{ Middle School Advanced Math Desoto County Schools Community Meetings

Highlights:  14 standards now taught BEFORE Algebra I  4 standards still taught IN Algebra I  1 standard now taught AFTER Algebra I  2 standards NO LONGER notated in the CCSS OLD MS Algebra I vs. New MS-CCRS Algebra I

 Skip a math course –MS math was repetitive over years.  Take both 8 th grade math and Algebra I state test at end of year - skills based.  High school Algebra credit.  Single period class,(50 minutes) Currently in 8 th grade Algebra I

Current Mississippi Algebra

SATP 3 Next Year’s Mississippi Algebra

Highlights  11 standards currently taught at lower rigor levels  6 standards currently taught in MS Algebra II  4 standards currently taught in MS Pre-calculus  2 standards currently taught in MS Adv. Algebra  1 standard – currently taught in MS Engineering Next Year’s MS Algebra I vs. Current MS Algebra I

 No longer skip a course Students must take two full years of content in one year.  Blocked class period all year This will force some students to choose between electives/sports.  Testing time increases 2 tests per course versus one per course before. (Over 16 hours worth of state assessments – not to include any benchmark assessments throughout the school year.) Offering 8 th grade Algebra I… What are the issues?

Additional Options What is in the best interest of our students?

① Content to cover all of 8 th grade and into concepts in Algebra I.  Less state testing/stress at end of year  Will not have to be a blocked course; therefore, more options for electives/sports/keyboarding, etc. ② Weighted GPA (1.05) - not an option with Algebra I. ③ Carnegie unit, (math credit), for high school. Accelerated 8 th Grade Math

① Content to cover all of 7 th grade and part of 8 th grade.  Will be a blocked course; however, since keyboarding is not offered in 7 th grade, students will still have 2 elective choices. ② Option of Accelerated 8 th grade math the following year. Compacted 7 th Grade Math

#1 Parent Concern How will my child be able to take advanced math courses required by prestigious Universities if they do not take Algebra I until the 9 th grade?  Semester blocks enable high performing students to take two math courses in one year if needed to meet college and University admission requirements.

#2 Parent Concern How will it be determined if my child is placed in an advanced 7 th and/or 8 th grade math course?  90% average for the year in current math class.  Teacher recommendation form  Absences  Grades  Participation  Homework completion  District assessment (cut score to be determined)

{ Parent Feedback and Questions