Radical Math Acceleration Isn’t the Problem

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Some parents worry: if my kid gets really accelerated, really ahead in math, will they have knowledge gaps?

Will it hurt them socially?

What do they do when they run out of math?

Do they just sit there bored?

But thing is, rapid acceleration in math is not bad for kids.

What’s bad is making them wait when they are ready to move on.

And trust me, this road of math goes as far as you want it to go.

The real question, the ONLY question here is: have they mastered the prerequisites?

If a kid knows algebra and geometry, then making them wait just because they’re “too young” for calculus doesn’t somehow protect their development.

All it does is it delays them from reaching their potential.

If they’re ready, then moving quickly lets them spend more time doing something that they’re kinda good at, and that can open up so many incredible opportunities for them.

And we all love doing things that we’re kinda good at and that can earn us some attention, respect, fulfillment. It’s like a fundamental law of human nature.

There’s no evidence that math acceleration is psychologically bad for students who are ready.

The problem is just when you move on before a student has mastered the prerequisites.

If they’ve got their prerequisites in place, then they’re ready.

Further reading: Myths and Realities about Educational Acceleration .

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