Fairfax County Public Schools presented an update on an Algebra Power Up summer program during the Aug. 28 board meeting, reporting that the three‑week program served roughly 700 rising eighth graders and used AVID instructional strategies, manipulatives and focused note‑taking to accelerate readiness for Algebra 1.

The nut graf: the district said the program is part of a broader strategy to increase access and success in Algebra 1 by eighth grade — a course often considered a gatekeeper for later academic and career opportunities — and that enrollment in Algebra 1 or higher for eighth graders rose to about 74–75 percent this year.

Superintendent Dr. Reed and academic staff described the program as a targeted intervention for students who mastered seventh‑grade content and who came from schools with lower prior enrollment in Algebra I. The division said AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) strategies — writing, inquiry, collaboration and organization — were embedded in lessons to strengthen executive functioning and student agency. Teachers and administrators emphasized hands‑on materials and small‑group instruction; an instructional video shown to the board included student testimony about increased confidence and participation.

Board members praised the program and asked for budget and scale details. Several board members requested the program's per‑student budget and whether any students were placed on waiting lists. Staff said the program drew students from multiple feeder schools across three hub sites and that no students were left on a waiting list; procurement and budget staff will provide the specific budget number in follow‑up materials. The superintendent said the program was funded from the achievement gap‑closing fund and that staff plan additional supports throughout the year to sustain gains.

Ending: FCPS said it will continue to monitor program outcomes across the school year; staff also described efforts to expand Algebra access across middle schools so more students can take advanced math earlier.