Should my child stay in an advanced math class?

Question

She passed the 7th grade math exam, when she was in 6th, so they offered her a chance to try out the 8th grade math class in the 7th grade. She makes friends in there, but now, her grades are a little bit to the down side. Before, she told me that she was practiclly guessing throughout the test. Do you think she should stay in this class, or do you think that she should go back to average math in her grade level?

Answer 1

I agree with Aaron here. The alternative is asking HER what she would like to do and maybe offer extra tuition with a Math tutor to give her a boost?

Make her realise though that she doesnt loose out by reverting back to her own grade class.

Answer 2

I'm wondering if the grades have slipped because perhaps she's never had to work at math before and so isn't used to having to put in a little extra effort. Also, I have to believe that she missed learning some concepts from the seventh grade math book or perhaps didn't have them reinforced enough. I have seen this happen with my own children and the students that I taught.

I would ask her if she honestly believes she is putting in a 100% effort at this and if the teacher agrees. Meet with the teacher and find out where she is struggling. I would also ask the teacher about her performance in class: is she on time, paying attention, asking questions, responding, etc. She may also just be intimidated being with older students. I know this because I taught math with two grades in the same room, and the younger ones told me that was how they felt.

You need to get some honest answers here before making a decision. I don't believe she should be tutored if she is really putting in the effort, unless the teacher believes this is the answer, but it should only be to catch up, not for the remainder of the year. If she is really at the correct math level and has demonstrated math ability, she should be able to do it on her own. Math should not be torture.

Answer 3

I am a secondary school principal, this I what I would do for my children and what I would recommend to a parent.

Work with a tutor first, but don't pressure her. Guessing at her age may mean that she was not confident about the answers. Most middle schools have an after school program that target math, or go to a local college and ask a professor in the math department for a god student tutor, also sylvan learning center is a good option. Moving her backwards would be my last option, as it would probably be too simple and she would get board which is likely to lead to behavior problem and/or a lack of motivation.

Answer 4

If it's difficult for her, it's probably moving at too quick of a pace and/or she missed something when she "jumped." Ask her what she wants to do--if she really wants to stick it out, then get her some extra help in math, like a tutor or ask the teacher for extra sheets you can help her on. If she's not willing to make the extra effort, however, then put her back into the regular class.

Answer 5

she should go back to her average math level, unless she asks for help, talk to her teacher and see what she can do to improve her grades, also have her go to tutoring with the teacher afterschool or before (whenever its best for her) or have her and her friends make a study group to help each other out with their homework

Answer 6

get her back to her own level. The work is clearly becoming more difficult and maybe now it has finally caught up with her. If she performs beyond her class then great. better than falling behind and destroying her self-confidence by taking on too much too soon.

Answer 7

Grades are irrelevant. Who cares about friends, does she like math?

Answer 8

She should talk with her teacher first, but she really should be studying at a level she is comfortable with.
If she is too nervous to talk with her teacher, then maybe you can.