Keep single accelerated math in grades 6 & 7 in the Ithaca City School District

The Ithaca City School District is planning to cut accelerated math in grades 6 and 7. This will make it more difficult for children to take algebra in grade 8. The District claims it wants more children to be able to take algebra in grade 8 but it is eliminating the best path to get there with no plans for alternative paths.

I oppose the plan of the Ithaca City School District to eliminate single accelerated math for grades 6 and 7.

I support ALL families having the option to enroll their students in math classes covering "grade 6" "grade 7" and "grade 8" curriculum in the first two years of middle school, leading up to enrollment in Algebra 1 in year 8. Maintaining some of these classes will not require any more resources than currently provided.

I also support families having the option to choose the proposed "dig deeper" curriculum that covers less pre-Algebra material in more detail and at a slower pace, but not at the expense of the single accelerated classes.

I believe the plan will reduce the number of students who enter Algebra 1 in grade 8.

I believe the plan will increase societal inequality in our district as parents who can afford it will hire math tutors for their children to keep them on the STEM college track. Completion of Calculus is now an expected prerequisite for many competitive schools, especially for students who want to enter STEM fields.