Would an accelerated course hurt academics?

In summary, the district has finally opened up the option to us of taking a summer course (not remedial) in order to get ahead a level, and if you take a math class over the summer, you will be given a math placement test at the end to see if you will stay on track with the rest of the peopl who didn't take the course, or go ahead and go onto the next level.
  • #1
Ki Man
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My school district has finally opened up the option to us of taking a summer course (not remedial) in order to get ahead a level, and if you take a math class over the summer, you will be given a math placement test at the end to see if you will stay on track with the rest of the peopl who didn't take the course, or go ahead and go onto the next level

(example, the order goes algebra 1, geometry, algebra 2/trig, pre calculus, calculus Ab, calc BC etc. if i were in algebra one and i took geometry over the summer and passed the exam, i would be put into algebra 2 when school starts after summers end.)

I am in geometry this year, and I want to take algebra 2 honors with trigonometry over the summer, so that way I will be in Pre-Calculus once school begins, but I've heard rumors of skiping algebra 2/trig hurting your SAT, and the grade you get over this accelerated course goes on your transcript. I'm good at math, i have a great understanding, i just don't notice things at time and that's my main fault



I plugged in some numbers, and the summer program is a 5 day-week, 6 week long course with 5 and a half hours in class (just that one subject). It turns out that even when you ignore short days of the regular school year and absences from field trips, there is actually about 8+ more hours of in class instruction at the summer course than i would get during the school year, its just more condensed.

What do you guys think. would it be easy to take the accelerated course over the summer, with no other classes to worry about, or not take it like everyone else to be safe?

(didnt intend for this to become an essay... sorry about the long post)

SHORT VERSION OF MY POST: Accelerated summer course available. yes or no? from experience, more helpful or harmful?
 
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  • #2
Well, the helpfurl or harmful thing depends. How fast do you consider your learning style to be? I'm not a fast learner so being told to learn a class in 6 weeks would be harmful for me. Even if it is just one class. If you feel you can handle it then I see no reason not to do it.
 
  • #3
my parents are all for it, and I want to do it not just to get ahead, but this will help allow me to study ahead so i can understand materials of a higher level (the sooner i can understand basic calculus-based physics, the better)
 

1. Would an accelerated course negatively impact students' learning?

While the idea of an accelerated course may seem daunting, research has shown that it does not necessarily have a negative impact on students' learning. In fact, some studies have found that students in accelerated courses may actually perform better academically compared to those in traditional courses.

2. Will an accelerated course lead to burnout or emotional distress for students?

It is understandable to be concerned about the potential for burnout or emotional distress for students in an accelerated course. However, studies have shown that students in accelerated courses generally do not experience higher levels of stress compared to those in traditional courses. Additionally, many accelerated courses are designed with breaks and support systems in place to help prevent burnout.

3. Are accelerated courses only suitable for high-achieving students?

Accelerated courses may have a reputation for being geared towards high-achieving students, but they can actually be beneficial for students of all levels. These courses often have a more rigorous curriculum, which can help students develop critical thinking and time management skills, regardless of their previous academic performance.

4. How do accelerated courses ensure that students fully grasp the material?

One common concern about accelerated courses is whether students will have enough time to fully grasp the material. To address this, many accelerated courses use active learning strategies, such as group work and hands-on activities, to engage students and help them better understand the material. Additionally, these courses often have smaller class sizes, allowing for more personalized attention from the instructor.

5. Will an accelerated course cover the same amount of material as a traditional course?

It is a common misconception that accelerated courses cover less material than traditional courses. In reality, the same amount of material is typically covered, but at a faster pace. This may require students to be more proactive in their learning and to stay on top of course content, but it does not necessarily mean that less material is being taught.

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