Accelerated Math At Mathnasium Of Littleton

Mathnasium of Littleton is a math-only learning center for K-12 students of all skill levels. At Mathnasium, advanced students can explore math topics outside of their standard math curriculum as well as prepare for standardized tests and advanced classes.  

We create assessment-based personalized learning plans to address each student’s specific learning gaps and needs. Working closely with their tutor in an engaging and supportive group environment, our students develop the skills and confidence they need to excel on their math journey. 

Mathnasium of Littleton offers flexible scheduling to fit your family's busy lifestyle and affordable pricing with various payment options available. 

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