Who takes Algebra in 8th grade?
Who takes algebra in 8th grade,
and why is it important?
Algebra is widely considered to be a “gatekeeper” course, not only for other math courses, but also as a predictor of academic success. Research shows that students who take math courses in high school beyond Algebra 2 are much more likely to go to college and graduate. Knowledge of higher-level math is also important for STEM fields, health careers, and jobs in the trades.
When students take and pass Algebra I in 8th grade, they have room in their schedules for advanced math classes in high school. Last year, the number of PPS students in grades 6-8 who had taken algebra by the end of 8th grade increased compared to the previous year. However, in 2021-22, that number represented only 26% of students across the district’s K-8, 6-8, and 6-12 schools.
Who takes algebra by the end of 8th grade? The graph below shows the percentage of students in each subgroup who took algebra by the end of 8th grade. (Percentages include students who took algebra as 6th or 7th graders.) The arrows indicate that compared to 2020-21, percentages increased for every group except Hispanic students, which remained the same.
How does it look by school?
In 7 PPS schools that have 6th through 8th grades, no students took algebra last year. Other schools ranged from 7 to 60 students taking algebra. The graph on the left shows the relationship between students’ economic disadvantage and whether they had taken algebra by 8th grade.
Schools where students took algebra, despite high levels of economic disadvantage, include Sunnyside PreK-8 and South Brook 6-8.
What parents/guardians can do
If you have a child in grades 6 or 7, ask whether the school offers algebra in 8th grade. If the answer is yes, ask which students can take it, and if your child is eligible. If the answer is no, ask why it isn’t offered. (Contact us if you need help with this conversation, or for next steps if you are told your child is not eligible or your school doesn’t offer the course.)
If your child needs a tutor, visit bit.ly/Request-A-Tutor to complete a form and we will respond. We can connect you to a high quality tutor who fits your child’s needs.