[rbg81]

Lots of kids can’t do math & science. It’s horrible when you force a kid to take classes they’re not qualified to take. Like a deer in the headlights.

[grania]

Sometimes a smart strategic move is for a student to put off Algebra 1 until Grade 9. With a real solid background up to that point they can ace everything that comes their way in HS. The only reason to have Algebra in Grade 8 is so Calculus can be taken in HS. Not everyone needs Calculus, even those going into STEM programs.

This article states that some of the minority students repeating Algebra 1 scored higher than those not held back. I'd like to know why...class grades, student choice, perhaps an unwillingness to complete course work in summer school.

I don't like articles such as this. The author is assuming the premise that Calculus in HS is preferable to a mastery level of the basics.