According to the State of California Board of Education when should Algebra 1 be taken?

The State Board of Education positioned Algebra 1 as a 9th grade course when the California State Standards were adopted.

Is it possible to reach Calculus or Statistics by taking Algebra 1 as an 8th or 9th grader?

Yes. Generally students will need to double up on a math course before they enter 12th grade. There are multiple pathways or onramps to achieve the highest level math course, and students can do this at any time during their high school years with the approval of their counselor after having met any prerequisite requirements. Eligible students can also double up in their 8th grade year with the approval of their school principal. 

What does this mean for my 8th grader who was going to take Algebra 1 this year?

Students who took the compaction course last year will be eligible to take Algebra 1 as an 8th grade student this year. 

Why were the math pathways changed and the compaction course is no longer offered?

It is essential our students have a full understanding of the standards at each grade level to succeed in higher level mathematics courses at the high school level. By compacting or accelerating students, there were some areas that were not covered because of the lack of time for instruction. By offering multiple opportunities to access higher level math, all students have the opportunity to do so at multiple levels and they can choose the time when they are ready to do so.