In FCPS, seventh grade students normally take one of three math courses:  Algebra 1, Honors Math 7, or Math 7.

To take Algebra 1 in 7th grade, a FCPS sixth grade student must first take the Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test (IAAT) in sixth grade, and do well enough so that FCPS is willing to let them take the 8th grade Math SOL test.  Then they need to score pass advanced on the 8th grade math SOL test.  I say “well enough” on the IAAT because central staff decides every year where to set the bar.  In the last four or five years, they’ve been lowering the bar so that about 1000 students are qualifying.  But about 8 years ago, they raised the bar so high that under 200 sixth grade students qualified to take Algebra 1 in 7th grade.

Sixth grade students who do not do well enough on the IAAT to be allowed to take the 8th grade math SOL typically take the 7th grade math SOL test while they are in sixth grade.  Normally, they’d take Honors Math 7.