2. Iowa Tests of Algebra Readiness During May/June, at feeder elementary schools all 5 th grade students are given the Iowa tests to determine which students are ready for higher mathematics. This test is composed of four sections which include: 1) Pre-Algebraic Number Skills and Concepts 2) Interpreting Mathematical Information 3) Representing Relationships 4) Using Symbols

3. HOW DO WE PLACE STUDENTS INTO 6 TH GRADE MATH CLASSES Traditional Math 6: Students who scored less than 500 on the 5 th grade SOL. Covers 6 th grade objectives Extended Math 6 : Students who scored more than 500 on the 5 th grade SOL and received an A or B in math 5. Covers 6 th grade objectives and half of 7 th grade Pre-Algebra: Students who scored 50 or higher on the Iowa Tests of Algebra Readiness. Covers 6 th, 7 th, and 8 th grade objectives

4. 7th grade Math Selections Students who took traditional mathematics as 6 th graders and score below 500 on the 6 th grade SOL are placed in Traditional 7 th grade mathematics. Traditional 7 th covers the 7 th grade objectives Students who have successfully completed extended 6 th grade mathematics and score 500 or above on their SOL are placed in 7 th Grade Extended math. Extended 7 covers the second half of the 7 th grade objectives and all of 8th The selected students who are in the Pre-Algebra class in 6 th grade will take Pre-AP Algebra I in the seventh grade.

5. 8 th Grade Math Placements Students in traditional 7 th grade math will take Pre- Algebra. Students who have successfully completed 7 th grade extended will be placed in Pre-AP Algebra I This is a High School Credit class and they will take the Algebra I End of Course SOL in May to earn a verified credit The students taking Pre-AP Algebra I in 7 th grade will be placed in Pre-AP Geometry after successfully completing and passing the Algebra End of Course SOL. This is a High School credit class and students will take the Geometry End of Course SOL in May to earn a verified credit

6. Strategic Plan FY 2011-15 1.2.8 Each year, the percent of 6 th grade students enrolled in 6 th grade extended mathematics or higher will increase. This year we have 40% of 6 th graders in higher level math 146/385 1.2.9 By 2015, 40% of 8 th grade students will have taken Algebra I and received a verified credit by the end of their 8 th grade year. Last year 52% of 8 th graders were in Algebra I or higher and received credit. All students passed the EOC test. 1.2.11 Each year, the percent of 8 th grade students who have passed the 8 th grade math SOL will increase over the prior year. Last year 83% passed.

7. Classroom Strategies Teachers will pull small groups of students to work with while others are working on independent practice Co-Teachers will pull small groups to work on specific topics Building Vocabulary (QQT, Taboo, Pyramid, Sorts, Summarize) Pair/Share activities Compare and contrast strategies Cooperative Groups Matching/Sort Activities Step-By-Step Modeling (concrete and algebraic) Purposeful Games and Activities (Millionaire, math basketball, Jeopardy, Dominoes, etc.) Internet help (Kahn Academy, Math Playground, Math Play, etc.)