What Happens if You Fail in 8th-grade Math Class? [Consequences and Best Solutions]

If you fail in 8th-grade math, you might still be promoted to the next grade. But you must put in extra effort to catch up on the missed math concepts. On the other hand, if you fail repeatedly in 8th-grade math, your school might ask you to repeat the 8th grade.

If you fail in 8th-grade Math and are held back in class, it might be harder for you to graduate on time. It can also lead to other consequences such as a lower GPA, having to repeat the grade, and having fewer choices for college courses. 

Generally, schools don’t hold students back in middle school unless they fail multiple subjects, including math and English and Math. Additionally, failing in 8th-grade math won’t affect your college admissions. Colleges primarily consider high school grades and credits.

According to NAEP in 2022, the national average for eighth-grade math scores was 274—eight points less than in 2019—for students. Eighth graders’ average reading score was 260, three points less than in 2019.

Probable consequences of failing in 8th-grade math class

The results of the Smarter Balanced test declared that fewer students exceeded standards in math. In math, the percentage of students performing well in math dropped from 40% to 33% from 2019 to 2022. Depending on your school’s policies, these can be the outcome of failing in an 8th-grade math class: 

Repeating math class in the next grade

If you fail in 8th-grade math, then as a consequence you may have to repeat the 8th-grade Math along with your additional subjects in 9th grade.

You’ll need to understand the math concepts you failed to grasp, practice the formulas, and pass the assessments while continuing your 9th grade.

Some schools have a limit on how many subjects you can repeat. You can repeat the failed subjects in the next class only if you have failed in 2 or 3 subjects. Or else, you’ll be asked to repeat the whole 8th grade.

For example, if you just failed Math and Physics, you may not need to repeat the 8th grade. You can just revise the 8th-grade Math and Physics concepts alongside the 9th-grade.

🎉Here is complete 8th-grade math curriculum: What is 8th-grade math? [Your Complete Math Guide]

Repeating a Grade 

If a student is failing in one or more of the subjects in 8th grade, such as math, English, or science, then they’ve to repeat 8th grade to master the subjects. 

Repeating a grade can be a stressful experience. However, it can provide an opportunity to develop the mathematical skills that will be beneficial in high school math.

Summer school 

Summer school is a special program offered during the summer break to help students catch up on their studies or progress in their subjects. Therefore if you fail in 8th-grade math you can attend summer school to solidify your mathematical skills during the summer holidays.

Summer school is a more rigorous program than regular classes because the students need to cover an entire year’s worth of material in a significantly shorter timeframe. Despite its intensity, summer school can be a valuable tool for students who need to catch up academically or recover from a failed course. It can help them get back on track with their studies and stay on course to graduate on time.

Summer school programs can be offered in various formats, including online, in-person, or a combination of both. These programs typically last for 4-8 weeks, but some may extend up to 12 weeks. The specific length and format of a summer school program may vary depending on the subject being covered, the student’s needs, and the availability of resources. Ultimately, your school teachers decide whether or not you’ve learned your concepts properly.

Lower GPA 

A low GPA in 8th-grade math will reduce your overall GPA in 8th grade. Nonetheless, getting a low GPA in 8th grade doesn’t have major drawbacks because it doesn’t affect your academics or college admissions. However, if you have a weak foundation in 8th-grade math, it will be difficult for you in the future to proceed with high-school math 

😃 It is best to go through these 8th-grade math tips to ensure a better GPA in 8th-grade math.

Nothing will happen

Not all schools will hold you back a grade if you fail math in middle school. This is because every school has its own policies and criteria for the students.

Some schools are more stringent and may not promote you to the next grade or make you attend summer school if you fail. However, other schools may let you move on to the next grade even if you fail, but they may hold you back if you fail again.

What to do if you fail a math class in 8th grade?

What to do if you fail in 8th-grade math depends on your future goals and learning needs. 

If you want to strengthen 8th-grade math concepts-

Consider summer schools. If you fail in 8th-grade math, your school may offer summer school to help you regain your confidence and grasp your mathematical skills. It gives students a chance to cover missed material, strengthen and acknowledge their mathematical skills, and get back on track with their grade level. Remember,

• Summer school assists you to improve mathematical concepts and strengthen your problem-solving skills. Furthermore, this will make you more confident, and in future or high school, it will enhance your math abilities.
• Mathematical concepts that are taught in 8th- grade are the prime foundation of high-school math. Therefore, it’s important to have a strong foundation in 8th-grade math before moving on to high school. Summer school can help you fill in any gaps in your knowledge and ensure you’re ready for the challenges of high school math. 

In the long run, if you do well in your high school math, you will graduate on time. You may even prepare for AP, SAT, ACT in high school or STEM courses in college.

If you want to improve your GPA-

Although summer schools help you fill knowledge gaps and master the concepts, they don’t help you improve your GPA. To improve your overall GPA, you will have to repeat the grade and all subjects taught in the 8th grade of your school.

Prevent failing an 8th-grade math class

As mentioned earlier, math is a foundational subject that builds upon itself. If you have a weak foundation in 8th-grade math concepts, you will probably struggle to understand the mathematical concepts taught in high school. 

With proper dedication, effort, and strategies, you can overcome this challenge and succeed in your math studies. Here are some effective tips to avoid failing a math class in 8th grade:

✅Talk to your teacher and school counselor.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance from your math teacher. With the help of additional support, you may easily clarify concepts, provide personalized attention, and boost your understanding. Furthermore, talk to your school counselor about the problems you’re facing while studying math.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions to your teacher if you don’t understand something. Clarifying doubts will clear out your confusion and ensure you grasp the concept fully.

Remember with the proper guidance provided by your teacher and school counselor you might succeed in improving your math skills.

✅ Get help from a private math tutor.

Yes, perhaps the traditional classroom lessons are not enough for you. Or, you need a teacher who can dedicate the desired time and attention to give you personalized lessons. 

Getting 1-on-1 help from 8th-grade math tutors is better than studying in a group if you have a weak foundation in math.

You can find excellent 1-on-1 middle school math lessons at Wiingy, an online tutoring platform that offers personalized math lessons from top-vetted tutors. With Wiingy, you can choose your own tutors, and their private online classes start at just $28 per hour. 

Besides, the first session is complimentary so you can take a free trial of their tutoring service. What’s best is, that you need not purchase long-term packages. For example, if you need just one hour from the tutor, book r just 1 lesson and pay only for that.

✅Pay attention in class.

Success in 8th-grade math requires active participation and engagement in class. By paying attention and actively participating, you can improve your understanding of the material, grasp concepts more effectively, and enhance your overall learning experience. 

For example, ignore any kind of distraction when you’re in class. Turn your phone in silent mode or switch off your phone and put it away while you’re in class. 

Avoid engaging in side conversations or activities that can divert your attention from the lesson. Don’t chit-chat with your classmates while the teacher is teaching something. 

✅ Complete Assignments on Time.

To make up for a failed math class you need to complete your math assignments on time. It will keep you updated with the curriculum, master the skills, and achieve success in the subject.

Don’t keep your assignments and work pending for the last. Begin working on them as soon as they are assigned so that you’ve enough time for understanding, problem-solving, and seeking help if needed.

If you feel overwhelmed with assignments and want additional help navigating, private tutoring can help you meet assignment deadlines easily. It will also help you with time management skills, critical thinking, and research abilities.

✅ Set Realistic Goals.

Make your goals specific, realistic, and measurable. Then, break down your large goals into smaller, more manageable steps. This will help you achieve the goal more easily and provide a clear path for progress. Afterward, once you succeed, evaluate your goals and make adjustments as needed. 

For example, Instead of saying “I want to improve my math skills,” set a specific goal like “I want to understand the concept of solving linear equations by the end of the month.”

✅Practice Regularly.

Practicing math regularly is extremely crucial for succeeding in 8th-grade math and mastering mathematical concepts. Dedicate your time wisely so that you can review your notes, work on problem sums, and seek help when needed.

✅ Take running notes for math.

Always note down the important formulas or concepts which are taught or explained in the class. Jot down all the necessary formulas and important sums neatly when the teachers discuss them in class. 

🙌Find excellent 8th-grade Math Resources to prepare your 8th-grade math lessons.

🔎Recommended Reading 🤓 Is 8th-grade Math Hard? [A Must Read For Middle Schoolers]

Key Takeaways

Failing math in 8th grade can be a setback, but it doesn’t have to define your academic journey. Also, failing a math class in 8th grade doesn’t mean you won’t be able to move on to the next grade. Most likely, you will be promoted and will only have to repeat the math class. This means you’ll be learning the same math material again while taking other classes.

Remember:

• Failing a class in middle school might lower your GPA, but it won’t affect your chances of getting into college. 
• Taking summer school can help you get back on track with your math skills and catch up with the material you missed. 
• If you fail in more than one subject, you might have to stay in the same grade and repeat the year.
• Getting help from a professional 8th-grade math tutor can give you personalized attention and support to help you improve in 8th-grade math.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)