Algebra I is described as a gateway course because students typically need to pass Algebra I before moving on to high level math and science courses. A typical math course sequence would start with Algebra I and continue with Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus. Students who pass Algebra I in 8th grade will likely have the opportunity to take Calculus before they graduate – a prerequisite for college STEM majors and careers.

• A Leak in the STEM Pipeline: Taking Algebra Early (ed.gov)

• Algebra: Not "If" but "When" (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics )

• Advanced Math in Eighth Grade (Brookings Institute)

• Why is Algebra so important? (Great Schools)

Source: https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/district.aspx?districtid=19022089004&source=trends&source2=eighthgraderspassingalgebrai

8th Grade Students Passing Algebra I over 6 years