1. Accelerated Math Courses
Brighten Academy 2016

2. Increased Course Offerings at BACS
As part of our growth plan, Brighten Academy has created a plan to accelerate qualified students through middle school math standards
These students will have the opportunity to earn high school credits before ninth grade
BACS offers acceleration for credits in Foreign Language and Math
Douglas County School System supports our acceleration plan as participation in Georgia’s Move on When Ready (MOWR) initiative

3. Advanced vs. Accelerated
Advanced Math provides students with a challenging curriculum, rigorous study, and required projects through the Georgia Common Core standards
Students have opportunities for independent study
Accelerated Math compacts some units, to push students through 1.5 years of GA Common Core Standards during one school year
Students complete projects and independent study to increase rigor and depth of knowledge
Allows opportunities to accumulate high school credits prior to 9th grade
Positions students for a higher level math through high school; opportunities to expand to optional courses

4. Course Placement
All students are placed into middle school math courses by use of a rubric; students must maintain these qualifying criteria to stay in the accelerated track
Spring MAP data
Mastery of the current year’s math standards / grades; Mastery in all Habits of Scholarship areas
Teacher input
Study habits
HW completion
Pace of learning
GMAS Math Scores
Attendance – an accelerated program requires strong attendance records

5. Summer Packets New this year!
All incoming Accelerated Math students will be required to complete a Summer Packet
Review of skills
Preview of the first unit
Standardized test practice
This packet will be the students’ first HOS grade

6. Student supports Tutoring with their Teacher
Availability varies
Before school, during lunch, Wednesday Power Hour
IXL website – all middle school students were provided logins
Buzz Math – sixty licenses were purchased, logins can be requested
GA Milestone Assessment Guide – available through GADOE.org

7. The traditional Progression
6th Grade Math
7th Grade Math
8th Grade Math

8. Class of 2021 (current 8th Graders) – Accelerated
Take 8th Grade EOG Milestones
6th Grade
6th Grade Math
7th Grade
7th Gr. Math + part of 8th Math
8th Grade
Finish 8th Gr. Math + ½ credit HS Algebra

9. Class of 2022 (current 7th Graders) – Accelerated
Take 8th Grade EOG Milestones
6th Grade
6th Grade Math
7th Grade
7th Gr. Math + part of 8th Math
8th Grade
Finish 8th Gr. Math + ½ credit HS Algebra

10. Class of 2023 (current 6th Graders) – Accelerated
Take the Algebra EOC Test
6th Grade
6th Gr. Math + part of 7th Math
7th Grade
Finish 7th + All of 8th Gr. Math
8th Grade
Full credit in HS Algebra

11. Foreign Language Program Entrance
5th Graders will be screened for eligibility
At least a 2.5 in Reading and Language Arts after the third nine weeks
Scoring Proficient or Distinguished on the 5th Grade GA Milestones ELA/Reading section
Meets or Exceeds in Commitment and Critical Thinking, Habits of Scholarship
Teacher & Parent Recommendations
The two-year course is split into four semesters: one in 6th, one in 7th, and a full year in 8th

12. Earning Foreign Language Credit
Once enrolled in the foreign language program, middle school students must demonstrate the following to remain in the program
Scores of 3 or above by the end of the year in all Spanish semesters
Scores of Meets/Exceeds in Habits of Scholarship: Craftsmanship, Commitment, and Critical Thinking
The final 8th grade scores will be converted for credit in Spanish I
The final grade will count towards high school GPA
Student will be enrolled in Spanish II as a 9th grader

13. Questions?
Presentation continues with specific information for current 8th grade students in Accelerated Math

14. Finishing 8th Grade Math
Students must have tested in all units before December 16
Retest opportunities available with Mrs. Beck, through the end of January
Grades at the end of January will be converted for the final 8th grade math credit
Students will take the 8th Grade GA Milestones test in April

15. Preparing Students for High School Grading
Teacher will utilize a combination of independent / paired work in learning activities, with scheduled quizzes and tests
Grades will be given as raw scores or percentages, to mirror typical high school grading methods
Students can strive for mastery with remediation and retests
All retest attempts due by May 19
Units 1-3: Quantities & Expressions, Linear Equations & Inequalities, and Quadratic Functions
½ Credit in GSE Algebra I, which counts towards high school GPA

16. How can I earn the other ½ Credit in Algebra?
GA Virtual School,
Registration for summer courses begins in March
Create a Student Account to begin registration and view courses
The online course is necessary to complete the second semester of Algebra I
Cost is $250 for the remaining ½ credit; student/family must pay
Must finish the online coursework before July 7 to be eligible for testing
Grades are released from GAVS on July 20; parent will send the report to the high school
GSE Algebra I B is the course your student will need prior to 9th grade

17. Summer Testing Algebra I EOCT is required to earn credit
Testing on July 13-14, scheduled by county calendar
The EOCT score counts as 20% of the final grade, averaged with the two semester scores
The final grade (after the EOCT calculation) is included in the student’s high school transcript, towards GPA

18. Ninth Grade!
Register for Geometry, Analytic Geometry, IB Math, or STEM Math, as determined by the high school
Spring opportunity to enroll in the Accelerated track, dependent on each high school’s offerings
Each high school will determine how to finish Algebra I, if the GAVS credit is not finished
Each high school offers credit recovery, should the student need to retake the course

19. Questions? Thank you for attending! Sue Beck, Math Teacher
Kelly Bemus, Math Teacher
Shawn Brown, Math Teacher
Lisa McDonald, BACS Director