1 Special Evening for Fifth Grade Parents on Math Sequencing Grades 6-12

2 Format for the Meeting A brief review of math sequencing for students Information that will help you guide your child’s math coursework during middle and high school Question &Answer

Course Progression Grade 5Grade 6Grade 7Grade 8 Standard Progression Everyday Math 5 Math 6 Course 1 Math 7 Course 2 Math 8 Course 3 Pre-Algebra Algebra Honors Progression Everyday Math 5 Math 6 Honors Course 2 Gr. 6 & 7 Standards Math 7 Honors Pre- Algebra Gr. 8 Standards Algebra Accelerated Progression via Policy 5123 Accelerated grade 5 Math students Everyday Math 5 & 6 combination OR Everyday Math 6 Math 6 Honors OR Math 7 Honors Algebra Geometry (Honors) 3 Grade 5-8 Math Course Progressions

Selecting a math course – January - letter and middle school registration materials sent to all 5 th grade parents - included scores needed to make math decision February - parents register students for 6 th grade courses - students who received a recommendation letter for Honors 7 are automatically placed in that class and do not need to register for a math class 4

5 Opportunities in Middle School Mathematics Most middle school students will be recommended to enroll in Math 6

Math 6 Course Description Students will master operations with decimals, fractions, and various graphs. Percents, algebraic equations and patterns, measurement, area, volume, symmetry and transformations are all concepts that are further developed with an expected level of mastery. Mathematical connections, problem solving, and representations are an integral part of each lesson. Communication (both written and oral) and proofs are also emphasized and integrated daily. 6

7 Students who meet these criteria are recommended for Math 6 Honors recommended criteria: Grade 4 WKCE Math Scale Score of 500 or above and Grade 5 MAP Math Fall RIT score of 230 or above If you have a question about the course content, contact the middle school guidance counselor. If the question is about how your child learns math, please talk to your child’s 5 th grade teacher.

Math 6 Honors Course Description Honors 6 Math asks students to demonstrate proficiency in grade 6 and 7 outcomes through the use of the 7 th grade text. The pace of instruction in this course is much faster, along with a more rigorous content, than in the grade 6 course. There are fewer repetitions of concepts before mastery of content is expected. This course is designed for students who demonstrate a rapid rate of learning mathematical concepts. In this course students will master Level 6 outcomes plus operations with integers, rates, ratios, geometric concepts with 2-dimensional figures, and probability. Exponents, algebraic relationships and patterns are all concepts that are further developed with an expected level of mastery. Strong problem solving and writing skills are essential for success in this class. Following 5 th grade teacher’s recommendation is strongly encouraged. 8

Math 6 compared to Math 6 Honors 9 Add/Subtract/Multiply/Divide Fractions Math 6 Math 6 Honors Pretest Estimating w/fractions or mixed numbers Estimating sums and differences Add/subtract fractions Add/subtract fractions with like denom. Add/subtract mixed numbers Add/subtract fractions with unlike denom. Review Review Quiz Quiz Multiply fractions/mixed numbers Using mixed numbers - Activity Divide fractions/mixed numbers Optional Change units in the customary system Adding mixed numbers Quiz Subtracting mixed numbers Review for test Mixed numbers and improper fractions Test Review Quiz Least Common Multiple Comparing and ordering fractions Fractions and decimals Review for quiz Quiz Review for test Test

10 Meets Acceleration Criteria per policy 5123 Formally identified as gifted Had an accelerated math experience in grade 5 Has a recommendation from the elementary IRT based on performance in the accelerated math course. This course is available only to those 6 th grade students who meet the above criteria. Math 7 Honors Enrollment Criteria for grade 5 students

FAQs Is it possible for a student in Math 6 to take Algebra in 8 th grade? YES! Based on standardized assessments and grade 7 math course work. Please remember, a solid math background is more beneficial than placement in an accelerated program. 11

FAQs If the student is doing very well in Math 6 can he/she be moved to Math 6 Honors? –Yes, but the first step is classroom differentiation that includes enrichment and extension. If this is not meeting the instructional needs of the child, then a move to Math 6 Honors may be considered. –Student performance is monitored by the classroom teacher during the first nine weeks of school to ensure that the math placement is appropriate for the child. 12

FAQs If a student is struggling in Math 6 Honors can he/she be moved to Math 6? –Yes. –Student performance is monitored by the classroom teacher during the first nine weeks of school to ensure that the math placement is appropriate for the child. 13

What is available for struggling math students? ACE Support classes are available in grades 6-8 – every other day –Every nine weeks, teachers make recommendations regarding students who could benefit from the additional math support class 14

15 Things to consider Students who enroll in Math 6 do have the opportunity to enroll in Algebra in grade 8 Most students will take Algebra, Geometry and Algebra II in high school. Geometry and Algebra II have honor’s sections available. Other math experiences your child could choose upon completing Algebra II or Honors Algebra II: –Functions and Trigonometry –Statistics or AP Statistics –Precalculus or Precalculus Honors –AP Calculus - AB or BC –Youth Options - if all math courses have been exhausted

Most colleges require 4 years of math as part of their entrance requirements The ACT contains questions relating to statistics and trigonometry, so these courses are beneficial for students Statistics is the mathematics that we use most often in daily life. 16

Additional Considerations The study of mathematics is very abstract. Students develop these abstract thinking skills at different rates. A student who struggles in mathematics may find his/her abstract thinking develops during middle school and may wish to “double up” math courses during high school. 17

18 What math courses will my student be able to take in high school?

19 Grade 8-12 Math Course Progressions High school students may choose to take two math courses in one year. In the block schedule one course can be taken in semester 1 and the second in semester 2. Grade 8 Math Class Freshman Math Course (1 credit required) Next course in sequence (1 credit required) Additional Mathematics Opportunities Math 8 OR Pre-Algebra Algebra OR Algebra A & Algebra B Geometry OR Honors Geometry Algebra II OR Honors Algebra II THEN Functions & Trigonometry Statistics Precalculus* Precalulus Honors * Statistics AP* AB Calculus AP * BC Calculus AP* Algebra Geometry OR Honors Geometry Algebra II OR Honors Algebra II Functions & Trigonometry Statistics Precalculus* Precalculus Honors * Statistics AP* AB Calculus AP * BC Calculus AP* Honors GeometryAlgebra II OR Honors Algebra II Functions & Trig Statistics Precalculus* Precalculus Honors* Statistics AP * AB Calculus AP * BC Calculus AP* * Course has a prerequisite in addition to Algebra II

20 Additional Considerations Honors Chemistry has a co-requisite of Algebra II. If a student wishes to take Honors Chemistry during his/her sophomore year, he/she should take Algebra prior to grade 9 or could take Algebra and Geometry concurrently in grade 9.

21 Some Additional Perspective Regardless of the starting point in middle school, all students have the opportunity to take an Advanced Placement math offering during high school. Coursework should be challenging but not overwhelming Many college degrees require a course in statistics or calculus

22 Final thoughts There are multiple opportunities in middle and high school for students to advance their mathematics course work. We encourage you to follow the recommended course placement as your child transitions to middle school.

23 For more information contact: -Curt Mould, Director of Secondary Instruction -Elementary IRT -Middle school counselor -5 th grade Math teacher

24 Q & A Thanks for coming. Our staff is eager to work with you and your child!