www.mbgsd.org John Althouse Supervisor of Secondary Math 717-691-4560 x7733 jalthouse@mbgsd.org www.mbgsd.org

Two benchmarks/PVAAS Orleans Hanna Algebra Prognosis Test 37 out of 50 possible points Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test 45 out of 60 possible points State PVAAS Projections

What math class should my child take next year? 6th Grade Math Pre-Algebra Algebra 1

What math class should my child take next year? 6th Grade Math Pre-Algebra Algebra 1   Operations with Whole Numbers, Fractions and Decimals Rational Numbers & The Coordinate Plane Geometry Algebraic Expressions Equations & Inequalities Rates and Ratios Statistics: Collection, Display and Data Interpretation Integers and Exponents Rational and Real Numbers Collecting, Displaying, and Analyzing Data Plane Geometry Perimeter, Area, and Volume Ratios and Similarity Percents Probability Equations and Inequalities Graphing Lines A Preview of Algebra The Rules of Algebra Signed Numbers Working With Equations Working With Inequalities Graphing Formulas and Functions Systems of Equations Exponents and Radicals Polynomials Quadratics

Current 5th Graders

Current 6th graders

Benefits of Advancing More appropriately challenged Allows for other options in high school Can stay ahead of math in sciences

Drawbacks to Advancing Math becomes stressful Locking your child into taking our most challenging courses Research shows that anxiety towards math can develop if misplaced

Comments from teachers Students aren’t putting in the extra time and effort on harder homework. Grades can/will be lower than expected. Not everyone gets an “A”. Parents may need to be more involved than before.

Comments from teachers There will be extra work to review “grade-level” material. Students don’t ask for extra help soon enough. Multiple day absences have larger impact.

Other Considerations & Questions Ability to excel in a rigorous and fast-paced environment. Work ethic to meet the demands of an advanced math course. Maturity and organization to remain prepared for above-grade level material. Willingness to seek help from a teacher or outside sources. Commitments to activities outside of school Other pathways to advance in mathematics

Questions? Email: jalthouse@mbgsd.org