Algebra I at PHMS Answers to Frequently Asked Questions Who? What? Why? When?

Selection Process Who? Hanna-Orleans Algebra Prognosis Test (Test has lessons to read and 50 problems to complete in 35 minutes without calculator.) prefer score ≥ 40 Percentile Rank (add test raw score and grade points) prefer percentile > 80 NWEA Percentile Rank prefer percentile ≥ 70

Selection Process Who? Semester One GPA prefer GPA ≥ 3.5 Teacher Recommendation (from current math teacher)

Who? Statistics from Hanna Orleans Best results

Algebra I at PHMS What? High school curriculum Same program as BHS More rigorous course (we cover lessons BHS skips)

Students should: What? Strive for understanding (not rote learning) Learn principles of algebra (not guess & check) Study for tests in advance (study several nights)

What? Students should: Participate in class math is not a spectator sport Complete homework learn by doing Have good attendance

What? Students should: Show work mistakes are easier to identify for clarification Ask for assistance help is available before or after school

Parent Considerations Mathematical maturity of student (sees mathematical relationships quickly) Academic focus of student (strives to understand vs. just tell me the answer)

Parent Considerations Study skills & habits (willingly completes homework) Extra curricular activities (algebra + music + sports + church + clubs = time management) Absences (cover lesson/day = request homework)

Student Considerations Challenging curriculum (schedule does not change for extra curricular activities) Homework quantity (20-30 problems/night)

Student Considerations Grades (not everyone earns an A) 8th Grade Math Lessons (You will be assigned multiple Digit lessons to work on your own time to meet the 8th grade standards that are not in the algebra curriculum)

Good Reasons Love math Why? Abstract Thinker Career requires calculus Ready for a challenge

Why? Good Reasons Any student that wants to enroll in honors physical science as a freshman at BHS must concurrently enroll in geometry.

7/1/2019 Poor Reasons Why? Friends Are Taking It (strains relationship when grades differ) Parents Want It (strains relationship when ability doesn’t match expectations) Prestige

What if unsuccessful? 80% minimum 1st quarter (expectation for success) Algebra teacher will contact parents to discuss student math placement. Regular 8th grade math (requires schedule change) Repeat Algebra I at BHS (BHS requires 80% or higher 2nd semester at PHMS)

Next Steps Discuss with current math teacher by phone or email Discuss with student Notify PHMS by March 21st, 2019 (send note or call or email)

Information provided by PHMS math department Spring 2019