My student is interested in taking a summer math course (or perhaps it is my expectation!?!?) at the U.C. Berkeley ATDP (Academic Talent Development Program). ATDP's courses are aligned with the traditional math course sequence (Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2/Trignometry, Precalculus) while Albany High employs an integrated math sequence. If my student wants to do extra math, What ATDP summer course would you suggest that my student take?
Now that schools have transitioned to the new standards, everybody else (i.e. textbook publishers, programs with extracurricular math courses, standardized test writers, college admission offices) is working hard to catch up and get aligned. To find the answer to this question, I emailed the ATDP program with this very question and here is their response:
Thanks for reaching out to us. We've also been challenged with how to best accommodate the changes in Common Core and different math sequences in Bay Area schools. We want to align our math curricula with Common Core wherever feasible.
However, it sounds like your question is more about the math sequence than Common Core alignment. ATDP accelerated math courses follow the traditional sequence: Algebra 1, then Geometry, then Algebra 2/Trigonometry, then Precalculus. With Common Core changes, many schools are switching to an integrated curriculum (Integrated Math 1, then 2, 3, then Precalculus). If you have students following the integrated sequence, we do not recommend that they apply for accelerated math courses at ATDP.
Anticipating these changing needs, we've greatly increased the number and variety of math enrichment courses that can support students in either sequence. In the math department of our SD catalog, refer to the 5-unit courses to find these options.
Part of our challenge is that interest in our accelerated math courses has been waning over the last couple of years. We think this might be related to the declining willingness of principals to certify ATDP courses for credit on the students' high school transcript. I'm aware that Albany doesn't accept credit, though I've heard of students testing up after taking an accelerated course. Hopefully our new enrichment options will provide better opportunities for Albany students.