Paris Andrew, TIP’s Director of Partnerships and Engagement, is here to help gifted students. She used to run the residential programming at TIP’s educational programs, and she is completing a PhD in related areas, so she knows what she’s talking about.
Dear Paris,
In math class, I have already learned by myself (due to reading textbooks) a lot of the material. Class gets boring and whatever the teachers give, I usually already know. The teacher is good but I feel like there is no progress occurring and it’s getting annoying because the school won’t let me take advanced math because of some school policy. What should I do? —Northy, seventh grade
Dear Northy,
I’ll start by saying this is a good problem to have. Mastering coursework means you’ll have success in that particular course. But you, like many of our TIPsters, desire more. If subject-level acceleration is not possible, there are a number of other routes you could consider, whether it be now or in the future when you are older. You can refer to our TIP website to learn more about dual enrollment programs (see the last page of this publication), our online advanced mathematics programs within TIP’s eStudies Program, or perhaps to consider some of Duke TIP’s Summer Studies Programs.
You may also enjoy joining a math club, whether at school or in your community, entering contests that require you to use your mathematical abilities such as MathCounts, asking your teacher for extra credit assignments that challenge you, or exploring free math courses online through reputable sources like Khan Academy.
You will notice a common thread in these suggestions: you are taking control of your math education, instead of waiting to be handed it by a single teacher.
I hope, in the end, that everything adds up for you—no pun intended.
Have a question for Paris? Use our submission form to get the advice you need.
Kylie says
I definitely agree with the MathCounts suggestion! MathCounts kept me sane during math class!