My DS8 and the kids in his class work at their levels, which has most of the class about a grade level up. The teacher uses the detailed MAP results to identify areas of strength and weakness and gives additional materials and support as needed. DS is self-instructing with minor support as possible from the teacher in algebra and some geometry.
I don't know what the pathways question means.
The pre-algebra exposure in first was my speaking to the more hypothetical aspect of the op. But DS did hands on equations the summer after first. He also watches calculus videos and gets the basic concepts and looks forward to building towards using it, but knws there are amny skills between here and there. Which was the whole point of saying some kids can do with further out concepts, becuase their brains work towards them.
