To Pre-Ap or Not a few notes to help students and parents make a decision on math placement for sixth grade

The Big Question Making the decision to begin a Pre-AP track can be difficult for families. We all want what is in the best interest of your child. Sometimes that is an advanced class and sometimes they are better served in a traditional classroom. Information that follows is merely to assist you in making the decision by providing common characteristics of the Pre-Ap student. The decision to start PreAp math is critical at the sixth grade level in that with the accelerated pacing it will be very difficult to join the PreAp math program after sixth grade.

Math vs Pre-AP On track for college bound students Rigorous curriculum 6th Grade TEKS 6th Grade STAAR test On track for advanced math in high school Rigorous curriculum All 6th Grade & ½ 7th Grade TEKS 6th Grade STAAR test Math vs Pre-AP

6th Grade Math Key areas of focus: Rational Numbers (decimals, fractions, & integers) Opposites & Absolute Value All basic operations (add, subtract, multiply & divide, but not negative decimals or fractions) Ordering and comparing Converting between fractions, decimals, & precents. finding percent of a number Order of operations Rates & Ratios

6th Grade Math Key areas of focus (cont.) Algebra Writing expressions and equations Solving one step equations & inequalities Combining like terms Graphing proportional relationships Represent proportional situations using tables Identify dependent and independent quantities Make predictions using proportional reasoning

6th Grade Math Key areas of focus (cont.) Geometry & Measurement Convert units of measurement Relationships of sides and angles within triangles Area of triangles, trapezoids, parallelograms, & rhombus Volume of rectangular prisms Area and Volume as equations Graphing points in four quadrants of the coordinate plane

6th Grade Math Key areas of focus (cont.) Data, Statistics & Personal Finance gather and analyze data from various plots and graphs include box plots, dot plots, and histograms Calculate mean, median, mode, range and interquartile range for a set of data Recognize early aspects of banking and credit reports Compare debit vs credit cards Identify ways to fund college Explore various careers and relate income to living expenses

6th Grade Pre-AP Math 6th Pre-Ap 7th Pre-Ap 8th Algebra 1 – HS credit Accelerated track to meet the needs of a student wanting to earn high school credit in math during their 8th grade year and a fifth year of math in high school. 6th Grade Pre-AP Math 6th Pre-Ap 7th Pre-Ap 8th Algebra 1 – HS credit 9th Geometry 10th Algebra II 11th Pre-Cal 12th Calculus

6th Grade Pre-Ap Math Key areas of focus from 7th Grade: Numerical Representations Describe subsets within sets of rational numbers (intro to irrational numbers) Algebra Add, subtract, multiply and divide rational numbers (including negative fractions & decimals) Represent constant rates of change as given pictures, tables, numeric, graphic, verbal, and algebraic representations. Calculate unit rates Determine the constant of proportionality Write, solve, and graph two step equations and inequalities

6th Grade Pre-Ap Math Key areas of focus from 7th Grade: Geometry and Measurement Convert between standard and metric units of measurement Determine the circumference and area of circle Calculate the area of composite figures Data and Personal Finance Compare two groups of data using dot plots & box plots by comparing shape, center, and spreads. Use data from a sample to make inferences about a population

6th Grade Pre-Ap Math Fluency with computation is crucial. Adding & Subtracting Whole Numbers (1-20) Subtracting with regrouping (large numbers) Multiplying & Dividing Whole Numbers (through 12’s) If your student is not fluent with computation, they may struggle with completing classwork, quizzes, tests, and homework.

6th Grade Pre-Ap Math Pacing is quicker 6th Math Pre-AP Math 31 Integers 1 Opposites 2 Ordering Integers 3 Absolute value 4 Quiz 7 Rational Numbers 8 Opposites & Absolute Value of Rationals 9 Comparing and Ordering Rationals 10 11 Pacing is quicker Here is a quick example… 6th Math 31 Rational Numbers & Irrational Numbers 1 Opposite and Absolute Value 2 Comparing and Ordering Rationals 3 4 Quiz Pre-AP Math

The Pre-Ap Student A common misconception is that if your student has all A’s and scores “advanced” on STAAR, they are ready for PreAP. Some “A” students are not typical Pre-AP students and some “B” students are. Its more about the student than their grade. It is not uncommon for a typical straight A student to score a B or even a C on assignments in Pre-Ap especially early in the year as they adjust to the pacing and rigor of a Pre-Ap course

The Pre-Ap Student Common Characteristics Problem solver in everyday situations Primarily an independent learner Has developed strong learning/study habits Shows perseverance when challenged Displays emotional maturity when frustrated Demonstrates reasoning skills pertaining to mathematical concepts in everyday life Shows confidence in their own math abilities Strong/mastered fast facts skills Strongly values learning Loves to learn!!

???Questions??? Please contact one of the following people for more information and advice. Your child’s current (5th grade math) teacher Mrs. Lisa Griffin – CMS Counselor lgriffin@cisdtx.net Mrs. Bronwyn Werts – CMS Principal bwerts@cisdtx.net Mrs. Carrie Whittington – CMS 6th Grade Math Teacher cwhittington@cisdtx.net Callisburg Middle School (940)665-0961