The Worst Part of K-12 Math

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The worst part of K–12 math?

6th through 8th grade.

Kids finish arithmetic in elementary school.

But many don’t move on to Algebra 1 until high school.

Even when they’re ready sooner.

Those 3 years could take them so much further.

If you teach efficiently, require mastery, and let kids move on when they’re ready, NOT according to their age…

You’ll see that kids are capable of so much more.

Many honors students can finish all of high school math by the end of 8th grade.

Not by doing extra math.

Just by not wasting 3 years.

I know that sounds crazy, but it’s what we did in our original school program.

Normal honors 6th graders.

50 minutes of math per schoolday.

Maximally efficient instruction.

AP Calculus BC by 8th grade.

Further reading:

• The Worst Segment of the K-12 Mediocrity
• What Happens When Middle School is Put to Good Use

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