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Demand Reversal

As a parent of two 7th-grade algebra and Advanced Placement (AP) math students, I am writing this letter pursuant to the Guilford Board of Education's decision to terminate 7th grade algebra.

Individuals who were present at a recent community forum regarding support of high-achieving students report that the decision was presented as a done deal. The official meeting minutes disclose the administration's argument that increased rigor in all math classes resulting from pushing 9th-grade algebra concepts down into 7th- and 8th-grade classes will somehow replace 7th-grade algebra.

It took years to develop an advanced math program that began in 7th grade and continued through senior year in the high school, and its track record is strong. It is extremely unlikely that the alteration of curriculum to push math concepts to lower grades will fill the void of 7th-grade algebra for students headed for advanced study. The school system has produced no evidence that its alternative will equal or improve upon the successful 7th-grade algebra class and instead offers only a raw experiment.

All parents of graduated math, science, or humanities AP students and parents with students likely to be enrolled in advanced study should voice opposition to and demand reversal of this unfortunate decision. Those who seek to dismantle advanced studies should be concerned about parents voting with their feet and sending their children to alternative schools, which will make the Guilford school system less competitive within its District Reference Group.

Dirck GossGuilford