Algebra 1 in 8th grade?

[nvitale]

In New York our old standards had a great deal of overlap in what was taught and tested in 8th grade and 9th grade (very little focus). In this environment, many schools offered Algebra 1 in 8th grade as an advanced option. It was feasible to mix 8th grade and 9th grade content in one year.

Now, as New York transitions to a common core aligned 9th grade course and exam, I’m not sure how folks should approach this – the content of 8th grade seem very distinct from Algebra 1 (although there is a clear progression through them).

I guess my question is what guidance or advice would you give to schools or districts which are looking to continue offering Algebra 1 in 8th grade. How would you approach this? Has anyone had experience doing this in the CC era?

I’d love to hear thoughts,
Thanks!

[Bill McCallum]

Yes, a lot of states have put thought into this. Here is a document from the Massachusetts Department of Education outlining various acceleration options: http://www.doe.mass.edu/candi/commoncore/MakingDecisions.pdf.

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