Originally Posted by Cocopandan
1. Do we want our son to continue working independently in math, or do we want him in a class? She thinks that there is so much to be gained in a classroom. Ideally, of course we want him in a class, but it means we need to slow down now and review more pre-algebra.
This is not a logical conculsion. I agree that in a class is better than independent work 'all things being equal' - however, being in a class so far below the readiness level isn't 'all things being equal.'
As for 'slowing him down' - if you can find other kinds of Math to interest him with (or skip Math all together) - that's fine, but it's not ok to place a kid in a room with no chance for learning.

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2. Once he is accelerated in math, he will stay on that path. Later in high school, we cannot decelerate him. He will stay with the high achievers in HS. She thinks that taking higher math class in college is much better than in HS, esp. since, hopefully, it will be taught by better instructor in college.

If these thoughts are even logically linked, then it's really questionable if in fact the instructors are better in college. If you need to decelerate him, you will find a way.

[quote] Even if we slow him down and have him take Algebra 1 in 6th grade, there is no guarantee that he will be able to do it in a class next year. There will be plenty of scheduling issues to resolve. His school doesn't offer Algebra 1 in the 1st period when all the 6th graders are doing math. Algebra 1 is only offered during the period when 7th and 8th graders are taking math. To complicate matters, he currently is going to 8th grade science and we really want him to continue working with this teacher. There is a chance that we will have to choose which math or science.
Personally I think the science is harder to replace or do independently than the math at this level. As you point out, a full gradeskip would solve a lot of problems. Since your son doesn't have 2E issues, has good processing speed, and working memory and is HG or PG, I wouldn't worry about missing the bridge year. Or they could re-arrange the schedule for him - that doesn't sound like so much to ask.
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With whole-grade acceleration, it may be easier to accommodate both science and math. We have purchased the Iowa Acceleration Manual and have done the calculation ourselves. Based on his score, he is a good candidate for acceleration except for the fact that 6th grade is transition year from elementary to middle school. Fortunately, it is in the same school (it's K-8). On the other hand, he's happy with his current friends and if given a choice, he would definitely want to stay with them.
There are a lot of ways to slice this dilemma. Several 'not so bad' choices. I would push the school on the Math - perhaps independent study with APS if they are hot to keep him on his age track. I would also ask, politely, if they can do a schedule swap so your son can do science AND math.
I think that part of the key question is if you son is challenged in at least some of his classes. The fit doesn't have to be perfect, but it has to be 'good.'

Best Wishes,
Grinity

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