Over the past 15 years, increasing middle school student participation in algebra has become a national priority. As President Clinton observed in 1998,”Around the world, middle school students are learning algebra and geometry. Here at home just a quarter of students take algebra before high school.” This nationwide effort has increased middle school student participation in algebra classes dramatically. In 2011, nearly half (47%) of students took algebra or another advanced math class in 8th grade – up from 27% in 2000.

Elite universities expect that students have taken some calculus in high school. If a student starts with basic algebra in 9th grade, he or she has three remaining years to complete Algebra II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry and then Calculus. In addition, many high schools offer statistics as well. Taking algebra in 8th grade opens up an additional year for advanced math in high school.

Research has shown that participation in advanced math in high school is more strongly associated with successful completion of college than any other factor, including GPA and socioeconomic status.

8th Grade Enrollment in Advanced Mathematics Courses, 1990-2011 (NAEP)¹

Chicago Algebra Participation Improves… but Lags the Nation Significantly

In 2003, about one third of 8th grade students nationwide took algebra – in comparison to the City of Chicago’s participation rate of less than 10%. To close the gap in algebra participation and success, the City of Chicago launched The Chicago Algebra Initiative. This effort has shown positive results – however Chicago area 8th graders still significantly lag the nation in their rates of advanced math participation.

Over the past five years, the percent of 8th grade CPS students who took the Algebra Exit Exam doubled from 5% in 2008-2009 to 10% in 2012-2013. In addition, students’ performance on the Exam increased. In 2008-2009 only 39% of students received either a Pass or High Pass. By 2012-2013, this percent climbed to 56%.

Clearly, Chicago is headed in the right direction. However Chicago’s 10% participation rate lags far behind the national rate of 47%.

Algebra Exit Exam Performance, 2008-2013