Calgary family negotiates NO homework for kids

[bcb]

Originally Posted by redforever

Being in applied math does not mean that they require more homework to bring them up to snuff. It also does not imply that they do not have the so called smarts to be in the pure math program. It merely means they are not in the highest stream pure math program because it will not be useful to whatever career path they have chosen. In other words, they will not be entering any post secondary program that has pure math as a requirement.

Those taking applied math instead of pure math will still get their grade 12 matriculation diploma upon graduation.

Kids taking math 10A generally got between 50-69% in grade 9 math. Even if a math-related profession is not on the horizon, if they are able, kids will take (and parents usually insist they take) Math 10P.

Of course you can still graduate with the applied stream, but it generally excludes you from taking science-related post secondary programs. Most kids and parents don't want to limit possibilities in grade 10.

Kids in the applied program often have learning disabilities in the area of math. Having kids work through math problems is not busy work, rather kids with math disabilities need repetition to learn the concepts.

I can confidently say that in a class of 30 applied 10's, every single one requires between 6-10 problem sets (after teacher instruction) to fully grasp the concept.

If kids have to take some of that work home, and if parents label that 'busy work', SO BE IT.

[bcb]

Originally Posted by 18flames

I was not accepted into pure math because of my lack of marks, had 0% on my homework, 96% on my tests and my final mark in my classes would still be 56%.
The school system is definently flawed, if it weren't for exams being worth more then your homework marks I wouldn't have passed.

Was this grade 9 math?

[bcb]

Originally Posted by ma-skis.com

this is quite true, applied and pure are just two different streams with different purposes, doing homework or not doing homework is not a fair indicator of what class they are taking.

Again, kids, if they are able, will take the pure stream.

Applied students generally have math disabilities or weak foundations preventing them from being in the pure stream.

[kootenayguy9]

Originally Posted by bcb

Kids taking math 10A generally got between 50-69% in grade 9 math. Even if a math-related profession is not on the horizon, if they are able, kids will take (and parents usually insist they take) Math 10P.

Of course you can still graduate with the applied stream, but it generally excludes you from taking science-related post secondary programs. Most kids and parents don't want to limit possibilities in grade 10.

Kids in the applied program often have learning disabilities in the area of math. Having kids work through math problems is not busy work, rather kids with math disabilities need repetition to learn the concepts.

I can confidently say that in a class of 30 applied 10's, every single one requires between 6-10 problem sets (after teacher instruction) to fully grasp the concept.

If kids have to take some of that work home, and if parents label that 'busy work', SO BE IT.

As a Grade 10 Math teacher the curriculum is changing next year and students after the Grade 9 year will either go into Math 10 Common or Math 10-3 (or 10-4 if a K&E student)

I just wanted the mention that the 70% to go into Pure Math 10 is simply a guideline. For example if you got 51% in Math 9 you have the RIGHT to go into Pure Math 10 if you can handle it.

The new curriculum is to be more aligned with the Post Secondary School requirements so if you want to go into the -1 stream it is simply designed for the Sciences/Engineering and the -2 is for aligned for Business/Humanities and -3 for the Trades.

[valo403]

Originally Posted by bcb

Again, kids, if they are able, will take the pure stream.

Applied students generally have math disabilities or weak foundations preventing them from being in the pure stream.

I made a conscious decision not to take bio, chem or physics in high school as I had no interest in taking any science related courses in university. I find it hard to believe I'm the only student out there who chose not to take the highest level course offered due to them not being required for my future plans.

[redforever]

Originally Posted by valo403

I made a conscious decision not to take bio, chem or physics in high school as I had no interest in taking any science related courses in university. I find it hard to believe I'm the only student out there who chose not to take the highest level course offered due to them not being required for my future plans.

You probably had parents who supported the decisions you took and never pressured you to take the top stream classes, just in case you know, to "keep your doors open".

Sadly, that is not the case with many students. They get that pressure at home and many can not cope.

[kyuusei]

I also didn't take bio, chem or physics in high school. I took regular grade 11 math when I probably could have done IB (international baccalaureate) math - and opted not to take Math 12 or any grade 12 science for that matter. (My grade 11 science was called earth science - geology, astronomy etc.) At the time I was going to go to a music college so it made sense not to bother. In the end I got somewhat burned because I changed my mind to science later and had to do lots of upgrading to get to university math, chem and physics.

[SebC]

Originally Posted by corporatejay

There is no such thing as homework in University. If you don't do it, and you don't understand, you fail. No one checks.

I don't know what kind of program you did, mine had homework. And whilst there are some projects which needed to be done outside of class time, the stuff where everyone's supposed to end up with the same answer was largely a waste of time.

[corporatejay]

Originally Posted by SebC

I don't know what kind of program you did, mine had homework. And whilst there are some projects which needed to be done outside of class time, the stuff where everyone's supposed to end up with the same answer was largely a waste of time.

I didn't (and don't) want to derail this thread into a debate about what constitutes homework, so let me just go on record as saying I don't consider "assignments" or "papers" homework.

[SebC]

Originally Posted by corporatejay

I didn't (and don't) want to derail this thread into a debate about what constitutes homework, so let me just go on record as saying I don't consider "assignments" or "papers" homework.

Well an assignment can be pretty much anything.