7th Grade Parent Seminar: Middle School Math

Purpose & Goals… Share information about middle school math including standards and benchmarks Offer information about 8th grade math options and criteria for placement Review different math pathways through Arcadia HS and beyond Provide suggestions for helping students at home Answer questions and address concerns

7th Grade Math Challenges for students Current program Focus on Pre-Algebra Program is standards-aligned Textbook Benchmarks CST Challenges for students

Monitoring Progress Evidence of learning: In class response to checking for understanding Review of class work Review of homework Math tests and quizzes District Benchmark Assessments (3) California Standards Test (Math CST) MDTP Algebra Readiness Test

Is your child ready for algebra? Are his/her basic skills strong, particularly in fractions? Does he/she have a firm grasp of math academic vocabulary? Does he/she understand functions and equations? Is there a comfortable approach to solving word problems? Is he/she confident? How do you know?

Four Options for 8th Grade Math Algebra 1 Algebra Honors 2-Year Algebra (Algebra 1GA) Geometry (students must have completed Algebra 1)

Indicators: 8th Grade Math Placement Multiple Criteria All students have access to Algebra 1 CST Math Target Scores Benchmark Target Scores Algebra Readiness Assessment, by Strand Teacher Recommendation (Grades)

Algebra 1 vs Algebra Honors Same standards Same textbook Same CST Meets graduation requirement Stepping stone to Geometry and Alg 2 Instruction is scaffolded to meet the needs of all students Benchmarks are multiple choice (ALS) Intervention support available Peer tutoring Faster pace More complex problems Open-ended Benchmark tests (AUSD) Students should not require tutoring Supplemental text

Algebra 1G Series 8th Grade 1 year course Review of pre algebra foundational skills First ½ of Algebra 1 Slower pace Scaffolded lessons, conceptual focus Guided support 9th Grade 2 semesters (Alg 1GB and Alg 1GC) Review of foundational algebra skills Completes Algebra 1 graduation requirement Same textbook

What is the Traditional pathway through mathematics at Arcadia High School?

What is the Honors track through mathematics at Arcadia High School?

What is the Accelerated track through mathematics at Arcadia High School?

What if my student is better suited for the 2-year Algebra program?

Top 5 Ways To Help Your Student 5. Show your child how to be organized. 4. Urge your child to listen and participate in class. 3. Help your child tackle assignments and check work for accuracy. 2. Encourage your child to ask for help when help is needed 1. Support a positive relationship between home and school.

That’s all folks… any questions?