Algebra in 8th Grade

A growing number of 8th graders are taking algebra. In fact, having students take algebra in 8th grade has been made a national priority as part of an effort to increase the math proficiency of American students in comparison with their international counterparts. According to the NAEP (National Association of Educational Progress), the percentage of U.S. 8th grade students enrolled in algebra has grown dramatically from 16% in 1986 to 34% in 2008. Approximately 33% of Illinois 8th graders are taking Algebra.

The 3,538 CPS students who took the Algebra Exit Exam last year (2009-2010) represent about 10% of the total population of CPS 8th graders. This percentage is only about one third of the percent of 8th graders enrolled in algebra either statewide or nationally. Additionally, it is not clear that all eligible CPS 8th graders took the Algebra Exit Exam.

Performance on the Algebra Exit Exam

Over the past several years, both the number of students taking the test and the percentage passing the test has increased. During this past year (2009-2010), the percent of students achieving a "high pass" doubled to 16% and the number of students increased by about 13%. The chart below summarizes recent student performance on the Algebra Exit Exam.

Algebra Exit Exam Performance, 2007-2010