Elementary Mathematics Montgomery County Public Schools Spring 2016

Welcome

Mathematics Key Messages When students are challenged with a rigorous mathematics program and supported, they meet or exceed the expectations.   Talking Points:

Schools will: Continue instruction using the 4/5 and 5/6 curriculum; Replace selection process with the Elementary Mathematics Articulation Guidance document; and Offer both mathematics curriculum at the local elementary school.

Mathematics Curriculum Grade 4 Mathematics Curriculum Includes Grade 4 mathematics standards Provides opportunities for enrichment Prepares student to successfully complete Algebra 1 by Grade 8 Moves into Grade 5 Mathematics Curriculum the following school year Grade 4/5 Mathematics Curriculum Combines all of the Grade 4 mathematics standards and most of the Grade 5 mathematics standards Prepares students to successfully complete Algebra 1 by Grade 7 Moves into Grade 5/6 Mathematics Curriculum the following school year Talking Points: Grade 4 curriculum offers the opportunity for students to participate in Grade 4 Mathematics Curriculum or the Grade 4/5 Mathematics Curriculum for the 2016-2017 school year. The Grade 4 Mathematics Curriculum: Includes Grade 4 mathematics standards Provides opportunities for enrichment Prepares student to successfully complete Algebra 1 by Grade 8 Moves into Grade 5 Mathematics Curriculum the following school year Grade 4/5 Mathematics Curriculum: Combines all of the Grade 4 mathematics standards and most of the Grade 5 mathematics standards Prepares students to successfully complete Algebra 1 by Grade 7 Moves into Grade 5/6 Mathematics Curriculum the following school year

Grade 4 and Grade 4/5 Mathematics Curricula Content Talking Points: The handout shows the curriculum alignment by weeks and marking period. As you can see the 4/5 Mathematics Curriculum moves at a faster pace in order to cover both the Grade 4 mathematics standards and most of the Grade 5 mathematics standards

Grade 4 Parent Communication Talking Points: This year all parents of current Grade 3 students will receive a letter indicating which mathematics curriculum their child has been recommended to take during the 2016-2017 school year. After receiving the letter, there are no further steps needed to confirm placement recommendation. If families would like the school to reconsider placement they must complete and return the Grade 4 Mathematics Recommendation Review document to the school. The document is part of the parent communication letter that will go home.

Grade 4 Parent Communication Talking Points: Attached to the letter is also the Grade 4 Mathematics Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document. The FAQ includes additional information about the mathematics recommendations, next steps and the pathways.

Mathematics Pathways Talking Points: In Grade 4- Students that move into the Grade 4 Mathematics Curriculum will continue to receive enrichment in mathematics. Students will also be well prepared to be successful in Algebra 1 in Grade 8. Students will be expected to complete 1 year of Advanced Placement coursework in Grade 12. The MCPS curriculum is designed for all students to reach the goal of success in Algebra 1 or higher by grade 8, and there will be options in every elementary and middle school for students to reach courses beyond Algebra 1 by grade 8.

Mathematics Pathways Talking Points: If a student moves into the Grade 4/5 Mathematics Curriculum the student will be expected to move into the Grade 5/6 Mathematics Curriculum the following school year and Algebra 1 in Grade 7. Students will be expected to complete 2 years of Advanced Placement coursework in Grade 11 and Grade 12. The MCPS curriculum is designed for all students to reach the goal of success in Algebra 1 or higher by grade 8, and there will be options in every elementary and middle school for students to reach courses beyond Algebra 1 by grade 8.

Areas to Consider Current student data Rigor of the course Grade level enrichment opportunities Mathematics pathway High school graduation requirement (4 years of math) Talking Points: Mathematics Pathway Mathematics Curriculum provides opportunities for enrichment and rigor Kindergarten through Grade 12 Both pathways ensure your child is well prepared to successfully complete Algebra 1. MCPS goal is to have students successfully complete Algebra 1 by Grade 8. Students in the first pathway will be expected to move in to an Advanced Placement Mathematics course in Grade 12 Students in the second pathway will be expected to move into an Advanced Placement Mathematics courses in Grade 11 and Grade 12 All student must enroll in a mathematics course in each year of high school that the student attends

Questions