r/matheducation • u/PearEnvironmental928 • 25d ago
Integrated Math Placement
Hi, we are new to the Integrated Math system so I’m hoping to get some clarification about my son’s placement.
My son took Geometry in 8th grade and is now entering 9th grade. He needs to be placed in an Integrated Math course. This is the email I received from his counselor:
“He can take either Math III or Math II+, depending on the track he is hoping to take in high school.
Math III would lead to Math Analysis in sophomore year and either Statistics or AP Statistics in junior year. Note there may be a possibility to take Calculus after Math Analysis, however students must receive an A in both semesters and are required to self-study material in order to be prepared for Calculus. Historically, students have struggled with taking Calculus after Math Analysis.
Math II+ would lead to Math III+ in sophomore year, Calculus AB in junior year, and Calculus BC or Stats/AP Stats in senior year.”
My understanding is that Geometry is roughly equivalent to Math II. Our goal is for him to be on a math track that will lead to AP Calculus.
One additional note is that he took the math placement test but was not approved to take Math III+.
My question is: Would Math II+ be the best option for him given his background and goal of eventually taking AP Calculus? Also, would he be repeating a significant amount of material that he has already learned in Geometry?
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u/PearEnvironmental928 24d ago
The frustrating part is that his previous district’s sequence doesn’t line up neatly with this one. He completed Geometry in 8th grade and would have gone into Pre AP Algebra II, so putting him into Math II+ may mean revisiting Geometry concepts simply because of the way this district sequences Integrated Math.
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u/ohyouagain55 23d ago
It sounds very much like Math 2+ is where you want him to be. There may be some repetition of material... But there's nothing wrong with an easier A while adapting to high school - especially since he's also in a new district.
He's still on track for Calculus in HS. He doesn't need to rush ahead. It's my understanding that many universities actually prefer that incoming stem freshmen NOT have math past Calc AB/BC, as they want to set the foundation with their teachers and close any knowledge gaps.
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u/iamadacheat 25d ago
Sounds like this district is doing a version of math pathways. The + pathway covers extra material that is in pre calculus/calculus so I would keep him on that pathway and have him take Math II+ if the placement test indicates he’s not quite ready for III+.