My understanding of the MS/HS CC math sequence is similar to yours, bluemagic. It really does help to understand the standards and how they've changed before flying off the handle about changed sequences!
They might want a compacted 7/8th/Algebra I course.
My DD went through CCM 7 and 8 and is now in Algebra I. The pacing is deathly slow, and while they keep telling us that this Algebra I course is Really Advanced and incorporates concepts that I would have learned in Algebra II, I am so far Not Impressed. I have distinct memories of hurriedly solving quadratic equations on Halloween before going out ToTing. DD is expected to see these in March. I see no AlgII topics in her scope and sequence document, with the exception of maybe using matrix algebra to solve systems of linear equations.
Now the compacted sequence is another story at least in my district. 7/8/Alg I is being offered now as a 2 year class (introduced after DD had completed CCM7). As common core is cast as being something that goes deeper into each topic and does not spiral, the teachers are having each kid to every lesson and every problem in the courses, teaching themselves an extra lesson each weekend, and doing several over each school break. I'm currently in discussion with the district about how to alter this so that it is more appropriate to gifted kids instead of just driven kids. As it stands, DS8 will not be taking that compacted sequence next year despite qualifying for it because he will not be able to retain his love of math in that environment.
I think the basic upshot is that it's going to take schools a few years to see what teaching these standards looks like in the classroom for their students. I predict we'll start seeing more pathways through MS and HS math as the schools develop and adapt their curricula.
