Students enrolling in Advanced Algebra this year may notice a significant change in how the course is classified and credited. Ridgeview High School has updated its math curriculum by removing the GPA boost from Honors Advanced Algebra and reclassifying the course as GATE Advanced Algebra. Understanding why this decision was made is important for students to know navigating advanced course options.
It is crucial for students to know how courses are classified when planning their math curriculum for college. Kimberly Halbrook teaches honors Math Analysis, GATE advanced Algebra, and college prep advanced Algebra. Halbrook states the issue with honors Advanced Algebra being classified as honors is because, “According to the district, colleges like UCs and CSUs will not accept honors classes unless you’ve already had the three years leading up.” This clarification helps students and parents understand how this conflict on the advanced course was evaluated for college admissions. The change was made essentially based upon what universities are accepting, with this students at Ridgeview High School can choose their math classes to fit what colleges are looking for. For a class to be considered honors, Halbrook states, “You had to have three years of math and then the classes beyond those three years would be considered honors”. This policy also highlights the importance of completing foundational math courses before enrolling in honors level classes, ensuring that students meet the criteria set by universities.
Alexa Sanders is a sophomore at Ridgeview High School currently enrolled in GATE Advanced Algebra. Sanders recently became aware of this change and feels, “The workload as well as expectations of the class haven’t changed. I’m putting in the same effort they did to be in a more advanced class”. This suggests that the removal of the GPA boost does not necessarily reflect a change in the level of effort required from students. By the level of rigour remaining the same students can better excel when they take honors level courses such as honors math analysis.
When discussing the shift from Honors to GATE Advanced Algebra without the GPA boost, students have reflected on how this aligns with expectations for college applications. Emily Domingo is a junior at Ridgeview High School and expresses she understands, “why the school made this decision since colleges won’t accept the GPA boost, and it makes sense to align grading with college expectations. At the same time, it does feel a little different not having the extra recognition for the work we put in, but overall I see the reasoning behind it”. This response emphasizes how students are noticing the change in policy, even if it does not alter the content or expectations of the course. The removal of the GPA boost may shift how students view the course, but it does not appear to diminish their effort or commitment to learning.
Eliminating the GPA boost from Honors Advanced Algebra to GATE Advanced Algebra reflects a decision to align course grades with college acceptance standards. While this adjustment does not seem to affect students’ effort or engagement, it may influence how they perceive the course and make academic decisions. Overall, students continue to approach the class with their personal goals and college preparation in mind, demonstrating adaptability to policy changes.
