Blog Four - Advanced Math Classes
Advanced Math classes accelerate the targeted course progression for students who have shown they require a challenge through exceptional grades or test scores, outstanding work habits, and a generally enhanced understanding of the material. More and more students are taking Algebra in middle school, which allows them to take Calculus in high school. In fact, In What Grade Should You Take Algebra 1? published by USNews, states that “the number of students taking Algebra 1 or a more advanced math course (such as geometry) in eighth grade nearly tripled between 1990 and 2011.” The aim of these courses is to challenge students who may have been unsatisfied with the rigor of their previous courses. They support the belief that all schools should provide students with challenging and rigorous classes that push them to do their best.
Children learn at different paces from their peers. Removing honors math courses forces all kids to learn at one rate, molding them into a homogenous mass and not embracing their different learning styles. Eliminating these classes due to “equality” is useless, as equality isn’t what is needed in the education system. It does not help to give all students the same learning experience. It helps them to provide them with experiences (in this case, courses) that they need to succeed. It is not putting some students at a disadvantage. The rigor and challenge that honors courses provide to students who have proven they learn better in them is what these students deserve. Lifting the struggling students rather than bringing accelerated students to a pace they are not fit for, is how we can encourage students to use their full potential.
However, Black and Latino students are highly underrepresented in these courses. According to the Washington Post’s article, Is it time to stop segregating kids by ability in middle school math?, “Just 22 percent of students in the district are Black, Latino or multiracial, but in some lower-level math classes, children of color were overrepresented, according to teachers and administrators … Nationally, Black and Latino students are significantly less likely than White and Asian students to take accelerated math in middle school.” This can discourage these students from pursuing careers in STEM, further fueling the racial gaps. Eliminating these courses allows students of color to succeed and have the same opportunities as everyone else.
There is an alternative to these options as well. Many districts, have been pushing back the opportunity for advanced math to high school and enrolling all middle schoolers in what would have been “enhanced math.” However, there are concerns that this would either water down the class or create a class that helps no students. The already struggling students would struggle even more, leading to low GPAs and even lower self-esteem. The students who already know the material would no longer be engaged, and be bored in the class.
While advanced courses provide students with opportunities to challenge themselves, many problems arise when students receive different courses. Parent opposition is also a significant factor in deciding whether students should have the option to take honors math courses. And for good reason. Parents want the best for their child, and should not be dismissed. Often, their concerns stem from what they’ve seen of their child at home. Additionally, ensuring teachers are ready for whichever decision a school district makes is essential for adequately executing it. However, no matter what decision a district comes to, it should be done considering the many aspects of each system.
